The famous adage, ‘an apple a day, keeps the doctor away’ was said for a reason! The power packed apple fruit in pregnancy or even when not pregnant, offers a range of health benefits, that makes it hard to ignore. Apples are not just a pregnant fruit, but also a fruit that is enriched with goodness of nutrients. Still not convinced why you should them when pregnant? Here is an article that will explain and make you understand why you sure need to take at least one apple every day. Watch out on your quantity though!
Nutritional Value of Apple:
A single 100 gram serving of apple contains a total of 52 calories with about 85.5g of water, 13 grams of carbs and 10 grams of sugar. It contains 2.5 grams of fibre along with vitamins like thiamin (0.017grams), riboflavin (0.026grams), niacin (0.090 grams) and other vitamins of A, E and K. It is rich in electrolytes like potassium that constitutes to 107mg and sodium roughly about 1mg.
It is rich in minerals like iron (0.12mg), calcium (6mg), magnesium of 5mg and zinc.
See More: Pineapple for Pregnant Women
Is it Safe to Eat Apple During Pregnancy?
Apples are totally safe to eat during pregnancy. Since they are rich in antioxidants, phytonutrients and flavonoids, they are hard to not be included in your diet. Also, their dietary fibre makes it easy for your bowel movement. However, we do not recommend eating the seeds of the fruit as it contains cyanide. Cyanide is harmful for the body. We also advise you to wash the fruit thoroughly before consumption.
Benefits of Apple During Pregnancy:
Eating apples when you are pregnant will help in the following ways.
1. Enhances Immunity:
Apples have the potential to improve the immunity of the body against any diseases or infection. The high content of vitamin C in apple help build the body a strong resistance against fever, infections and other diseases.
2. Energizes The Body:
Apples can help give a surge of energy boost. It contains fructose, glucose and sucrose. All of these can provide the needed dose of energy on an otherwise tiring day.
3. Prevent Anemia:
The other biggest reason why apple is a hit is because it can prevent anemia. Their natural content of iron gives the haemoglobin level a rise thus preventing anemia. Anaemia is a common thing to experience when pregnant.
4. Source of Vitamin C:
Apples are rich in vitamin C. Vitamin C is essential to enhance the immunity of the body. Pregnant mothers are usually at the risk of contracting infections and fever quickly. Apples can prevent that from happening when taken regularly.
5. Helps in Digestion:
Since apple is a fibre rich food, it can ease the digestion process. This means, you don’t have to worry about the bowel problems too.
6. Prevents Cancer:
The phytonutrients that are present in apples help prevent apples. When taken regularly, apples tend to reduce the risk of a lung or breast cancer.
Side Effects of Apple for Pregnant Women:
Like they say, over consumption is sometimes poisonous. Here is what will happen if you exceed your apple intake.
1. Weight Watch:
Over consumption of apple can affect your weight. Since apples are rich in calories, over eating them can lead to an increase in your body weight.
2. Metabolism Rate:
Sugar levels tend to get affected because of the carbs that apple adds to the body. This will slow down the rate of metabolism and will thereby inhibit fat burning from the body.
Ways to Include Apples in Pregnancy:
There are several ways to leverage the benefits of apple.
1. Apple Juice:
The most common of all, apple juice is another good way to include it in yo9ur everyday diet. Make a classic mocktail with other fruits of your choice.
2. Apple Snack:
If you are in a mood for snacking, dried apples and apple chips are other excellent ways to snack healthy.
3. Apple Tea:
Rather than your routine cup of tea everyday, try out apple tea for a change. It is refreshing and will keep you energized.
4. Apple Salad:
Cut the apples into slices and a pinch of salt and pepper. This is another way to relish a variety.
See More: Benefits of Apple Juice During Pregnancy
Is Green Apple Better Than The Red Apple?
There is a slight difference between the green apple and the red variety. Although both are equally good in terms of the benefits it offers, green apples are slightly sour, but crispy.
Green apples contain soluble fiber. This will help reduce the cholesterol level in the body. It can also help you manage your weight.
Regulating your blood sugar level is an added advantage of eating green apple.
There is no reason one better than the other. Green apple during pregnancy has also been a choice of a lot of pregnant women.
Apples are a must in your pregnancy diet. Given their various benefits, it stands as an absolute must for the baby and the mother to be. Red apple during pregnancy or even the green variant is a good choice. Choose what you like, but remember to eat!
Frequently Asked Questions And Answers:
Q1. What is The Best Time to Eat Apple During Pregnancy?
Ans: There is no particular time. However, we recommend them to be taken in the gap between the lunch and breakfast. This interval is the time you are probably going to feel hungry. You can make a juice and drink. In the evenings, when you are in a mood for snacks, much on to some apple chips.
Q2. Is Apple Juice Safe During Pregnancy?
Ans: Yes, apple juice is safe during pregnancy! Apple in pregnancy first trimester from can start showing good effects on the body. Apple in the form of juice or fruit, both are highly nutritious. Remember to wash it well and remove the seeds.
Q3. Does Apple Cause Acidity During Pregnancy?
Ans: Over consumption of apple during pregnancy can trigger acidity. However, you only need to watch how much you eat and thus direct your food chart to a much healthier one.
