During pregnancy, a global restructuring takes place in a woman's life: the everyday way of life, routine, and, of course, taste preferences change. Being in an interesting position, the expectant mother often feels like eating sour or salty foods. One of the most popular and at the same time incredibly healthy fruits, for which pregnant women experience an inexplicable craving, are apples.
The benefits of apples during pregnancy
Apples have long been considered an extremely valuable source of all kinds of useful substances. Their constituent components are organic as well as fruit acids, which strengthen the walls of blood vessels, a lot of different groups of vitamins, tannins. Also in the composition of apples, such trace elements necessary for the full functioning of the body as potassium, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, manganese, iron and sulfur are noted.
Thanks to the fiber contained in apples, the consumption of this fruit improves metabolism. Pectins, which are also an integral component of apples, take an active part in cleansing the body of toxins and toxins present in it.
For expectant mothers, apples during pregnancy are a wonderful product that provides the body with a lot of useful substances and helps prevent a weakening of the immune system. Apples are low-calorie, since they are almost 90% water, and therefore, by consuming fruits, a woman will not have to worry about additional weight gain.
Features of eating apples
Despite the fact that apples during pregnancy are of great benefit to the body, you should not excessively include them in your diet. Experienced gynecologists say that the most optimal amount is 4 small-sized apples per day.
It is very important for pregnant women to know that apple peel (especially autumn and winter varieties of apples) can cause colic and bloating, and therefore it is highly recommended to peel it off.
It is necessary to consume apples during pregnancy approximately 30 minutes before the upcoming meal, since on a full stomach they will do more harm than good (they can linger in the stomach, causing bloating and pain). Moreover, the long digestion of apples, which occurs if a woman ate them at the end of a meal, deprives the fruit of its beneficial properties.
Not only fresh apples during pregnancy, but also baked ones are of great benefit. Their use favorably affects the work of the intestines, which allows you to get rid of such an urgent problem when carrying a baby as constipation. retain a huge amount of vitamins, minerals and fruit acids contained in fresh apples. The only exception here is vitamin C.
Rules for choosing apples
There are a huge number of varieties. But if you do not go into horticultural subtleties, then you can simply divide apples into red, yellow and green. According to experts, it is green apples that are most useful during pregnancy, since they contain the most trace elements, vitamins and other important substances. Green apples, compared to yellow or red ones, are extraordinarily rich in iron.
Precautionary measures
Allergy-prone women who are in an interesting position should not abuse red apples, as they can cause allergic reactions. Pregnant women suffering from diseases of the cardiovascular system should refuse to include them in their diet. If the expectant mother suffers from gastritis or duodenal ulcer, then all apples during pregnancy, despite their great benefits, are under the strictest ban, and use them categorically forbidden.
Apple seeds should also be eaten with extreme caution. As already noted, they contain a large amount of iodine, as well as hydrocyanic acid, a substance that is a strong poison for the body in significant volumes. Therefore, you should not eat more than 4 apple seeds per day.
Sugar, as well as fruit acids, can have a negative effect on tooth enamel. In order to minimize the likelihood of such consequences, it is recommended to rinse your mouth every time after eating apples.
Apple juice in the diet of a pregnant woman
It also represents a huge benefit for a pregnant woman. It is very important to make such a drink yourself, as industrial juices contain various preservatives and artificial additives.
You can drink an apple drink twice a day, 200 ml each. This will be quite enough to enrich the body with the mass of useful substances contained in a fresh apple. Juice extracted from apple fruits improves the motor activity of the unborn baby, which, in turn, develops its muscular and cardiovascular systems.
Research has proven the fact that the babies of those mothers who often included apples in their diet during pregnancy are much less likely to suffer from ailments such as allergies or bronchial asthma. Such a beneficial effect of apples is associated with antioxidants, which are so rich in these fruits.
Thus, the answer to the question of whether apples are possible during pregnancy is obvious. These fruits are extremely important both for the woman herself and for the tiny person in her womb. And therefore, many future mothers say: "During pregnancy, I eat apples every day, because they are very tasty, healthy, and besides, they are low in calories."
Apples- the closest and dearest fruit to us. Even small children know about its benefits, let alone a woman expecting a baby.
Benefit and harm
additionally Probably, it will be difficult to find a person who would speak negatively about an apple. Its benefits are obvious, and it's hard to argue with that.
- Apples - natural source of iron, which is so necessary for pregnant women for the synthesis of hemoglobin.
- Apple pulp and peel contains a huge amount of pectin and coarse fibers, contributing to the normal functioning of the intestines and its emptying, which is very important in the fight against.
- Great value lies in the seeds. They have a lot iodine. However, they also contain hydrocyanic acid, which is a poison in large quantities. To obtain a daily dose of iodine and without harm to your own health, you can eat up to 5 grains per day.
- Vitamin C apples contain 2 times more than oranges, indicating that it is good for immunity.
- It is 87% water and is low-calorie product, which can be used on fasting days. Pregnant women with pathological weight gain are advised to do such days once a week.
- The presence of a large amount of pectin turns it into food with a low glycemic index. This means that the sugar level after eating an apple rises very slowly, which provides you with a feeling of fullness for a long time.
- Apple is useful for strengthening eyesight, skin, hair and nails.
- It has been scientifically proven that daily consumption of one apple by a future mother will protect her baby from the development of bronchial asthma.
And yet, in order to get the maximum benefit from apples and not suffer from this fruit, you need to remember a few basic points:
- Color. Pregnant women who are prone to allergies should choose varieties of apples that have a predominantly green skin color.
