Let’s know about Figs during pregnancy. Pregnancy is the most special time for you as a woman and you need to take utmost care of your health to give birth to your baby in this world. At such times, it is very important that you eat only healthy foods to provide adequate nutrition to your baby. You have to make sure that you consume enough vitamins and minerals to improve your body as well as the immunity system of the foetus.
Is it safe to eat figs during pregnancy
Figs are considered one of the healthiest fruits, rich in nutrients and highly recommended for pregnant women. Also, it helps you deal with morning sickness in the early stages of the first trimester of your pregnancy. It also fulfills the nutritional requirement of your body during pregnancy.
nutritional value of figs
In the detailed list given below, you have been told about the nutrients you get from figs according to 50 grams, which you can see.
- Calories – 37
- Dietary Fiber – 1.45 grams
- Vitamin B6 – 0.06 mg
- Potassium – 116 mg
- Manganese – 0.06 mg
- Copper – 0.03 mg
- Pantothenic – 0.15 mg
- GI – medium
- Protein – 0.38 grams
- Carbohydrate – 9.59 grams
- Fat – 0.15 grams
- Total Sugar – 1.13 grams
How many figs can you eat per day during pregnancy
Consuming figs during pregnancy is beneficial but it should be consumed in a limited quantity. Excess consumption can lead to high blood sugar levels. The doctor will advise you to take figs only as a fruit and not as a medicine. You can include it in your diet 5 times a day as a snack at different times, in the late afternoon, during coffee breaks, in salads or by using its puree in recipes.
benefits of figs during pregnancy
There are many components present in figs that help in maintaining good health of a pregnant woman as well as in providing proper nutrition to her baby. Some of the benefits of figs in pregnancy are described below:
1. Provides Calcium
Calcium is an essential element in the development of bones and teeth of the mother as well as the foetus. It also helps in strengthening the bones of the mother-to-be during and after pregnancy, thus keeping you fit and strong to resume your daily activities.
2. Excellent source of omega 3 and folate
Consumption of figs contributes appreciably to the development of the brain of the foetus. Figs are rich in omega 3 and folate, which are important for brain development.
3. Healthy Diet
During pregnancy, many mothers-to-be usually have an increased desire to eat more food. Apart from this, figs are very beneficial in treating other serious health problems like gestational diabetes or obesity etc. It controls your desire to eat more.
4. Prevention of anemia
Iron deficiency can lead to decreased oxygen supply to the fetus. Figs provide sufficient amount of iron to the body, which reduces the risk of diseases like fatigue and anemia.
5. Increases digestive power
Figs are rich in fiber, which helps to clear your stomach and prevent constipation. In addition, the probiotics present in figs nourish the good bacteria in your gut and improve digestion.
6. Provides healthy and beautiful skin
Figs contain a chemical called psoralen, which is believed to be useful in treating skin pigmentation problems and even melasma.
7. Gets rid of morning sickness
Vitamin B6 present in figs is known to be very beneficial for treating morning sickness.
8. Helps Regulate Blood Sugar Levels
Figs help in keeping your heart healthy. The combination of low sodium content and high potassium content in it helps in lowering blood sugar levels. In addition, it contains high amounts of polyphenol antioxidants that also help prevent atherosclerosis.
9. Controls blood pressure and cholesterol levels,
Many women suffer from high blood pressure during their pregnancy. Figs contain healthy components like omega 3, omega 6 fatty acids and phytosterols which help in lowering cholesterol levels. Apart from this, the element pectin present in figs helps in reducing the cholesterol level in the body.
10. Improves Iron Absorption Process
Figs are rich in vitamin C, which is known to aid in the absorption of iron in the body. It also helps in reducing the risk of anemia in mothers.
11. Natural source of sugar
Figs are sweet in taste and a healthy way to meet the glucose requirement in a pregnant woman.
Side Effects of Consuming Figs During Pregnancy
Figs are very beneficial as seen above and its consumption is mandatory for the mother-to-be. Although, it is good for health, it is advised to consume it only when it is consumed in a proportionate quantity. Some of the common side effects of dry figs during pregnancy are listed below:
- Figs prove beneficial for treating skin pigmentation that occurs during pregnancy. But in some cases, if psoralen enters the body in excess, it can cause a serious skin problem called photodermatitis.
- Figs in moderation help in controlling blood pressure but consuming too much has the opposite effect. This can cause lowering of the blood sugar level.
- Allergic reactions are very unpredictable and can appear at any time. Even if the mother does not have a history of allergies in the past, hormonal changes during pregnancy can trigger an allergic reaction to fig consumption.
how to eat figs during pregnancy
1. Fresh Figs
Eating fresh figs is the best option. Fresh figs can also be added to fruit salads with some fresh cream.
2. Dried figs
It is easy to keep dried figs with you. You can keep dried figs in your bag along with other dry fruits.
3. Milkshake
Blend 4-5 fresh figs in a blender with 2 cups of milk and 3-4 teaspoons or as required of sugar. Add a small amount of vanilla extract and blend all the ingredients together. Consuming fig milkshake is the best way to meet your daily milk requirement.
4. Fig Smoothie
Blend half a banana and 4-5 figs in a blender along with one cup of curd, 1 tablespoon of honey and a pinch of salt. Blend them all together and add milk if you want to keep it thin. This is a power packed recipe which can be included in your breakfast.
Figs are not only delicious to eat, but also help combat some of the ill effects of pregnancy. However, keep in mind that consuming too much of anything can be injurious to health and figs are no different.
