During pregnancy, apples give the would-be mother a natural energy boost. Apples’ blend of simple sugars raise the blood sugar and increase energy.
They also help prevent heartburn, a common pregnancy complication. They are also full of dietary fiber, which aids digestion and bowel movements. They also have rich iron content which helps avoid anaemia.
Prevents Heartburn
While there is an ever-growing list of foods that pregnant women should avoid, apples are not one of them. Apples and apple juice are safe to eat during pregnancy, and they contain the vitamin C that is essential for building immunity in both mother and child.
Apples also have antioxidants, which help keep respiratory problems at bay. They are an excellent source of folate, which helps prevent birth abnormalities in the baby. It is important to get enough folic acid before, during, and after pregnancy to ensure a healthy baby.
Eating a medium apple daily can provide you with the recommended amount of fibre to aid digestion and regularity. Apples are low in calories and can help reduce heartburn due to the hormonal changes of pregnancy. They are also a good source of potassium, which is beneficial for the developing baby’s heart. Additionally, the soluble fibre in apples slows down the blood sugar levels and keeps them stable, which can also reduce gestational diabetes. Apples are also known to help prevent excessive bile secretion, which can cause stomach discomfort in some pregnant women.
Reduces Asthma
Eating apples while pregnant can be beneficial for the mother and her unborn baby. They are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants which help reduce the damage caused by free radicals and also contain B-complex vitamins which keep the red blood cells healthy. They are rich in calcium, a vital nutrient for the mother-to-be and also promote bone development in the baby. They also prevent constipation and improve the digestion process.
Research shows that mothers who regularly consume apple during pregnancy are less likely to have asthma and wheezing in their children at the age of five. The reason is that the lungs of the fetus are strengthened by the anti-oxidants in the fruit which makes breathing easy.
Green apples, which are also known as Sitaphal or custard apples can be eaten during pregnancy, however they have a slightly sour taste and are high in calories so should be consumed in moderation. One must also avoid apple pie and apple butter during pregnancy as these are typically laden with sugar, which is not recommended for expectant mothers.
Aids in Weight Loss
Eating apples regularly during pregnancy is a great source of natural energy. They are high in carbohydrates but low in calories, making them a good choice for pregnant women who want to avoid weight gain. However, it is important to consume apple only in moderation because over-consumption can trigger acidity.
The vitamins and minerals in apples are vital for expectant mothers, especially in the first trimester. They are a rich source of calcium, which is essential for the development of healthy bones in the baby. They also provide a good amount of fiber, which helps with digestion and reduces constipation.
As the old saying goes, “an apple a day keeps the doctor away”. This is especially true during pregnancy, when apples can help strengthen the mother’s immunity and increase the health of the fetus inside (which means more kicking!). However, you should avoid eating the seeds of the apple because they contain cyanide. It would take a lot of seeds to reach dangerous levels, but you should always wash the fruit thoroughly before eating.
Aids in Bone Development
As a rich source of calcium, apples are also essential for the proper development of your baby’s bones. Eating a few apples every day is a good way to ensure that your body has enough calcium to keep both of you healthy during pregnancy.
Apples are rich in iron which helps to prevent anemia in pregnant women. Anemia is a condition that increases the risk of premature labor and low birth weight in babies. Pregnant women are at higher risk of developing iron deficiency anemia due to their increased blood volume. Including apples in your diet can help to fight anemia by boosting the production of haemoglobin.
Another great benefit of eating apples during pregnancy is that they can help to prevent respiratory problems in babies. This is because apples are rich in antioxidants which strengthen the lungs of mothers-to-be. However, you should avoid eating apple seeds as they contain cyanide, which is poisonous. You should also be careful about drinking apple juice as it may contain too much sugar. You should try to eat whole apples or drink pasteurized apple juice.
Avoids Anemia
Eating apples during pregnancy may offer new meaning to the old adage “an apple a day keeps the doctor away.” Apples are rich in vitamins A, C, and K. These nutrients help boost a pregnant woman’s immunity and reduce the risk of developing breathing problems like wheezing and asthma.
Apples are also a good source of iron which helps reduce anemia, a common condition during pregnancy. Eating apples on a regular basis also helps the body absorb iron better. The fibre in apples also helps prevent blood sugar spikes, and is essential for a healthy pregnancy.
Avoid consuming raw apples and instead, eat cooked or canned apples (without the peel). Drinking apple juice is a good idea but make sure it’s pasteurized because unpasteurized juices can contain harmful bacteria. A cup of fresh, undiluted apple juice contains about 65 calories. You can also mix it with other fruits and vegetables to add variety to your diet. In addition to the dietary fibre in apple, it’s high levels of potassium and magnesium nutrients help regulate blood pressure during pregnancy.
