Plums are very nutritious and bring a lot of health benefits for our health. There are more than a hundred varieties of plums found across the globe. Many people asked if it is safe to consume plums during pregnancy.
The truth is, it is safe to consume plums during pregnancy. It even brings a lot of good impacts for the pregnancy too. However, keep in mind that nutritious does not mean that you can consume it in high amount.
Many resources said that consuming plums in high amount can lead to kidney stones as plums contain oxalate. Oxalate is the source of kidney stones. So, still, you need to be moderate and know the limit.
How nutritious are plums? Fresh plums are considered as one of the fruits which have high nutritional value. You can get carbohydrates, protein, fat, fiber, folate, and some vitamins, such as vitamin A, C, E, K, along calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc and many more.
So, with those nutrients, let’s examine each of the health benefits plums can do during pregnancy.
- Help Fight Anemia
During pregnancy, a mother can experience anemia, especially the iron-deficiency anemia. If it is not treated in time, it may lead to premature birth or low birth weight in baby.
Hence, it can be prevented since the beginning. To prevent this condition, a pregnant woman can consume iron-rich foods; one of which is plum. Plums are rich in iron, which is important for making red blood cells.
Include plums in your diet and stay away from anemia. Anemia can also be prevented by consuming some types of food, such as mentioned in benefits of turkey berry and benefits of guava for anemia.
- Boost your Immune System
Immune system should always be maintained in every condition, including pregnancy. If you have a slight sniffle or a heavy cough during pregnancy, then grab some plums.
Plums are rich in vitamin C that will help you to keep such illnesses at bay. Immune system can also be boosted by consuming some fruits, such as citrus fruits. Read more about it in health benefits of citrus fruit for immune system.
- Help Relieve Constipation
Constipation is another issue experienced by pregnant women. It is all due to hormonal changes, less physical activity or iron supplementation.
However, don’t worry as you can treat it just by drinking prune or dried plum juice. It is able to fight off constipation as it is rich in dietary fiber content. Â
- Control Weight
Gaining weight during pregnancy can be a worrisome situation when it happens too fast. Women feel hungry every so often while they’re pregnant.
At such times, snacking on prunes or fresh plums can fill your stomach as well as adding nutritional benefits.
Despite the fact that plums are sweet, they are not heavy in calories. Therefore, they can be a good-to-go option to satiate those sweet cravings.
- Help with Stress and Fatigue
Stress and fatigue are some other common issues during pregnancy. However, you can lower the effects of these two issues by consuming plums. Thank you to all the vitamins, minerals and antioxidants which work together to support various body processes and increase energy levels.
- Good for the Brain
Plums are rich in antioxidants, therefore, it can prevent your brain cells from oxidative degeneration. It does that by protecting the lipid content. Plums can help with the pregnancy brain as well as adding to a healthy brain for the fetus.
- Mitigate the risk of Premature Delivery
Lack of vitamin C in pregnancy can lead to increase the chances of premature rupture of membranes.
Plums are rich in magnesium, which can help to relax the muscles. Eating plums during pregnancy can help to relax the cervical muscles to relax.
- Support Bones
The fetus need a lot of calcium to grow all the bones. Calcium tablets are prescribed right from the start of the pregnancy and even feeding mothers are also advised to take them.
This is done because during pregnancy, the calcium levels can drop in the body. As a result, bone health issues might appear in the future.
Eating plums during pregnancy can be a good source of calcium, vitamin K and D. Vitamin A is also a major constituent of a plum which helps to boost bone growth and development. All these elements play an important role in the development of the skeletal system of the fetus.
Pregnancy is a vital stage so it is very important to manage what you eat and what you do. If you need some tips on pregnancy, consider reading these health benefits of aerobic during pregnancy and health benefits of dark chocolate for your pregnancy.