Eating Jujubes During Pregnancy - Health Benefits And Risks
Eating Jujubes During Pregnancy - Nutritional Value, Health Benefits, Side Effects, And Precautions
A pregnant woman needs to eat a variety of fruits throughout her pregnancy period to nourish her baby. Fruits are a great source of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and many more nutrients that are required for the healthy growth and development of the baby in the womb. Dried Jujubes are tiny berries that are orangish-red in color. They're also known as Red or Chinese Date. These tiny berries are packed with essential nutrients that play a major role in a healthy pregnancy. You can consume fresh or dry jujube berries while pregnant. This article is all about having jujube during pregnancy. Read this article to know how safe is jujube to consume while pregnant.
Health Benefits of Jujube during pregnancy
Consuming jujube during pregnancy is beneficial for both the expectant mother and her baby as it provides numerous health benefits to both of them. Some of the wonderful health benefits provided by consumption of jujube while pregnant are :
1. Overall Fetal Development
Jujube berries fresh or dried are considered healthy and nutritious fruits as they're fully packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that are required for the healthy growth, development, and overall well-being of the expectant mother and her little one.
2. Strengthen Teeth And Bones
Jujube berries are an excellent source of calcium. Calcium is one of the most essential minerals that your body requires during pregnancy. Your body can't make calcium, so you need to get it from food or supplements during pregnancy. A pregnant woman needs to take 1000 mg of calcium daily. Besides building your baby's teeth and bones it helps to keep your blood and muscles moving. This mineral helps your nerves send messages from your brain to the rest of your body. It is an essential mineral that your body requires for muscle contraction, blood clotting, and nerve impulse conduction.
(Also read: Is It Safe To Eat Sushi During Pregnancy?)
3. Good Source of B vitamins
Fresh as well as dried jujube berries contain good levels of the B-complex group of vitamins. Dried jujube contains an ample amount of thiamin, niacin, pyridoxine, pantothenic acid, and riboflavin. All these B vitamins play a key role in the overall well-being of the expectant mother and her growing baby in the womb.
4. Blood Purifier
Jujube contains saponins and alkaloids, which are antioxidant compounds that help to detoxify the blood. This fruit is loaded with powerful nutrients that help to remove harmful toxins from the system, fight inflammation, and also reduces the risk of several blood-related disorders.
5. Treat Infections
Jujube berries have antibacterial and antiviral properties that help to treat infections. Pregnant women are more prone to infections as their immune system is weaker hence consumption of such fruits that have antibacterial and antiviral properties is extremely beneficial to maintain overall health while pregnant.
6. Healthy Snack
Jujubes are high in fiber and low in calories which makes them a healthy snack to consume while pregnant. Due to its high fiber and low-calorie content, it is a healthy snack substitute for your unhealthy snack carvings.
7. Boost Immunity
Jujubes are an excellent source of vitamin C which is vital for both the expectant mother and her growing baby. Your body requires it for tissue repair and wound healing. It also helps in the development of your baby's bones and teeth. Vitamin C contributes to the production of collagen, boosts your immunity, and improves your ability to absorb more iron which in turn helps to prevent anemia.
8. Maintain Electrolyte Balance
Jujubes contain a fair amount of potassium that plays a major role in muscle control and electrolyte balance. Potassium is an essential mineral that helps to maintain fluid and electrolyte balance and support the transmission of nerve impulses. It also helps to release energy from carbohydrates, fat, and protein. Potassium deficiency can lead to fatigue, weakness, muscle cramps, breathing difficulties, tingling numbness in your hands, feet, arms, and legs, and even digestive issues. So, it's essential to eat potassium-rich foods during pregnancy.
9. Provides Energy
Jujubes contain natural sugars that help to boost your energy levels during pregnancy. However, dried jujubes contain high sugar and calorie content than fresh jujubes. They're loaded with natural sugars which offer you instant energy and boost your metabolism during pregnancy.
10. Rich in Antioxidants
They're a good source of antioxidants and flavonoids. They contain a good amount of vitamin C which also works as an antioxidant. Antioxidants help to prevent damage caused by excess free radicals. Jujubes contain powerful antioxidants that help to fight free radicals. Jujubes contain polysaccharides that are natural sugars with antioxidant properties that help to reduce or prevent inflammation.
