Of these, dates are dominated by fiber, fructose, glucose, vitamin B5, potassium and magnesium. They mainly determine the beneficial effect on:
- digestive system (appetite and stomach work improve, constipation, flatulence, heartburn and bloating are eliminated);
- metabolism and energy (slags and heavy metals are removed, efficiency increases, strength is restored);
- nervous system(nervous tension is relieved, mood rises, sleep normalizes, mental activity improves);
- cardiovascular system (the heart muscle is strengthened, blood circulation and blood formation processes are improved);
- the immune system (the condition is relieved with colds, coughs, headaches and inflammatory processes);
- skin (hair and nails are strengthened, the skin becomes smooth and tender).
Who are contraindicated
However, not everyone can eat dates. They are contraindicated in:
- diabetes mellitus and predisposition to it. Dates quickly increase blood sugar levels. Therefore, they are classified as foods with a high glycemic index;
- fruit allergies;
- malabsorption, that is, fructose intolerance, the symptoms of which are abdominal pain, bloating, flatulence and diarrhea.
Is it possible during pregnancy
In turn, oxytocin plays an important role in labor activity. It affects the smooth muscles of the uterus, reduces the cervix before childbirth and during periods of contractions. In small concentrations, it increases the contractile activity of the uterus, increasing the frequency and amplitude of its contractions. In large ones, it increases the tone of the uterus, while speeding up and intensifying contractions.
Based on this, dates are especially useful in the last months of pregnancy and before childbirth. At the same time, there is no ban on the use of dates in the first and second trimesters. At this time, you can eat them if a pregnant woman:
- there are no contraindications;
- normal uterine contractions.
Along with this, it is important to observe moderation in use.
How to eat
In the homeland of growth, dates are eaten in different form: fresh, boiled, fried, dried or dried. Dried or dried fruits predominate on our shelves.
The daily intake of dates for pregnant women has not been determined. At the same time, an adult is recommended to eat no more than 2-3 fresh fruits of medium size per day. This is approximately 300 g.
The calorie content of dried and dried dates is higher than fresh ones. In this connection, their daily intake is less. In the first and second trimesters - 4-6 dried fruits, in the third - 5-7. The norms are adjusted individually, depending on the effect of dates on the pregnant woman.
These fruits are very sweet and can adversely affect the condition of the teeth. Therefore, after taking them, it is advisable to brush your teeth or rinse your mouth with warm water.
Dates are an ancient product with a rich history. It was valued in the countries of the Middle East and Africa, in India and Mesopotamia several thousand years before our era. The fruits are depicted on the frescoes of ancient Babylon, they are mentioned in the Bible and the Koran. And all because a small date is a source of great energy and a helper for those who want to maintain health. But pregnant women are wary of these fruits. Whether there are grounds for fears, and how to properly take the product for expectant mothers, this article will tell.
Benefits for expectant mothers
Dates are the fruit of the date palm. They are considered highly valuable. Such palm trees grow exclusively in countries with a hot climate, and therefore dates usually fall on the table of Russians not fresh fruits, but dried ones - in the form of dried fruits.
Often the fruits of other plants are also called dates, which, from a biological point of view, are not directly related to date palms. For example, the fruit of the jujube is often called the Chinese date, but this is an erroneous wording.
Speaking about whether pregnant women can eat these dried fruits, the answer is always yes - yes, Dates are very useful for women both when planning a pregnancy and while carrying a baby. But their use requires certain accuracy and compliance with certain conditions.
Speaking about what dates are from a chemical point of view, it should be noted that this is a very high-calorie product, 100 grams of which account for more than 200 kcal. This means that a woman must be extremely careful - if there are a lot of dates, then you can quickly gain extra pounds, which will significantly complicate the course of pregnancy, and the course of childbirth, and the recovery postpartum period.
Dates are rich in vitamins and minerals, which allowed wanderers and heroes of ancient legends to eat only them for weeks in the wastelands, only drinking them with water. But at the same time, the date is a real champion in terms of the glycemic index, and therefore the product is not suitable for diabetics.
Due to the high calorie content dates quickly saturate, satisfy hunger and restore energy balance. This can come in handy during pregnancy, when a woman wants to eat almost constantly, as well as for expectant mothers who work hard, study and often experience all the “charms” of chronic fatigue and exhaustion. A couple of dates will help to quickly restore strength and feel good and cheerful.
