Should you eat apples during pregnancy? Benefits and harms for mother and baby
Apples are a favorite food among expectant mothers. These fruits can be eaten in any form (fresh, soaked, baked) without the risk of gaining extra pounds. Green varieties are considered the healthiest due to their minimal sugar content and ample iron. Green apples are hypoallergenic, and their tart flavor is excellent for relieving nausea caused by morning sickness.
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Benefit
Benefits of apples during pregnancy is as follows:
- removal of waste and toxins from the body due to the content of pectin;
- improving intestinal peristalsis;
- stimulation of the secretion of gastric juices;
- strengthening the cardiovascular system;
- increasing the elasticity of blood vessel walls;
- reducing the risk of developing varicose veins and blood clots;
- regulation of the gastrointestinal tract;
- normalization of the general condition of the body;
- strengthening the immune system;
- regulation of hematopoiesis processes;
- preventing the development of anemia;
- burning excess fat, preventing the accumulation of extra pounds;
- improvement of lipid metabolism;
- elimination of nervous tension;
- normalization of endocrine system functions;
- stimulation of muscle mass gain.
Tannins, flavonoids, anthocyanins and phytonutrients present in apples are involved in the synthesis of hormones and enzymes.
Is there any harm?
Despite numerous useful properties Consuming apples in unlimited quantities can lead to various health problems. The recommended dosage is 3–4 small apples. Pregnant women are especially advised to familiarize themselves with the contraindications for these fruits, as well as the rules for their consumption.
Apples are contraindicated for women in labor:
- suffering from gastritis or gastric ulcer;
- prone to allergic reactions;
- suffering from diabetes.
The simultaneous consumption of apples with fermented milk drinks, water and bakery products causes severe gas formation.
Is there a difference in apple consumption by trimester?
Including apples in your diet is recommended throughout pregnancy. However, each trimester has its own specific recommendations.
- In early pregnancy, apples are permitted only if the mother has no allergies or other contraindications. During this period, fruit can be consumed in any form: fresh, baked, soaked, and even in jams, preserves, and compotes. The optimal dose is no more than 700 g per day.
- During the second trimester, eating apples can help prevent iron deficiency anemia and vitamin deficiency. Due to their low calorie content, including them in the diet will not affect a pregnant woman's weight.
- In the third trimester, eating apples can help relieve heartburn and swelling. This is due to their ability to remove excess fluid without causing harm to the body. Furthermore, apples significantly reduce the severity of morning sickness symptoms.
Apple fasting day during pregnancy
At high risk of recruitment excess weightIf test results are abnormal, or for preventative purposes, doctors prescribe fasting days for pregnant women. Popular recommendations during pregnancy include daily mini-diets based on apples, apples and cottage cheese, and apples and kefir.
Indications:
- obesity, which increases the risk of developing diabetes;
- gestosis is a common cause of hypertension and edema;
- edema (obvious/hidden).
Fasting days during pregnancy are not allowed in the following cases:
- underweight;
- the presence of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and cardiovascular system;
- the presence of chronic pathologies in which a reduction in daily calorie intake is unacceptable, for example, diabetes.
A pregnant woman can follow a daily mini-diet no more than once a week and only on the recommendation of a doctor.
Why do I want apples?
During pregnancy, a woman's body undergoes hormonal changes. This causes changes in taste preferences and a craving for certain foods. The desire to eat an apple is usually driven by several factors:
- deficiency in the body of vitamins and microelements contained in these fruits;
- the presence of sourness, products with which almost all expectant mothers prefer.
Why do apples make me sick?
Typically, the cause of nausea depends on the individual characteristics of a woman's body. The most common causes are:
- stomach problems;
- presence of E. coli;
- pathologies of the gallbladder and liver;
- overeating.
In this case, you need to see a doctor to determine the exact cause.
In case of increased stomach acidity, it is recommended to consume apples without the peel.
List of healthy fruits for pregnant women
Fruits and vegetables are essential components of a pregnant woman's diet. In addition to apples, the following fruits should be included in your menu during this period:
Pears:
- strengthening the immune system;
- elimination of depression;
- providing a laxative effect;
- stimulation of cell regeneration;
Plums:
- improved appetite;
- diuretic effect;
- elimination of constipation;
- normalization of blood pressure;
- regulation of water-salt balance in the body;
Bananas:
- relief from depression;
- establishing a sleep pattern;
- strengthening the cardiovascular system;
- normalization of blood pressure;
- maintaining healthy skin.
Also recommended during pregnancy are pomelo, persimmon, pomegranate, raspberries, melons, and peaches. Before including these fruits in your diet, it's important to familiarize yourself with their contraindications and consumption guidelines.
Thanks to their high content of vitamins and beneficial microelements, apples have a beneficial effect on the body of a pregnant woman and her baby. However, when consuming them, it is important to remember that hypervitaminosis is just as dangerous as vitamin deficiency.
