Nourish Your Body And Baby With These 12 Figs Benefits For Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a remarkable and life-changing experience that brings great happiness, anticipation, and responsibility. A vital aspect of safeguarding a healthy pregnancy is sustaining a well-rounded diet filled with necessary nutrients to benefit both the mother and the developing baby.

Among nature's gifts, figs, the delicious and healthy fruit, are remarkable as a nutrient-rich powerhouse. For ages, figs have been admired for their health advantages, and their distinct nutrient composition makes them a great option for pregnant women. Let's dive into this blog to learn about the benefits of dry figs in pregnancy, if they are safe and how much to consume ideally.

Table Of Contents

1. Nutritive Value Of Figs Per 100 gm

2. 12 Dry Figs Benefits For Pregnancy

3. Are Figs Safe During Pregnancy?

4. How Many Anjeer To Eat Per Day During Pregnancy?

5. Dietitian's Recommendation

6. The Final Say

7. FAQs

8. References

Nutritive Value Of Figs Per 100gm

The nutritional value of figs per 100 gm is:

Also Read: Calcium During Pregnancy: Importance, Supplements, Food Sources And Deficiency Consequences 

12 Dry Figs Benefits For Pregnancy

Here are some notable dry figs benefits for pregnancy: 

1. Boosts Digestive Health

                          Digestion issues can be irritating. Take figs and relax!

Pregnancy hormones can slow digestion, leading to bloating and constipation. Because of their high dietary fibre content, figs assist in maintaining regular bowel motions and reduce discomfort. Additionally, fibre promotes a healthy gut microbiota, which is essential for nutrient absorption, food digestion, and immunity building.

Soaking figs in water overnight and eating them in the morning enhances their digestive benefits. By including figs in your diet, you can manage common pregnancy-related digestive issues naturally and promote overall gut health.

Also Read: How Can I Improve My Digestive System? Get The Answers With These 10 Helpful Tips!

2. Rich Source Of Iron For Preventing Anaemia

Anaemia should be banned!

During pregnancy, the body requires more iron to produce additional blood for the baby. Iron, which is necessary for producing haemoglobin and preventing anaemia, is abundant in figs. Regular consumption of figs can help reduce symptoms like fatigue, weakness, and dizziness caused by low iron levels.

Pairing figs with vitamin C-rich foods, like oranges, boosts iron absorption. This makes figs a valuable addition to your pregnancy diet to ensure healthy blood production and oxygen supply to the growing baby.

3. Supports Healthy Bone Development

                           Strong bones, healthy bones

Figs are rich in calcium, a mineral crucial for building the baby’s bones and teeth during pregnancy. They also help maintain the mother’s bone density, which can be affected due to the baby’s calcium needs. Magnesium in figs complements calcium by supporting muscle and nerve health.

Eating figs with vitamin D-rich foods enhances calcium absorption for maximum benefit. Including figs in your diet helps ensure strong and healthy skeletal development for the baby while keeping the mother’s bones strong.

4. Regulates Blood Pressure

Control your blood pressure with figs.

High blood pressure during pregnancy can result in preeclampsia and other issues. Potassium, which is abundant in figs, balances sodium levels in the body and helps control blood pressure. This reduces strain on the heart and promotes overall cardiovascular health.

The natural sweetness of figs satisfies cravings without the risks associated with high-sodium processed snacks. Including figs as part of a balanced diet helps keep blood pressure stable and supports a healthier pregnancy for both mother and baby.

5. Promotes Healthy Weight Gain

The only time women like weight gain.

Pregnancy requires healthy weight gain to support the baby’s growth. Figs are nutrient-dense and provide natural sugars, carbohydrates, and energy without adding empty calories. Their fibre content keeps you feeling full longer, preventing overeating and supporting gradual, healthy weight gain.

Additionally, the vitamins and minerals in figs contribute to overall nutrition, ensuring that weight gain benefits both the mother and baby. Snack on figs in moderation to fuel your body while maintaining a balanced pregnancy diet.

6. Helps In Fetal Development

A healthy baby is a blessing.