Due to the abundance of glucose, date palm fruits prevent the development of acetonemia and support liver function.
Fruits are rich in B vitamins, especially folic acid. It is necessary at the stage of pregnancy planning and at early dates, since it is directly involved in laying the baby's nervous system. Scientists have proven that a lack of folic acid can lead to the formation of defects in the neural tube of the fetus - anencephaly, microcephaly, hydrocephalus, nonunion of the spinal column. Many of these intrauterine anomalies are incompatible with life. And therefore dates are a great treat for pregnant women in the first trimester, if there are no contraindications.
Ascorbic acid in the composition of the fruit will help maintain the state of immunity, and all expectant mothers need this, because their immune defenses are reduced. Magnesium as part of the date, it will support the nervous system of the expectant mother, help to establish sleep and increase stress resistance. Potassium necessary to ensure the correct water-salt balance of the body.
It is believed that some plant substances in the composition of dried fruit contribute to the production of oxytocin and the formation of a generic dominant in the later stages, and therefore, expectant mothers are advised to these fruits before childbirth in order to prevent the baby from overbearing.
Eating dates, a woman experiences pleasure. Serotonin is actively produced - the hormone of joy and happiness. The mood improves, and stresses begin to seem like something so insignificant that you don’t want to pay attention to them at all.
If a woman suffers from a mild form of preeclampsia with edema, then dates due to the content of calcium salts will help to cope with slight swelling- urination increases, the amount of interstitial fluid decreases, swelling disappears naturally.
Dates are also recommended for constipation.. They stimulate the intestinal walls, because vegetable fiber, passing through the digestive tract, is not digested, it gently irritates the receptors, increasing peristalsis. Reasonable use of dates will help to avoid constipation and hemorrhoids.
With toxicosis, a woman can relieve an attack of nausea with just one date. A big plus of the product is that dates almost never cause allergies, and therefore can even be included in the diet of allergic women in moderation.
Harm and contraindications
There are two main dangers from eating dates - high calorie content and high glycemic index. And therefore, dates are either severely limited, or, in general, are prohibited for women suffering from diabetes of any type, as well as expectant mothers with gestational diabetes. The rest, who have high risks of carbohydrate metabolism disorders, but so far non-critical, should take dates carefully. taking into account the very likely jump in blood sugar levels and only after consulting with your doctor.
The high calorie content of the product is the reason why date palm fruits are not recommended for obese women, overweight and pathological weight gain for the current gestational age.
Dates should be used with caution by expectant mothers who have problems with their teeth. High sugar content is an increased risk of caries, and they can only be reduced by the proper use of dates: after a woman eats them, you need to rinse your mouth with clean water. In this case, the level of acidity will be maintained at a stable level, and pathogenic bacteria, so “respecting” the sweet environment, will not receive food for active reproduction.
So that there is no harm a woman without diabetes and obesity should eat no more than 5-7 fruits per day. Exceeding this dose recommended by experts can lead to carbohydrate metabolism disorders, diarrhea, digestive disorders, unjustified weight gain, which will then be very difficult to get rid of.
How to take at different times?
Pregnancy consists of three trimesters. And each of them has its own characteristics, which a woman should be aware of when planning her diet. Dates at different times can act on the body in different ways.
1 trimester
In the early stages, it is important for pregnant women to maintain balance, avoiding the lack of vitamins and their excess. During the period of embryogenesis, both are dangerous. Therefore, it is very important at the beginning of pregnancy to strictly adhere to the recommended amount of the product, especially if a woman takes multivitamins at the same time. During the first trimester, many nutritionists generally do not advise eating dates, as a woman may get better. It is also considered dangerous to produce oxytocin at this time.
But in order for a woman to have a miscarriage due to overeating the fruit of the date palm, you need to eat them 10 kilograms, no less. And, of course, no one will master such an amount. Therefore, 2-3 fruits, for example, to relieve toxicosis, if a woman loves dates, are acceptable.
2 trimester
In the second trimester, if desired and in the absence of contraindications, you can increase the number of fetuses up to 7 per day. At this time, the risks are minimal, and a woman may well enjoy her position and goodies.
