Is it safe to eat raisins during pregnancy? According to medical professionals and experts, the consumption of raisins during pregnancy is considered entirely safe. Raisins serve as a highly nutritious snack for expectant mothers, as they provide numerous health advantages
Pregnant doctor recommends eating dried fruits and nuts along with sticking to a healthy diet. But is it allowed to eat any kind of dried fruits and nuts for a pregnant woman? In this article, we will talk about raisins and discover together, is it safe during pregnancy?
What about the benefits of raisins for pregnant women?
What is the daily permissible amount of it for a pregnant woman?
Benefits of raisins for pregnant women
Eating raisins during pregnancy is completely safe as long as you are not allergic to dried fruits, which is nothing but dried grapes.
Raisins are a safe alternative for pregnant women to satisfy their desire to eat sweets during pregnancy, as they contain natural sugars, unlike other sweets.
It is necessary to adhere to the permissible amount of it to avoid harm to the health of the pregnant woman and the fetus.
Raisins contain many nutrients and vitamins that pregnant women need, which gives them many health benefits. It is also characterized by its low glycemic index.
The nutritional value of 100 grams of raisins includes the following:
- Energy: 299 calories.
- Protein: 3.3 grams.
- Carbohydrates: 80 grams.
- Sugars: 65 grams.
- Fiber: 4.5 grams.
- Fat: 0.25 grams.
- Potassium: 744 mg.
- Sodium: 26 mg.
- Vitamin C: 2.3 mg.
It also contains many minerals such as:
- Iron: 1.79 mg.
- Calcium: 62 mg.
- Zinc: 0.36 mg.
- Magnesium: 36 mg.
- Phosphorus: 98 mg.
Moreover, it is rich in antioxidants and phenols, which enhance its benefits.
The process of drying grapes to obtain raisins results in higher fiber content and lower vitamin C content in raisins than in grapes. For further information visit Discover health tips.
Benefits of raisins for pregnant women and the fetus
Can pregnant women eat raisins? Yes, Raisins are a good source of many nutrients, minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants, which provide many health benefits for pregnant women and the fetus. Among the benefits of raisins for pregnant women and the fetus:
1- It improves dental health
Raisins help maintain and strengthen teeth as it contains calcium and oleanolic acid.
2- It treats constipation
Raisins are a rich source of fibre. It also has laxative properties and hence can be used to treat constipation, which is one of the most common problems of pregnant women.
3- It enhances vision
Vitamin A in raisins promotes the development of the visual ability of the fetus, and antioxidants such as phenols protect eye cells from damage by free radicals in the body, thus protecting against eye diseases.
4- It reduces the risk of heart disease
Raisins are distinguished by their good potassium content, which helps balance fluids in the body and relax blood vessels, which leads to normalizing blood pressure, and thus preventing the risk of heart disease.
5- Equation of increased stomach acid
Raisin content of alkaline elements such as iron, copper, magnesium, and potassium helps to neutralize stomach acid, and thus may prevent stomach acid reflux.
6- It prevents cancer
Raisins are characterized by their high content of antioxidants that eliminate free radicals that attack body cells and turn them into cancerous cells. Hence, it protects against the risk of cancer.
7- Strengthening the bones
Although raisins are small, they contain good amounts of calcium. Which helps to increase bone density and strengthen it and thus prevent osteoporosis. In addition, calcium is involved in the growth and development of fetal bones.
8- Reducing blood sugar levels
Eating raisins in moderation helps to lower blood sugar levels due to its high fiber content, in addition to that, it has a low to medium glycemic index.
9- Preserving the skin
Raisins contain antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals such as zinc, selenium, and vitamin C that help nourish the skin and maintain its freshness.
Benefits of raisins for pregnant women in the first months
1- Raisins help improve the function of the digestive system and bowel movement during pregnancy when consumed in moderation, as a result of its high fiber content.
2- Raisins play an important role in preventing the risk of anemia, as they contain appropriate amounts of iron, copper, and vitamins to increase the production of red blood cells in the body.
3- Raisins are a good source of natural sugars such as glucose and fructose, which provide the pregnant woman with the energy needed to carry out various activities.
Benefits of black raisins for pregnant women
There are many types of raisins, but black raisins are among the most popular, as black raisins acquire their color during the drying phase.
Black raisins offer the same health benefits as other types of raisins. The benefits of black raisins for pregnant women are as follows:
- Helps regulate blood pressure level.
- It improves the function of the digestive system and treats constipation for pregnant women.
- Works to strengthen the bones.
- It improves hemoglobin levels in the blood and thus protects against anemia.
- It helps in cases of hair loss as it contains vitamins and elements necessary for hair growth and nourishment.
Benefits of red raisins for pregnant women
Red raisins are considered one of the most delicious and largest types of raisins, and they can be obtained from red grapes after washing and drying them. Red raisins are also characterized by their high content of natural fibers, nutrients, and minerals such as iron and others.
The benefits of red raisins for pregnant women do not differ from the benefits mentioned previously, because it contains the same nutritional value.
Benefits of raisins on an empty stomach for pregnant women
The benefits of raisins for a pregnant woman when eating it on an empty stomach are no different from its benefits at any other time, as they are the same benefits that were mentioned before.
The daily amount of raisins for pregnant women
It is allowed to eat one handful of raisins per day for pregnant women. And the pregnant woman must adhere to the amount allowed for her daily without excessive consumption in order to avoid any possible harm.
Damage to raisins for pregnant women
Despite the many health benefits of raisins, it may cause some harm when consumed in large quantities. The harms of raisins to a pregnant woman are as follows:
- Excessive intake of raisins may lead to weight gain as it contains a lot of calories.
- Despite the multiple health benefits of the fiber in raisins, excessive consumption of it may lead to digestive disorders such as bloating and gas.
- Raisins, when consumed in excess, may cause blood sugar levels to rise, leading to a risk of gestational diabetes or type 2 diabetes.
Does raisins increase the weight of the pregnant woman?
Raisins can be used as a healthy snack in weight loss systems due to its fiber content. But eating raisins in large quantities may lead to weight gain as it contains a large amount of calories.
Does raisins raise the pressure of the pregnant woman?
Raisins may help regulate high blood pressure levels, as a result of the potassium it contains, which is important for controlling pressure.
Do raisins raise blood sugar for pregnant women?
Eating raisins daily in large quantities than the permitted amount may lead to high blood sugar levels. It may lead to gestational diabetes or type 2 diabetes.
Does raisins prove pregnancy?
Raisins are safe during pregnancy, as they provide the pregnant woman with the nutrients and vitamins she needs in order to maintain her health and the health of her fetus during pregnancy.
