Dates are rich in sugar, but they also have many micronutrients like potassium, manganese, magnesium and copper. They are also very high in antioxidants such as flavonoids, carotenoids and phenolic acid, making them healthy.
Here are some of the benefits:
1. Dates can provide instant energy
Pregnant women tend to get tired and feel weak. That’s because during pregnancy, there is 40 percent increase in load on cardiovascular system and kidneys, explains the expert. Weight gain and change of gravity along with pressure on lumbar spine leads to tiredness. So, eating dates can help to give energy.
2. Dates can help relieve constipation
High fiber content of dates can help to relieve constipation, which happens to many women during pregnancy. During pregnancy, physical activity gets reduced. Level of progesterone, which regulates periods and supports pregnancy, is very high. Nausea leads to reduced food and water intake. All this contributes to constipation, so consuming dates can be good.
3. Dates can prevent anemia
Rich in iron, dates can prevent or correct iron-deficiency anemia. In pregnancy, the blood volume expands more than red cells. Iron absorption is low, so this leads to anemia.
4. Dates can improve bone health
Micronutrients such as selenium, magnesium and manganese present in dates can help to improve bone health by reducing the chances of osteoporosis, which many women complain of.
5. Dates can decrease hair fall
Some women experience hair fall during pregnancy. Due to high iron content and their property to increase blood flow to the scalp and hair, dates can be beneficial for your hair.
Dr Jain says dates can also stimulate labour, so pregnant women can start taking dates in the ninth month or after 36 weeks that is about four weeks before their expected delivery date.