3rd trimester
If ever the most favorable time for the use of this product comes, it is the third trimester. In the later stages, and especially before childbirth in the last weeks, dates are a highly recommended delicacy, which is considered an important dish for preparing for childbirth. It seems that the hormonal benefits of the product are somewhat exaggerated, but the harm in the absence of diabetes and excess weight not medically proven.
The only thing you should not hope too much for is the reduction in the time of childbirth, which experts promise traditional medicine if a woman eats dates. The time of childbirth does not depend on food addiction.
How to choose and use correctly?
An oriental delicacy enters the shelves of Russian stores after being processed in paraffin and sugar syrup. This helps extend their shelf life, but makes them even sweeter than fresh date palm fruit.
Experts are sure that the right choice of dried fruits will help a pregnant woman get more benefits and less harm. Therefore, when choosing a product, you need to carefully evaluate the skin - if it has cracks, if it is sticky or has a strange sheen, such fruits are unsuitable for the nutrition of expectant mothers. Take the product only in stores with a good reputation, do not buy dates from hand at roadside stalls and dubious green markets.
Good fresh dates do not have signs of mold, unpleasant odor, bitter taste.
Fruits can be eaten as a separate delicacy, or can be used in cooking, for example, for stuffing apples or adding to cottage cheese casserole. Some include sweet dates in combination with sour berries or fruits in the composition of the compote, while not putting sugar in the dish, since the fruits of the date palm generously share it with the more sour "neighbors" in the culinary community.
For more information on why pregnant women need to eat dates, see the next video.
Every expectant mother takes care of her diet, because what and how much she eats depends on the development of her unborn child and her state of health. In addition, many pregnant women are very serious about their weight, trying not to gain extra pounds. Increasingly, preference is given to natural products, they replace many harmful analogues. And dates are one of those foods.
Benefits of dates for pregnant women
Of course, dates are a very useful product. They contain ascorbic and folic acids, beto-carotene, group B, many macronutrients.
- The fruits of the date palm quickly saturate, prepare the uterus for childbirth (it is for this reason that dates are not recommended in the early stages),
- increase immunity,
- strengthen the bones
- maintain hemoglobin levels
- have a laxative effect (for this reason, dates are useful for problems with the gastrointestinal tract, which so often torment pregnant women),
- remove excess water from the body (which is especially important in the last trimester).
The harm of dates for a pregnant woman
In spite of vegetable origin, dates have a high calorie content, so overweight women are not advised to get involved in them.
Do not forget about the large proportion of sugar in fruits - it is better for those suffering from diabetes to exclude this product from the diet.
What dates to choose during pregnancy?
In order for dates to be beneficial, you need to be able to choose them. These fruits are sold mainly in dried form. If you see that they are unevenly colored, have a peeling skin, are covered with cracks, you should not take them - there will be no benefit from such a product.
Good dates always have a uniform color, do not stick to hands, and are quite soft. This product should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and rinsed before use.
How many dates can you eat per day?
The consumption rate of dates for an adult is 5-6 pieces per day.
In the first three months of pregnancy, due to the stimulation of the production of oxytocin, it is recommended to avoid the use of these fruits as much as possible (this is due to uterine contractions).
In the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, with its normal course, the number of dates can be increased to 10 per day.
At right choice and the absence of contraindications, as well as moderate consumption of dates - a very useful product for the expectant mother and her child.
Useful video
Dates are not only a delicious oriental delicacy, but also very healthy fruits which are rich in unique nutrients. That is why in many countries dates are the main element of the diet, and their delicate and sweet taste leaves neither children nor adults indifferent.
It should be noted that every year scientists discover more and more new features of dates and came to the conclusion that this fruit is not only tasty, but also very useful, as it has medicinal properties for a wide range of diseases and ailments. Dates are especially indicated during pregnancy and to facilitate childbirth. Why? We'll go into more detail in today's post.
Can dates be taken during pregnancy?