Figs are full of nutrients that promote fetal development. Vitamin B6 supports the baby's brain development and can reduce morning sickness in the mother. Magnesium in figs helps keep muscles operational, helping avoid preterm labour.

Zinc is another key nutrient in figs that helps promote cell growth and strengthen the immune system. Therefore, including figs in your diet will ensure that your baby receives all these vital nutrients to grow and develop. This makes figs a good food choice during pregnancy.

Also Read: Vitamin Deficiency Symptoms: Understand the Signs, Prevention & Treatment

7. Boosts Immunity

Fight it all with figs!

Pregnancy can weaken the immune system, leaving mothers more vulnerable to infections. Figs are abundant in antioxidants like polyphenols, which fight dangerous free radicals and lessen inflammation in the body. These antioxidants strengthen the immune system and promote overall health.

Additionally, figs provide vitamins and minerals that nourish the body and enhance its natural defences. Including figs in your diet helps keep infections at bay, supporting a healthier pregnancy for both the mother and the baby.

8. Prevents Gestational Diabetes

                       Diabetes is a growing issue; if you can keep it at bay, Do it!

Because of their low glycemic index, figs help avoid abrupt rises in blood sugar levels by gradually releasing sugar into the bloodstream. This makes them a great option for pregnant women at risk of gestational diabetes.

Their natural sweetness can satisfy sugar cravings without the negative effects of processed sugary foods. Including figs in a balanced diet helps manage blood sugar levels, reducing the risk of gestational diabetes and promoting a healthier pregnancy.

9. Improves Skin Health

                             No woman likes skin issues at any stage in life.

Hormonal changes during pregnancy often lead to skin problems like dryness, acne, and pigmentation. Figs are rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals that nourish the skin from within. Vitamin A and antioxidants in figs combat oxidative stress, promoting a healthy, radiant complexion.

The natural hydration and anti-inflammatory properties of figs soothe the skin, reducing redness and irritation. Consuming figs regularly can improve skin texture and glow, helping you feel confident during pregnancy.

10. Constipation Relief

                                 Another challenge of pregnancy that nobody wants. 

Constipation is a frequent problem in pregnancy caused by hormonal shifts and delayed digestion. Figs are high in dietary fibre, aiding in stool softening and encouraging regular bowel movements. To utilise figs as a treatment, immerse 2–3 dried figs in water overnight and consume them in the morning along with the water they soaked in.

This procedure improves their digestion-friendly qualities, offering natural alleviation from constipation. Eating soaked figs regularly can maintain your digestive health and alleviate discomfort during pregnancy. 

Also Read: Herbal Tea and Constipation: How They Work and 5 Easy Recipes for Better Digestion!

11. Energy Boost

                                       Need energy with all the fatigue.

Pregnancy often causes fatigue due to increased energy demands. Figs, combined with almonds and dates, make an excellent energy-boosting snack. This mix provides natural sugars, carbohydrates, and essential nutrients like magnesium and iron to combat tiredness.

For a quick and healthy energy source, simply take a few dried figs, a handful of almonds, and 2–3 dates. This nutrient-dense combination supports sustained energy throughout the day, helping you stay active and refreshed during pregnancy.

12. Relief From Morning Sickness

                        Morning sickness is crazy; if figs can help, EAT right now.

Morning sickness can make eating challenging, especially during early pregnancy. Dried figs are a natural remedy for nausea as their mild sweetness and easy-to-digest nature soothe the stomach. Snack on 2–3 dried figs to help settle your stomach when you feel nauseated.

The natural sugars in figs provide a gentle energy boost, while their fibre content aids digestion, reducing queasiness. Regularly incorporating dried figs into your diet can help manage nausea and nourish you.

Are Figs Safe During Pregnancy?

        Anything in moderation is mostly good to go; figs, for that matter, get a big YES!

Yes, figs are safe and highly beneficial during pregnancy when eaten in moderation. They are packed with essential nutrients like fibre, iron, calcium, and potassium, which support both the mother's health and the baby's development. Figs help prevent constipation, boost haemoglobin levels, and regulate blood pressure.

