Apricots are generally a very healthy item, loaded with essential nutrients such as folic acid, calcium, iodine, iron, and protein. Normally they would be your go to fruit, but things change during pregnancy. When you are pregnant, there are usually a lot of restrictions on the foods that you would normally eat without a thought, and you begin to worry whether you should be eating apricots as well. In this article, we will see if it is alright to eat apricots during those nine months, and if yes, how much we should eat.
Yes, in moderation
To put your mind at rest, there are no real health hazards with eating apricots, and you can safely consume them each day as long you keep the quantity in check and wash them carefully before eating. Too much of nothing is good, and you are also not allowed to eat anything that has not been washed or cooked, so that is something you have to get used to during those nine months. A couple of kernels can be safely consumed on a daily basis.
Folic acid
Apricots have a lot of health benefits for the pregnant woman, but the biggest is probably the fact that they contain folic acid. Folic acid is one of the most important nutrients for a pregnant woman. It helps in the healthy development of the baby, ensuring that there will be reduced risk of developmental defects such as spina bifida and other neural tube defects.
Prevents anemia
Apricots also have a very high content of cobalt, iron, and copper, and all of these minerals are great in preventing the pregnant woman from becoming anemic. Anemia is a pretty common condition affecting a large number of women during their pregnancy, and this can lead to dire consequences for both the mother and the baby. You need to eat apricots both to prevent this condition, and also to keep up your circulation and red blood cell count if you already have a history of anemia. Apart from keeping the mother robust, apricots will also help to ensure that the baby’s blood circulation system is developed smoothly.
Associated risks
Despite all its benefits, however, it is important to note that apricots may also have some adverse side effects for the pregnant woman. For instance, if you eat too much of them, it may result in problems in the digestive system. Since pregnancy itself comes with its ample share of gastric troubles, do not add to it by overindulging in apricots. This is also true of unripe apricots; steer clear of them since they are known to cause bloating, cramping, and diarrhea.
Also read: Can I eat Papaya during pregnancy?
There is really nothing to stop you from eating a couple of apricots each day during your pregnancy, and it is in fact recommended. However, do keep in mind that they must be properly washed before you eat them; also, try to get them as fresh as you can from the market. Store bought and packed items are not that good since they contain preservatives, and also avoid apricots completely if you are allergic to sulfites.