Table of Contents
Hey Moms-to-be!
What are you snacking on this evening? Maybe a glass full of dates smoothie or fruit salad dressed with dates…?
Did you hear “Dates”?
Now you will wonder, “Can I consume dates during pregnancy?”
Can You Eat Dates During Pregnancy?
Oh yes! Of course! Since eating balanced and nutritious is your goal while expecting, a handful of fresh or dried dates is an ideal choice for a pregnant woman.
Being an excellent snacker and an energy booster, several other nutritious benefits are attached to them.
Find out what are the benefits of consuming dates during pregnancy:
A Powerhouse of Nutrition
Indeed! Dates are highly nutritious and packed with dietary fibre, potassium, folate, iron, vitamins, etc.
Loaded With Fibre
Since you must keep your stomach full during pregnancy, constipation is something that you cannot deny. Therefore, as a good and rich source of fibre, consuming dates during pregnancy can keep your pregnancy-related constipation at bay and your digestive system healthy.
A Rich Source of Folate
Intake of folate-rich foods and folate supplements prevents brain and spinal cord birth defects in babies. Doctors recommend at least 600 mcg of folate every day with other pregnancy foods. Dates are the intake of folates in the optimum amounts in pregnancy.
Contains Vitamin K
Vitamin K helps in blood clotting, and developing the bone structure of the baby developing inside you. Vitamin K deficiency may be harmful to you and the little one inside you. Having dates while expecting can fill your Vitamin K needs.
Potassium in the Right Balance
Potassium is an essential nutritional source while you’re expecting it. It helps to maintain the fluid balance and electrolytes in your body. It further supports sending signals to your nerves and prevents muscle contraction or cramps. Dates can satisfy potassium requirements during pregnancy.
Get Magnesium From Dates
You’d need magnesium from 350 to 400 mcg from your food during pregnancy. Consuming magnesium lowers the chances of preeclampsia, low birth weight, and foetal growth restriction. Additionally, it helps you sleep better, prevents muscle cramps, and supports bone structure and health. Along with this, the risk of chronic hypertension, preeclampsia, premature labour, and placental problems is also reduced.
Fulfills the Iron Requirements
Getting iron-rich food, and iron supplements is extremely necessary during pregnancy to prevent anaemia and support the immune system properly. With the consumption of dates, get iron in the optimum amount.
Naturally Sweet
Remember to snack on a couple of dates whenever you are hungry as this fruit is a good source of natural sugar and offers much-needed calories without drastically affecting your weight.
An Energy Booster
Since pregnancy takes a toll on your body and mind, feeling tired is a common symptom. Dates can offer immense energy both to you and the baby inside you. How? Dates have fructose in them. Fructose keeps you energised.
Besides these, proteins are absorbed into your body. Proteins help in producing amino acids for your body’s growth. Moreover, the Middle Eastern native plant has therapeutic effects on your body with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-tumour properties.
So, make yourself some dates and coconut balls, a yummy date parfait, or a sumptuous date wrap with chicken in it.
Is Eating Dates Safe During Pregnancy?
Overall, dates are healthy and you can eat them safely during all stages of pregnancy. But, it is always better to eat dates in moderation if you have blood sugar or group B strep in the early stages of your pregnancy, first trimester and second. In the third trimester, however, dates can make labour easier.