Should You Eat Plums During Pregnancy? Benefits, Considerations And Types

Pregnancy is marked by immense physical, emotional, and hormonal changes. Amidst the myriad dietary advice and restrictions thrown at expecting mothers, plums are a hidden gem worth discussing. 

Eating plums during pregnancy would benefit the mother and the baby in the womb with bountiful health advantages. These include boosting the immune system, supporting digestive health, maintaining bone health and much more.

If you are an expectant mother or just someone seeking information about diet and nutrition during pregnancy, then this blog is exactly what you need! Let us understand the benefits of plums in pregnancy, and some things to consider when it comes to the fruit and finally, get to know about some amazing plum varieties! Dive in!

Table Of Contents

1. What Is Plum Fruit?

2. 7 Benefits Of Eating Plums During Pregnancy

3. Nutritional Facts of Plum Fruit 

4. Potential Considerations While Eating Plums

5. What Are The Different Varieties Of Plum?

6. The Final Say

7. FAQs

8. References

What Is Plum Fruit?

Plums are a sweet and juicy stone fruit (drupe) originating from the genus Prunus and have been enjoyed for centuries. They are native to Asia and were brought to Europe by the Crusaders. Plums come in various colours, including yellow, green, and purple. They are an excellent dietary fibre, vitamin C, potassium, and vitamin K source. They are prized for their sweet and juicy flesh, vibrant colours, and diverse culinary applications.

Plums are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed fresh, dried (prunes), or cooked. 

France is one of the producers of fresh, unprocessed plums, with a production of around 52,000 tons. China, Serbia, the United States, and Romania are among the primary producers of plums.

7 Benefits Of Eating Plums During Pregnancy

Wondering if you can eat plums during pregnancy? The answer is yes! Eating plums during pregnancy is a safe and nutritious addition to a well-balanced pregnancy diet. They are rich in essential nutrients, including potassium, phosphorus, vitamins A and C, fibre, and antioxidants. 

Pregnant women should aim to consume five to seven servings of fresh fruits daily, with two plums considered one serving. However, limiting your intake to two plums per day is important, as excessive consumption may aggravate blood sugar issues. Also, women who have been diagnosed with kidney stones should avoid plums. There are so many benefits of eating plums during pregnancy, as mentioned below:

1. Nutritional Powerhouse

Plum is loaded with antioxidants, minerals and vitamins that are very potent. Note the nutritional facts of plum fruit in the table below: 

Also Read: Importance of Nutrition During Pregnancy 

2. Antioxidant Properties

To fight free radicals in the body, antioxidants and phenolics play a vital role. The pregnancy invites oxidative stress, and these antioxidants fight with them to lower it. 

Plum contains antioxidants that fight against these free radicals and thus build a wall against the foetus to protect it from damage.

3. Supports Digestive Health

One of the common discomforts of pregnancy is constipation, resulting from hormonal changes that slow digestion. Plums, a good source of dietary fibre, can be the gentle remedy pregnant women need. The fibre content promotes regular bowel movements, smoothing digestion and alleviating constipation.

4. Boosts Immunity

Who does not want stronger immunity? During the pregnancy phase, there are high chances of getting infected by bacteria, viruses and microbes due to a susceptible immune system. Eating plums during pregnancy can help prevent them as the vitamin content of the plum works as a defensive system in the body and keeps the baby and mother away from infections and other health concerns.

Also Read: 5 Herbal Teas To Boost Immunity And Fight Infections 

5. Bone Health

To develop the skeleton system of the baby, calcium is the most significant requirement, and plum is a vital source of calcium. The calcium metabolism increases with the presence of potassium and vitamin K in the plum. So, the intake of plums regularly promotes better bone development in the baby.

6. Natural Sweet Cravings

During pregnancy, cravings also increase; one of the most common cravings is sweets. Choosing natural sugars in plums satisfies sweet cravings and provides essential nutrients without the drawbacks associated with processed or refined sugars. 

7. Mood Elevator

The hormonal rollercoaster of pregnancy can sometimes lead to mood swings. Plums, with their rich content of antioxidants and certain minerals, have been associated with reduced anxiety levels and can act as a mood enhancer.

Nutritional Facts Of Plum Fruit

Here are some of the essential nutritional values mentioned that are found in plums:

Also Read: Nutrition Week Day 3: Nutrition For Pregnant Women 

Considerations While Eating Plums

While plums offer many benefits during pregnancy, there are a few things to consider:

1. Prune Intake

Prunes, which are dried plums, are especially high in fibre and can act as a potent laxative. While they can be beneficial in moderation, excessive intake might lead to diarrhoea or stomach discomfort.

2. Organic Choice

You must always opt for organic plums. Conventional plums might be treated with pesticides, which are best avoided during pregnancy. If you cannot get organic plums, ensure you wash them thoroughly.

3. Allergies

Though rare, some individuals might be allergic to plums. Watch for allergic reactions if you have never eaten them before and decide to start during pregnancy. You must not try any fruit or vegetables during pregnancy that you have not tried before. This can cause serious illness, and this should be avoided. 

What Are The Different Varieties Of Plum?

Now, as you know, plums are a great source of antioxidants and are beneficial for numerous functions of your body. You must also know that so many varieties of plums are available with different nutrient content in variable amounts. Below are the different plum varieties, along with their nutritional facts:

1. Japanese Plums (Prunus Salicina)

Japanese plums are often larger and rounder than European ones, which are popular in the US. They have a very juicy consistency and can be incredibly sweet. It has many sub-varieties, such as: 

2. European Plums (Prunus Domestica)

Here are some of the top European plum varieties:

The Final Say

Plums are rich in nutrients and are considered great to consume during pregnancy by the mother for the betterment of her and the growing baby. This blog discusses the different benefits of plums in pregnancy and studies numerous plum varieties. 

But make sure to eat plums in moderation because overeating a specific food that is good for health is unnecessary. It is always a good idea to consult your healthcare provider or nutritionist before significantly changing your diet. 

Still, for most expecting mothers, plums can be a delicious and beneficial inclusion to their prenatal nutrition plan. For more pregnancy health-related information, visit ToneOp. 

FAQs

1. Are plums safe to consume during pregnancy?

Yes, you can consume plums during pregnancy as they contain multiple nutrients, but you should maintain some moderation in consumption.

2. Do plums have any side effects?

No, plums do not have any side effects on health. Rarely, an individual is allergic to them and too much consumption can have laxative effects. So, be mindful to consume in moderation. 

3. Do plums have any properties that generate heat or cold in the body?

Plum fruit is neutral it does not have heat-generating or cold-generating properties.

4. Where do plums grow mostly in the world?

The most production of plums is in France, Serbia and Romania.

5. Do plums help with morning sickness?

Yes, plums contain vitamin C, which helps to curb the morning sickness.

6. What is the best time to eat plums?

Consuming 8 to 10 plums in the morning would be beneficial as it will cleanse your body internally. 

7. Can I eat aloo bukhara during pregnancy?

Aloo bukhara plum is a great choice for expecting mothers for many reasons: it is packed with vital nutrients, tastes delicious, and offers numerous health benefits.

References

4 Health Benefits Of Plums During Pregnancy

Plum in Pregnancy: Benefits, Risks & Side Effects

About ToneOp

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