Apricot belongs to the family of plums, peaches, and cherries and has immense health benefits. But is it safe to consume apricot during pregnancy? Well, this fruit is known to be rich in vitamins, iron, potassium, calcium, and phosphorus, all of which are needed in your body during pregnancy. In addition, having apricots when pregnant is also known to strengthen the immune system and improve the baby’s vision. Read on to know more about the benefits of having apricots, its recommended quantity of intake, and a few of its possible side effects during pregnancy.
Can Pregnant Women Eat Apricot?
Yes, apricot is a good source of vitamins A and C, potassium, and iron (1) (2). However, the kernels or seeds of the fruit must not be eaten as they have a certain chemical that can metabolize to cyanide, which is harmful to the mother and the baby. As the edible part of the fruit may also contain smaller amounts of the chemical, it is good to eat the fruit in moderation (3).
Nutritional Profile Of Apricot
According to United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the average weight of one apricot is around 35 grams. About 100 grams of apricots contain 48 calories, 0.38g fat, 11.12g carbohydrates, 2g dietary fiber, 13mg calcium, 0.39mg iron, 10mg magnesium, 259mg potassium, and 23mg phosphorus. The fruit also contains about 10mg vitamin C and 96µg vitamin A (IU) (4).
Can Dried Apricots Cause Constipation During Pregnancy?
No, apricots are a good source of fiber and can actually help relieve you of any constipation issues. Include apricots to add more fiber to the diet, but keep the intake restricted to the recommended amounts to avoid any side effects (5).
Health Benefits Of Apricots In Pregnancy
Eating fresh or dried apricots during pregnancy: You may eat this nutritious fruit when you are pregnant but in moderation. But, apricots should be avoided in some instances.
Possible Side Effects Of Apricots In Pregnancy
Consuming apricots in excess may lead to a few unfavorable outcomes, although there are no studies to back these theories.
If you experience gas and bloating during pregnancy, you may avoid or reduce the intake of foods such as apricots that contain polyols (10).
Apricot kernels contain a compound called amygdalin, also called laetrile (semi-synthetic and purified), which is used as an anti-cancer agent. While there is no proper evidence on the toxicity of this compound, chewing the kernels can break the amygdalin down and release a compound called cyanide, which is not good for pregnancy health (11) (12).
More studies are needed to determine if these fruits have any negative impact on pregnancy health. To stay safe, pregnant women should consume apricots in moderation, and after consulting the doctor.
Fresh Or Dried Apricot In Pregnancy: Which Is Better And Why?
Both forms of apricot are safe for consumption during pregnancy. Dried apricot is the dehydrated form of the fresh fruit, but the nutritive elements are intact. However, this should also be consumed in limited quantities.
