Dates Benefits in Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a time of various cravings and food indulgences. As an expectant mommy, you want to be sure that what you eat is indeed healthy for you and the baby. Once you are pregnant, almost everyone starts advising you on what to eat and what to avoid. One such food item that has a lot of confusion surrounding it is – dates. Dates are rich sources of proteins, fiber, protein, folate, potassium, magnesium, calcium and many vitamins, while being very low in fat. They contain a combination of soluble and insoluble fiber and thus are helpful in maintaining your digestive system. Dates have a good amount of natural sugars. They are rich in potassium and low in sodium, and thus help regulate the nervous system.

Here are some of the most important benefits of eating dates: During pregnancy your body needs a lot of energy and sugar is the fastest energy provider. Protein consists of amino acid, which are the building blocks of your body. Even as your body stretches and grows to accommodate the baby, so does the fetus. To support this growth, your body needs an adequate amount of proteins. It helps in maintaining a healthy digestive system and helps in dealing with pregnancy related constipation. Folate or folic acid aids in the formation of new cells and prevents a form of anemia. Vitamin K plays a key role in blood clotting and keeping the bones strong. Iron plays an important role in a number of metabolic processes. Potassium is one of the most important electrolytes in the body. Magnesium helps in the active transport of calcium and potassium ions across the cell membranes which help in muscle contraction and normal heart rhythm.

A study from Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 2011 suggests that dates can help in easy delivery since it causes cervical dilation and also reduces the duration of labor. Do check on this with your doctor if you are ready for a natural birth.

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