It is no secret that pregnant women are very attentive to their diet and use various exotic fruits with extreme caution so as not to harm the health of the unborn baby. However, according to doctors, expectant mothers should not have any doubts about dates. Doctors recommend using these sweet fruits during pregnancy and before childbirth. The fact is that dates contain a lot of useful substances that are simply necessary for the development of an unborn baby. For example, dates contain phosphorus and calcium, which is building material for the bones of the future crumbs. Moreover, you can also make up for the potassium deficiency in the body of a pregnant woman by simply eating a few delicious dates a day.
Dates help maintain the water balance in a woman's body, and due to the high content of fructose, they give strength that is needed during childbirth. We also note that the fructose contained in dates accelerates the process of milk production in the mammary glands, which is very important for every woman who is expecting a baby.
And finally, dates eaten before childbirth are able to increase labor activity by increasing uterine contraction, which significantly reduces the duration of labor. Well, in more detail about the beneficial properties of dates, we will tell further.
The benefits and harms of dates during early and late pregnancy
We have already found out that doctors unanimously confirm the benefits of dates during pregnancy, but we will tell you in more detail why this fruit has earned such a high rating.
Let's start with the fact that dates contain about 65% sugar, which is simply necessary to give strength before childbirth. Moreover, fructose triggers a number of chemical reactions in the body of a woman in labor, which contributes to the production of milk, which is necessary for the baby from the first minutes of life.
It is no secret that during childbirth a woman loses a significant amount of blood, which, in turn, causes a decrease in blood sugar levels. So, dates do an excellent job with this problem and help to fill the deficiency of sugar in order to prevent a decrease in pressure. Also, the high nutritional value of dates allows you to quickly restore energy.
It will be useful for expectant mothers to know that dates contain a unique substance - oxytocin, which speeds up the process of childbirth. Oxytocin is a hormone produced by the back of the pituitary gland in the brain that causes labor pains. That is why oxytocin plays an important role in the body of a pregnant woman. Note also that the effect of oxytocin is manifested in muscle cells and in the uterus. After all, everyone knows that for the successful passage of the process of childbirth, proper contraction of the muscles of the uterus is necessary. So, oxytocin, just helps to increase the contraction of the muscles of the uterus. And after the end of childbirth, this hormone continues its work, but already stimulating the production of milk by the mammary glands. Recall that such a unique fruit as a date contains a large number of oxytocin.
It is also important to note that dates contain an important vitamin that is involved in the process of creating new blood cells. During pregnancy, the body's daily requirement for folic acid increases, and regular consumption of dates provides a sufficient amount of this vitamin in the body of the expectant mother.
During pregnancy, many women suffer from toxicosis, as a result of which the need for potassium increases. We have already mentioned that dates are rich in potassium, so you can use them during pregnancy as a cure for nausea. Potassium helps the body deliver oxygen to the brain, removes waste and toxins from the intestines, and prevents high blood pressure.
Iron, which is also found in dates, controls the synthesis of hemoglobin in the blood, which is also very important for the normal development of the fetus in the womb. Eating only 15 dates a day will fill the body's necessary daily need for iron and relieve many of the ailments that appear due to a deficiency of this element.
Calcium and phosphate contained in dates are important elements for the formation of a healthy skeleton of an unborn baby. And the high content of B vitamins and magnesium in dates will help expectant mother feel calm, as these vitamins strengthen the nervous system. Thus, instead of buying a Magne B6 pack, you just need to eat a few dates every day.
During pregnancy, women are also shown to additionally consume vitamin A, which boosts immunity, has a beneficial effect on vision and promotes dental health. Dates also contain beta-carotene, so it would be more appropriate to use natural product rather than buying expensive vitamins.
And finally, dates contain a significant amount of protein, which, as a rule, is almost absent in fruits. This feature of dates makes them simply a unique product that is beneficial to health, especially during pregnancy.
As for contraindications, dates should not be consumed only by patients with diabetes and indigestion. Otherwise, dates are very useful product, so you can safely include them in your daily diet, especially if you are expecting a baby.
Date recipes:
And finally, we present you a few simple recipes dishes with dates that you and your household will definitely like.
- nutritious date cocktail
Cooking: take some dates, wash them well and pour boiling milk over them. Let the drink brew and drink warm. This drink is especially useful for nausea.
- fruit snack with dates
Cooking: Peel a large orange, cut it into slices lengthwise and arrange on a plate. Finely chop a few dates and place on top of each orange slice. Also put some crushed ginger in syrup on top. Ginger relieves nausea with toxicosis well and will add piquancy to an orange.
