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A critical attitude to food will always contribute to health. But this approach is especially relevant during the carrying of the child. And if the benefits of vegetables and cereals are well known, many dried fruits rarely fall into the diet of expectant mothers. And in vain - they are distinguished not only by the original taste, but also by the colossal beneficial effects on the body. And prunes are one of the most popular varieties of dried fruit available to any woman.
General information about prunes
Prunes are sun dried or industrially dried plum fruit. Most often for this use varieties Hungarian or renklod.
Dried fruit is found in many cuisines of the world as a component for the sauce or the main note in desserts.Its popularity is due to the prevalence and availability.
An important feature of prunes - high calorie. Per 100 grams of the product (these are 10 medium fruits) there are 230 kcal. Therefore, they should not get carried away, even despite the fact that dried plums improve metabolism, which contributes to weight loss.
What is useful prunes during pregnancy?
All dried fruits are considered sources of vitamins and minerals, and prunes are no exception. During childbirth it should be added to the diet, because it includes:
- Vitamin A, which improves vision and is a powerful antioxidant. It protects the body from the negative effects of free radicals and is involved in the processes of cell growth.
- Potassium, one of the main purposes of which is the transmission of nerve impulses. Its adequate blood level also protects against leg cramps that many pregnant women face. Women need to bear in mind that this mineral merges with severe vomiting and diarrhea.
- Sucrose and fructose, contributing to the overall increase in energy tone and efficiency.
- B vitamins involved in the formation of red blood cells, as well as protein, carbohydrate and fat metabolism.
- Phosphorus, necessary for the full formation of bone tissue and developing in the womb of the fetus.
The most common use of this dried fruit - the fight against constipation. Due to the fact that it has pectins and fiber, prunes optimizes intestinal peristalsis, contributing to the daily stool.
Prune is also valuable because of its ability to lower blood pressure. Therefore, it is worth paying attention to hypertensive women. Due to its bactericidal properties, prune-based infusion can be used to fight infections of the oral cavity.
Prunes are considered a natural antidepressant. The beneficial sugars present in its composition will help women in the position to maintain their overall energy tone without over-eating simple carbohydrates.
Potential harm to prunes
In the majority of dried plums undergoing the wrong drying technology, a high percentage of acrylamide is noted. It is a known neurotoxin and carcinogen that affects the kidneys, liver, and nervous system.Therefore, during pregnancy, it is better to abandon the purchase of prunes in natural markets and in unverified sources. For additional protection, it is also worth limiting the number of fruits eaten - 3-4 pieces. a day is enough.
He should be completely abandoned in the case of high blood sugar and individual intolerance.
Can I eat prunes with HB?
Caution should be used prunes and women who are breastfeeding, because it can provoke intestinal colic in a child. As a safe alternative, experts recommend drinking the infusion. For its preparation you will need 100 g of prunes, which must be soaked in warm water for several hours, and then pour one glass of boiling water over it. Dishes should be covered with a lid and left to infuse preferably overnight. Next, the infusion is necessary to filter and drink in full (preferably before going to bed).
How to choose prunes?
A few words about the quality of drying. Ideally, the plums should be kept in the shade for several months. But a rare company can wait so long. Therefore, to speed up the process, fruits are placed in gasoline or gas ovens. There, under the influence of high temperatures, they crack, and carcinogens penetrate through the damaged skin into the prunes. Well, about the safety of any useful components with such processing technology can not speak.
The "correct" prunes should be dark, dry and ugly.Also give preference to fruits with a bone, if they are in stock. And be sure to sniff the product - the aroma of smoke and gasoline speaks of chemical processing. The taste of natural prunes should be slightly sweet, with a characteristic sourness.
How to store prunes at home?
There are two safe ways to store this dried fruit:
- in a wooden container or an ordinary glass jar in a dry and cool place;
- in small packages with zip-lock. They do not need to close to the end and can be left on the door of the refrigerator.
Prunes, dried in natural conditions, will be a great addition to many dishes. Pregnant women can eat it raw, make compotes and infusions from it. Its numerous medicinal properties make it possible to refuse medication in case of anemia and problems with the gastrointestinal tract.
Video: 10 reasons to love prunes
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