Apricots are a nutritious and delicious fruit, often enjoyed as a healthy snack or added to enhance various dishes. For many people, apricots are a great addition to a balanced diet. Packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals, they offer several health benefits when eaten regularly. And you can safely eat them during pregnancy!
Pregnancy comes with its own unique set of challenges. Particularly when it comes to what to eat, how to eat it, and how much you can eat. It’s true that it’s crucial to pay attention to what you eat and meet nutrient needs to support your health and your baby’s development. This is where this blog and The Prenatal Nutrition Library app are necessary! It’s your one-stop shop for preconception, pregnancy, AND postpartum nutrition!
In the spirit of this, today we’re dedicating this whole blog post to addressing whether or not apricots can be enjoyed during pregnancy (spoiler: yes!). We’ll also talk through the benefits and delicious ways to safely enjoy eating apricots during pregnancy. Let’s dive in!
Apricots During Pregnancy: Are They Safe to Eat?
During pregnancy, there is a large focus on carefully considering the foods you eat to ensure both your health and your baby’s well-being. The good news is that the “avoid list” is much shorter than most pregnant women are led to believe. One fruit that often comes up in discussion is the apricot.
In this post, we’ll explore whether apricots are safe during pregnancy and some potential benefits you can enjoy when consuming them.
Are Apricots Safe During Pregnancy?
Yes! Apricots are safe to eat during pregnancy and can offer lots of nutritional benefits like vitamins A and C, fiber, and potassium. These are nutrients that support immune, digestion, and skin health. Of course, be sure to wash fresh apricots thoroughly before consuming them. Both fresh and dried apricots are safe to consume during pregnancy. However, we recommended choosing a dried option without added sugar.
As with anything, moderation is key, especially with dried fruits. Dried apricots are a more concentrated source of carbohydrates and sugar. Everyone will tolerate a different amount of carbohydrates, but those with gestational diabetes may need to keep a closer on intake. Again, in general, apricots can be a very healthy and safe addition to your pregnancy diet.
Apricot Benefits During Pregnancy
Nutrients that Support Immunity
Apricots are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, which help strengthen the immune system. Pairing vitamin C with non-heme sources of iron also helps to improve iron absorption. Optimizing iron intake is important to reduce the risk of anemia during pregnancy.
Aids Digestion
Apricots provide a boost of fiber. Fiber helps prevent constipation and promotes healthy digestion. Constipation is a common cause of bloating during pregnancy. Fiber helps keep things moving smoothly in your system and aids in reducing these common pregnancy complaints.
Nutrients that Support Skin Health
Apricots are a good source of vitamins A and C, as mentioned above. These antioxidants help protect skin from damage caused by free radicals and promote a healthy, radiant complexion.
Potassium to Support Healthy Blood Pressure
Apricots contain a good amount of potassium, which plays a crucial role in balancing sodium levels in the body and supports fluid regulation. This helps regulate blood pressure, reducing the risk of pregnancy-related hypertension or swelling.
Supports Eye Health
Apricots are rich in beta-carotene (a form of vitamin A), which supports healthy vision. During pregnancy, this nutrient not only helps protect your eye health but also contributes to the development of your baby’s eyesight, making apricots a sweet and nourishing snack. Make sure you are consuming animal forms of vitamin A as well from things like salmon, dairy, and meat.
How To Eat Apricots During Pregnancy
Eat Fresh Apricots
Fresh apricots are a healthy option for pregnancy. They’re packed with nutrients like vitamins C and A, and they contain fiber, unlike fruit juice. Wash them thoroughly and enjoy them as a snack, or add them to your fruit salad for a refreshing treat.
Try Apricot Puree
If you prefer something a little different, try making apricot puree. Just blend fresh apricots with water or yogurt for a puree that can be used as a topping in yogurt or oatmeal bowls or added to smoothies. It’s a versatile way to add apricots to your pregnancy diet.
Dried Apricots
Dried apricots are convenient because they’re ready to eat and can be eaten year-round. They make a great addition to salads or trail mix. We recommend choosing an unsweetened option to reduce added sugar intake. (This goes for any dried fruit, by the way.)
Add To Smoothies
Apricots are a super great addition to smoothies. You can buy frozen apricot slices at most grocery stores. They blend well with other fruits and can add natural sweetness while boosting your intake of vitamins. Try mixing apricots with bananas, spinach, protein or collagen powder, and almond milk for a nutritious pregnancy-friendly drink. This is also a great way to get essential nutrients if you’re dealing with morning sickness or general nausea!
Confidently navigate nutrition during pregnancy with The Prenatal Nutrition Library App!
Incorporating delicious and nutritious fruits into your pregnancy diet can bring many benefits. There are also many delicious options to explore! To learn more about safe fruits to eat during pregnancy, be sure to check out my blogs on eating pomegranates while pregnant and eating strawberries while pregnant.
If you’re looking for more detailed guidance in an easily searchable app, don’t forget to sign up for The Prenatal Nutrition Library. The information featured inside the library eliminates all the “ifs, ands, and buts” of prenatal nutrition. You’ll know exactly what you need to give your baby the best start to life! We even offer a FREE One-Week Meal Plan to give you a taste of what you can expect inside The Prenatal Nutrition Library!