Note that in Arab countries, the consumption of dates is often combined with milk, yogurt or bread, as well as butter and fish. This combination undoubtedly provides a delicious nutritious meal that is healthy for both mother and unborn baby.
Eat dates and be healthy!
Specially for Ira Romaniy
The fruits of the date palm are considered a storehouse of vitamins and minerals and a highly valuable food product. But since a woman in an “interesting position” can not consume all foods, even very useful ones, she needs to know the list of those that are undesirable or forbidden to eat, and those that can be eaten without restrictions. Which of these lists includes a date, we propose to figure it out together.
As a rule, they are consumed in the form of dried fruits. Their man began to eat in ancient times, at the same time he was convinced of their useful properties. Mentions of these fruits can be found in the Bible and the Koran. The date deserved such attention due to its valuable chemical composition, nutritional value and calorie content. 
It includes,, mono- and disaccharides,.
The nutritional value 100 g of dates looks like this:
- - 2.5 g (3.3% of the daily requirement);
- fats - 0.5 g (0.8%);
- - 69.2 g (32.8%);
- dietary fiber - 6 g (30%).
Rich chemical composition is beneficial for human body, including for pregnant women.
Did you know?When using 1 date and 1 glass of milk, a person saturates the body with the entire complex of amino acids needed per day.
In the early stages
In the 1st trimester, a woman especially needs to monitor her health and nutrition, since it is at this time that the laying of the vital organs and systems of the baby takes place, as well as the formation of the placenta.
During this period, it is especially important for pregnant women such beneficial features dried dates:
Important! Dates can only be beneficial if consumed in moderation. The recommended daily allowance for a pregnant woman is 2-3 fetuses.
In the second trimester
In the 2nd trimester, one of the most important beneficial effects of dates is the saturation of the body of a pregnant woman with iron. Since this element is necessary to supply cells with oxygen, this helps prevent oxygen starvation of the fetus and insufficient nutrition of the placenta.
Still relevant during this period are such actions of dried fruit as strengthening the immune system, replenishing the deficiency of vitamins and minerals, saturation with protein and amino acids.
At a later date
In the 3rd trimester, dates can bring a lot of benefits. Firstly, not so long ago, experts discovered that this dried fruit is able to activate the production of oxytocin, a hormone that is produced shortly before the onset of labor and is responsible for uterine contractions, and also affects the lactation process. 
Gynecologists often advise women to eat dates in the later stages so that the birth goes well and the body tunes in to successful lactation.
Secondly, some pregnant women in the later stages may experience an increase blood pressure. Dates are able to normalize it.
Thirdly, dried fruits help to remove excess fluid from the body. And this is necessary for those women who are diagnosed with preeclampsia with edema and poor fluid outflow.
Did you know? Branches of the date palm since ancient times have a symbolic meaning for different peoples. Thus, the inhabitants of Asia Minor used them in funeral rites as a symbol of longevity. AT Ancient Greece and Rome, it was a symbol of victory - the winners of the Olympic Games received a branch along with an olive wreath. For Christians, it is a symbol of martyrdom.
Contraindications and precautions
Like any product, dates can bring both benefits and harm to the body of a pregnant woman. 
Absolute contraindications to the use of these fruits are:
- diabetes mellitus and sugar intolerance;
- obesity;
- diseases of the digestive system (including stomach ulcers, gastritis);
- individual intolerance to the product;
- the presence of allergies;
- bronchial asthma;
- pathology of the kidneys and urinary system.
When buying, you should pay attention to such factors:
- The fruits must be ripe and evenly colored.
- They must be free of mold.
- They should be moderately hard and sticky.
- The seller must be trustworthy.
Important! If at the time of purchase there is no information in what conditions the dates were dried and stored, they should be doused with boiling water before use, in order to avoid microbes entering the body.
How to choose the right dates: videoMethods of use
Dried dates can be eaten as a dessert with
Thus, dates are valuable food product, which is very important to enter into the menu during pregnancy. Date palm fruits can harm only people who have certain health problems. For the body of a healthy pregnant woman, they will be very useful. The use of these dried fruits is allowed at any time. 