Plum has been long used as a natural remedy for energy and a cure for hangover in Japan. However, did you know that they can be just as beneficial for pregnant women as well? During the time of pregnancy, women have more specific nutritional needs as they are not only consuming for themselves, but also for their growing baby.
Moreover, the tart plum flavour can also be great for those who are craving sour foods, as well as soothing for those who have morning sickness and digestion issues.
Let’s take a further look at why plums are great for pregnant women.
Things Pregnant Women Should Take Note Of
During pregnancy, women have to pay more attention in terms of nutritional intake, vitamins and lifestyle habits that may affect their growing fetus.
Some of these are:
Nutritional Deficiencies
Blood tests may reveal that the pregnant woman is deficient in a specific vitamin or mineral. Being able to correct these deficiencies is critical, as they may be linked to birth defects.
Hyperemesis Gravidarum
A pregnancy complication that is characterised by severe nausea, vomiting, weight loss, and possibly dehydration.This severe morning sickness can occur between weeks 4 and 5, and lead to weight loss and nutrient deficiencies.
Poor Nutrition
Women who have a low intake of food or a diet that’s low in nutrients may need to take vitamin and mineral supplements to avoid deficiencies.
Multiple Pregnancies
Women who are carrying more than one baby require more nutritional needs than others. Supplementation is sometimes necessary to provide optimal nutrition for both the mother and her babies.
Smoking
Pregnant women should avoid smoking cigarettes during their pregnancy. Those that continue will likely have an increased need for vitamin C and folate.
Genetic Mutations
Genetic mutations like methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) convert folate into nutrients that the body can use. Women with this mutation may need extra folate supplementation to avoid complications.
Benefits of Plums for Pregnant Women
Since pregnant women have more nutritional needs, plums can be a great additional source of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
Calcium
Calcium is one of the essential minerals for strong bones and teeth, and to help circulatory, muscular and nervous systems function properly.
Most pregnant women need about 1000 milligrams per day.
Plums contain a high amount of citric acid that can also increase the absorption of calcium and iron into the body, which is most beneficial for pregnant women and their foetus.
Morning Sickness
Plums have also been used as a ‘cure’ for hangovers, but they can also be helpful for morning sickness. Plums contain catechin acid which kills germs in the intestines, speeds up intestinal peristalsis and acts as a laxative. They can also be soothing for stomach upset, gastric ulcers and other digestive issues.
It follows that plums can also be effective against morning sickness, where pregnant women battle against vomiting and nausea. The tartness of the plums can also help to ease and soothe nausea.
Iron
As a pregnant woman, you need double the amount of iron for you and your body. Iron is required to make hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen to your tissues. When pregnant, your body would require more iron to supply oxygen to your baby.
If you don’t have enough iron, you could develop a deficiency in iron, leading you to be fatigued, increasing your risk of premature birth, giving birth to a low birth weight baby and also postpartum depression.
Improves energy
Plums also help with improving energy and vitality in your body, as they contain B vitamins and help to flush out lactic acid, which is one of the causes of physical fatigue. Consuming plums can help your body recover faster after exertion and exercise.
This can be particularly helpful for pregnant women who are carrying their fetus and need extra energy for them and the baby.
Nature’s Glory Plum Balls for Pregnant Women
What we’ve found as a suitable supplement for pregnant women is Nature’s Glory Plum Balls. A food-based supplement, it has won the Award for Best Pregnancy Supplement twice!
Nature’s Glory Plum Balls are rich in organic acids and minerals to help promote vitality, convert fat to energy, aid in digestive systems and boost immunity, and improve liver functions. Plum Balls are highly alkaline, this helps to break down lactic acid and normalize blood pH. They also help to strengthen the digestive system, neutralize toxins and even boost your immune system.
Not only are they good for overall health, but they are especially beneficial for pregnant women and growing children due to the rich source of calcium and iron. These food-based supplements are made from natural ingredients such as plum concentrate and mountain yam, with no additional chemicals or citric acid to make them sour. The Plum Balls can be taken everyday as a regular health supplement. However, if you are concerned about how it will affect your health, you can consult with your medical doctor before consuming.