Due to their low glycemic index, figs' natural sugars provide energy without causing blood sugar spikes. However, overeating figs can lead to digestive discomfort or excessive calorie intake. Always wash fresh figs thoroughly to remove contaminants.

How Many Anjeer To Eat Per Day During Pregnancy?

During pregnancy, 2–3 dried figs (Anjeer) per day are typically sufficient to reap their health benefits. This portion provides essential nutrients like fibre for digestion, iron to prevent anaemia, and calcium for bone health without excessive calories or sugar. Consuming more than this can cause digestive issues, such as bloating or diarrhoea, due to their high fibre and natural sugar content.

If you're eating fresh figs instead, 3–4 medium-sized figs are a reasonable portion. Balance fig consumption with other nutrient-dense foods, and consult your healthcare provider to ensure this fits your specific dietary needs.

Dietitian's Recommendation

Figs are adaptable and can be effortlessly incorporated into your everyday dishes. Here are several tasty and useful methods to savour them: 
 

• Fresh Figs: Savor fresh figs as a snack or incorporate them into salads for an explosion of flavour and nutrition. 
• Dried Figs: Enjoy dried figs alone or combine them with nuts for an instant energy lift. 
• Fig Smoothies: Mix figs with yoghurt, bananas, and a splash of honey to create a creamy, healthy smoothie. 
• Fig Jam: Apply fig jam onto whole-grain toast for a nutritious morning meal. 
• Baked Goods: Incorporate chopped figs into muffins, bread, or pancakes for added natural sweetness and texture. 

                                                                                Dt. Akshata Gandevikar

The Final Say

Figs are a superfood full of nutrients that offer various advantages to pregnant women and their newborns. Figs help in digestion, enhance immunity, and promote healthy fetal development. Their natural sweetness, ease of preparation, and rich content of nutrients make them a nice and beneficial choice for pregnant women.

FAQs

1. Are figs good for early pregnancy?

Yes, figs are beneficial during early pregnancy as they are rich in essential nutrients like calcium, iron, and fiber, which support both maternal and fetal health. Their high antioxidant content also helps protect against oxidative stress, promoting a healthy pregnancy.

2. How to eat figs during pregnancy?

You can enjoy figs during pregnancy by consuming them fresh or dried, ideally limiting your intake to 2-3 figs per day. They can be eaten as a snack, added to smoothies, or included in salads to enhance your diet with their nutritional benefits.

3. Are dry figs good for anaemia during pregnancy?

Dry figs are beneficial for managing anaemia during pregnancy as they contain iron, a vital mineral for producing haemoglobin. Adequate haemoglobin levels ensure proper oxygen supply to the baby and prevent fatigue in the mother. Pairing figs with vitamin C-rich foods like oranges enhances iron absorption. 

4. Are dry figs good for fetal development?

Yes, dry figs are excellent for fetal development due to their rich nutrient profile. They contain essential minerals like calcium, which supports the development of the baby’s bones and teeth, and iron, crucial for forming red blood cells. Figs also provide magnesium, aiding in nerve and muscle development, and zinc, essential for cell growth. 

5. Can dry figs help manage morning sickness?

Yes, dry figs can help manage morning sickness during pregnancy. Their natural sweetness and mild flavour make them easy to eat when feeling nauseated. Figs also provide quick energy and essential nutrients like vitamin B6, which is known to reduce nausea. Eating a couple of dried figs in the morning or between meals can help soothe an unsettled stomach.
 

References

• https://www.medicinenet.com/what_are_the_benefits_of_eating_figs/article.htm
• https://valleyfig.com/blog/dried-figs-pregnancy-superfoods/?srsltid=AfmBOopu0ySn-e1flBt50Wel7MIEaTBl0wIHtEsVnzKFSn0CZ12bzlqZ
• https://parenting.firstcry.com/articles/eating-figs-anjeer-during-pregnancy-health-benefits-and-risks/
• https://www.starhealth.in/blog/benefits-of-figs/

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