11. Aids Digestion
The high fiber content of jujubes helps to reduce constipation, a common pregnancy complication. Hence, aids in digestion and promotes a healthy digestive tract.
(Also read: High Fiber Foods For Pregnancy )
12. Alleviate Insomnia
Consuming jujube during pregnancy is extremely beneficial as it helps to combat mood swings, alleviate insomnia and promote better sleep. This fruit is filled with antioxidants, flavonoids, saponins, phytochemicals, and polysaccharides which are well known to have sedative qualities. This fruit helps in reducing anxiety and works as a natural sleep inducer by calming your nerves and relaxing your mind and body.
13. Healthy Weight Gain
Jujubes are a good source of protein and fiber. The high fiber and low-calorie content of jujubes make it a healthy snack to satisfy your sweet cravings which in turn helps you to gain healthy weight during pregnancy.
Nutritional Value of Jujube Berries
100 g of fresh raw jujube contain the following nutrients :
| Energy | 79 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 20.53 g |
| Fats | 0.20 g |
| Protein | 1.2 g |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
| Vitamin A | 40 IU |
| Vitamin B1 (Thiamin) | 0.020 mg |
| Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) | 0.040 mg |
| Vitamin B3 (Niacin) | 0.900 mg |
| Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) | 0.081 mg |
| Vitamin C | 69 mg |
| Sodium | 3 mg |
| Potassium | 250 mg |
| Calcium | 21 mg |
| Iron | 0.48 mg |
| Magnesium | 10 mg |
| Manganese | 0.084 mg |
| Zinc | 0.05 mg |
| Phosphorus | 23 mg |
| Catechin | 3.2 mg |
| Quercetin | 1.3 mg |
Side Effects of eating Jujube Berries during pregnancy
Although jujube berries are good to eat during pregnancy if they're fresh and you eat them in moderate amounts. However, eating them in excess amounts can cause several side effects. Some of the side effects caused due to overconsumption of jujube in pregnancy include :- If you eat 20-30 jujube berries in single-serving it can lead to constipation and hyperacidity.
- If you eat jujubes in excess amount, it can lead to insomnia.
(Also read: Popcorn During Pregnancy - Safe Or Unsafe?)
Precautions to be taken while eating Jujubes during pregnancy
Some of the precautions that you must take while eating jujubes in pregnancy are:
-> Always consume fresh jujubes during pregnancy. If you consume jujubes that are exposed to air it can lead to rotting which can result in dizziness.
-> Don't buy jujubes that have scars.
-> Avoid eating them if you've gestational diabetes as they're high in sugar and consuming them can spike your blood sugar levels.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How to eat jujubes during pregnancy?
Raw jujube has a sweet and apple-like flavor. Raw jujubes can be eaten as a healthy and nutritious snack whereas dried jujube has a chewy texture and taste similar to dates. You can use dried jujubes in desserts or can eat them like candy. You can consume jujubes in juice form as well.
2. Is jujube safe to eat during pregnancy?
Yes, jujubes are safe to eat if you've them in limited quantities. Overconsuming them can cause adverse effects on your health. So, it's good to consume them in moderation.
3. How much jujubes can I consume while pregnant?
You can consume 5-6 jujubes in a single serving. Overconsumption of jujubes can increase your blood pressure and blood sugar levels which is not good for the overall well-being of the pregnant woman and her growing baby.
Both fresh and dried jujubes are healthy and nutritious but dried ones are high in sugar and calorie content. The nutrient profile of this fruit is wonderful and provides tons of health benefits to both the expectant mother and her baby. Consumption of jujubes throughout the pregnancy period is beneficial for the expectant mother as well as the unborn baby. But remember to have them in moderation.
We wish you a very happy, safe, and healthy pregnancy. Stay safe and blessed always. May God bless you and your little one with good health and happiness.
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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 intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, treatment, or any diagnosis. Always consult a doctor for more information. Our website doesn't claim responsibility for this information.
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