Yes, dates are safe and beneficial for mother and baby. The fructose sugars on dates break down quickly by offering energy without altering the level of sugar in the body. They also have laxative properties, which stimulate contractions in the uterus and shorten the labor. Read about Is It Safe To Eat Dates During Pregnancy?
Benefits Of Dates During Pregnancy:
Now, we know that dates are very nutritious because they are rich in protein, fiber, and vitamins, which promotes a simple and healthy pregnancy. Here are some specific benefits of meal dates during pregnancy:
Provide energy:
During pregnancy, you need more energy than usual. Consuming a handful of dates each day will provide the required sugars without adding extra calories.
Keep constipation away:
As dates are rich sources of fiber, they preserve the digestive system in good health and treat constipation related to pregnancy. They make the belly full, reduce cholesterol levels and help maintain a healthy weight.
Proteins produce amino acids:
The dates provide a sufficient amount of protein required by your body to create amino acids, which are essential for the body’s growth.
Helps in preventing birth defects:
Dates are a good source of folate. Folate prevents congenital anomalies associated with the brain and spinal cord.
Vitamin K boost to the baby:
Babies are born with low vitamin K. If the mother consumes dates, she meets the requirement of the vitamin when the baby sucks. Vitamin K helps in coagulation and bone development.
Prevents anemia:
Dates can provide you with the iron content needed during pregnancy to keep anemia at bay. Iron keeps the hemoglobin in the body and strengthens both and the immunity of your baby.
Maintains water-salt balance:
Dates contain potassium, which maintains the water-salt balance, regulates blood pressure and prevents muscle cramps. The deficiency of this mineral could cause kidney problems.
Bones and teeth in the baby:
Magnesium is another essential mineral because it helps in the formation of teeth and bones in the baby. It also regulates your blood sugar and blood pressure levels. Dates help prevent magnesium deficiency that could otherwise cause liver and kidney abnormalities.
How Does Eating Dates Help In Labor?
Dates increase the effect of oxytocin (contraction of the uterus), which increases the sensitivity of the uterus. Saturated and unsaturated fatty acids in fruits provide energy and produce prostaglandins needed for labor. In addition, the serotonin, calcium, and tannin present in the dates contribute to the contraction of the uterine muscles