Eating Apples During Pregnancy

Eating Apples During Pregnancy - Nutritional Value, Health Benefits, Precautions, And Side Effects

Eating a well-balanced diet throughout pregnancy is essential to ensure the healthy development of your little one. Apples contain several health benefits in pregnancy as they contain many essential nutrients such as iron, calcium, dietary fiber, vitamin C, and B complex vitamins. Apples are highly nutritious and beneficial for the mother-to-be and her unborn baby. Apples are considered a power food that provides several health benefits to pregnant women. Apples are a good source of antioxidants, dietary fiber, phytonutrients, and many more.

Nutritional Value of Apples

100 grams of a raw and unpeeled apple contains:

• Calories - 52 kcal

• Protein - 0.3 grams

• Carbohydrates - 13.8 grams

• Sugars - 10.4 grams

• Dietary Fiber - 2.4 grams

• Fat - 0.2 grams

• Water - 86%

• Vitamin A - 54 IU

• Vitamin B1 - 0.017 mg

• Vitamin B2 - 0.026 mg

• Vitamin B3 - 0.091 mg

• Vitamin B6 - 0.041 mg

• Vitamin B9 - 3 mcg

• Vitamin C - 4.6 mg

• Vitamin E - 0.18 mg

• Iron - 0.12 mg

• Calcium - 6 mg

• Sodium - 1 mg

• Potassium - 107 mg

• Phosphorus - 11 mg

• Magnesium - 5 mg

• Zinc - 0.04 mg

Health Benefits of Apples

The several health benefits of eating apples during pregnancy are:

1. Strong And Healthy Bone Development

Apples are a rich source of calcium vital for the baby's strong and healthy bone development. Calcium also helps to strengthen the bones of the expectant mother too.

2. Prevent Anemia

Apples contain good content of iron that boosts the hemoglobin production in the blood, and eating them during pregnancy reduces the risk of developing anemia during pregnancy.

3. Promotes Healthy Heart

Eating apples help to lower harmful cholesterol levels and promote a healthy heart. Apples also help reduce acidity and heartburn, which are widespread problems pregnant women face.

4. Aids Digestion

Hormonal changes during pregnancy lead to a slow digestion process that causes constipation. Eating apples can combat this problem as they contain dietary fiber that helps to aid digestion.

(Also read: When to avoid eating Nuts during pregnancy?)

5. Provides Instant Energy

Apples contain glucose, fructose, and sucrose that provide instant energy. So, apple is a good and healthy food choice when you feel tired or hungry during pregnancy.

6. Enhances Immunity

Apples are a rich source of Vitamin C that helps build immunity for the mother-to-be and her baby. The high content of Vitamin C in apples helps the body improve immunity against fever, infections, or other diseases.

7. Prevents Cancer

Apples contain antioxidants and phytochemicals that help prevent colon, breast, and lung cancer at bay. Eating apples during pregnancy also helps in the proper functioning of the lungs.  

8. Prevent Asthma

Apples contain antioxidants and phenolic compounds that help to prevent asthma in the newborn baby. Apples also lower the chances of wheezing problems later in childhood.

Side Effects of Apples during pregnancy

Apples are very beneficial for both the expectant mother and her baby. It would be best if you consumed it in moderate amounts. Consuming apples in an excessive amount can cause side effects too. Some of the side effects that can cause due to overconsumption of apples are:

• Constipation

• Acidity

• Excess Weight Gain

• Increases Sugar Levels

• Slow Down the Metabolism rate

(Also read: List Of High Fiber Foods To Prevent Constipation During Pregnancy)

How many apples to eat in a day during pregnancy?

You can eat 1-2 apples daily during pregnancy.

Is it safe to eat apples during pregnancy?

Yes, apples are perfectly safe to eat during pregnancy.

Is apple juice safe during pregnancy?

Yes, apple juice is safe to consume during pregnancy. 

(Also read: Green Peas During Pregnancy - Nutritional Value And Health Benefits )

Precautions to be taken while eating apples during pregnancy

Precautions that you should take while consuming apples during pregnancy are:

• Wash apples thoroughly before consuming them to remove any pesticides and bacteria.

• Avoid eating apple seeds as they contain harmful cyanide.

Also, read other health-related articles :

• Coffee during pregnancy - Side Effects, Risks and Is it safe, Caffeine and Decaf Coffee

• Beetroots During Pregnancy - Benefits, Risks And Side Effects

• Is Pineapple safe to eat during pregnancy?

• Top 10 best books to read during pregnancy

• Non-Stress Test (NST) Pregnancy - Purpose, Procedure, Benefits, Risks, Cost, and Results

• Five ways to take the right care for going to be the first-time mother

Disclaimer: This content is intended for general information only and should not be used as the basis of patient treatment. The given content is not a substitute for professional medical advice, treatment, or diagnosis. Always consult a doctor for more information. Our website doesn't claim responsibility for this information.