- Taste. Sweet varieties of apples quickly increase blood sugar levels, cause fermentation and gas formation in the intestines. It is better to give preference to apples with sourness.
- Production. Local apples grown in neighboring orchards have a clear advantage in quality and naturalness over imported fruits.
- Purity. Before eating an apple, we strongly recommend that you wash the product thoroughly, otherwise you may be at risk of indigestion caused by an intestinal infection.
Conclusion
Apples keep well all year round. And in winter, when the choice of healthy plant foods is small, they become number one among fruits and vegetables that can make up for the lack of natural vitamins, minerals and pectins.
It's no secret that a woman's taste habits change during pregnancy. Therefore, it is not at all surprising that many expectant mothers are drawn to "sour and salty." Pickled cucumbers are always held in high esteem by pregnant women, although they are not recommended to be consumed in large quantities. But as sour foods, many pregnant women prefer apples. And those varieties that are sour. How useful are apples during pregnancy is a question that interests many. So let's look at this issue in more detail.
Benefits of apples during pregnancy
Many people know that apples are a very healthy fruit. Indeed, apples contain: fruit and organic acids, tannins, vitamins and fiber, as well as pectins.
Organic and fruit acids strengthen the walls of blood vessels, manganese, phosphorus, magnesium, sulfur, potassium and iron are essential elements that help our body to function normally. Fiber contributes to normal metabolism, and pectins - remove toxins from the body. Moreover, the use of apples contributes to the active secretion of gastric juice, so it is recommended to eat them 20 minutes before a meal. But baked fruits improve intestinal motility and relieve constipation. Note that baked apples are a delicious dietary product, which is very important during pregnancy, as it is easy to gain in an interesting position.
It is also important to note the fact that apple seeds contain iodine, so they are also recommended to be consumed. The daily norm of iodine is contained in only 7 apple seeds.
The use of apples allows pregnant women to prevent attacks of bronchial asthma and allergies, to provide their body with all the necessary microelements, making up for the lack even in winter.
How to use apples for pregnant women?
Let's start with the fact that apples should not be carried away, no matter how much benefit they bring to our body. In everything you need to observe the measure and listen to your reactions and well-being. You won’t be full of apples alone, therefore, no matter how sick you are from other products, you still have to eat. The optimal number of apples for pregnant women is 4 small fruits per day. At the same time, do not forget that in addition to apples, there are many other healthy seasonal fruits.
Fruits should be consumed half an hour before meals, because on a full stomach, they will not bring the benefits that we expect. The fact is that fruits quickly pass through the stomach and linger only in the intestines. And if you eat them right after dinner, then they will have to “wait their turn” for quite a long time. Moreover, under the influence of enzymes, which are also in the stomach, fruits begin to ferment, losing all their useful qualities.
How to choose the right apples?
We all know that apples are red, yellow and green. At the same time, apples of green varieties, which contain the largest amount of vitamins, are considered the most useful. Green apples also contain more iron than other varieties and are less likely to cause allergies.
The only thing that expectant mothers should take into account is to peel off the skin from apples. The fact is that the peel of apples can provoke colic and bloating, especially if it is not the peel of summer apples.
If the expectant mother has problems with the digestive tract, then it is best to eat baked apples. There is no vitamin C in baked apples, but fruit acids and other vitamins are preserved.
And finally, do not forget that freshly squeezed apple juice also contains a maximum of vitamins and minerals, so fork out for a good juicer and drink delicious juice for health.
But it is better to refuse store-bought juices, since concentrated drinks will not benefit either you or your unborn baby.
Take care of yourself and be healthy!
Especially for Ira Romaniy
The birth of a new life requires a scrupulous approach from the expectant mother to compiling her daily diet. But in order to saturate the body with the necessary vitamins and minerals, you do not need to chase exotic fruits. They may well replace ordinary apples. How useful are these fruits for pregnant women, can they harm, are there any restrictions on their use, and what varieties are preferred - all this is described below.
Why do you crave apples during pregnancy?
The gastronomic addictions of women who are preparing for motherhood are very surprising and sometimes inexplicable. 
From a medical point of view, craving for a product can occur against the background of hormonal changes that occur in the body with the onset of pregnancy. Often, already in the early stages of intrauterine development of the fetus, the mother wants salty and sour dishes. A favorite snack for most are green apples with sourness.
Did you know? The longest-lived apple tree was planted by the American Peter Stuyvesant near New York more than 380 years ago. It is characteristic that the tree still bears fruit.
Many experts consider this physiological need to be absolutely normal, motivating it by the fact that the body itself dictates what substance it lacks now. It's no secret that apples are a source of many vitamins and minerals, so their regular consumption is very beneficial for the health of the future baby and mother. 
However, do not forget about the sense of proportion, as well as the individual characteristics of your body.
It has been proven that at the beginning of the development of the embryo in the female body, the secretory functions of the digestive tract organs decrease; the less actively secreted gastric juice and various enzymes, the more often there are attacks of nausea, loss of appetite.
It is sour food that helps to cope with this discomfort, since it stimulates the production of gastric juice and increases enzymatic activity - thus, the intestines of a pregnant woman begin to better digest food and more intensively absorb useful nutrients from it.
It is characteristic that the acute need for sour is fixed at a subconscious level, and most women do not even notice it.
Benefit and harm
It is pointless to refuse native fruits in favor of exotic overseas ones. On the contrary, doctors recommend that all expectant mothers eat several apples a day. After all, this is a real storehouse of “building materials” valuable for the embryo. 
Their benefit lies in the rich chemical composition:
- malic and citric acids present in the pulp help strengthen the walls of the blood arteries, eliminate swelling and have a diuretic effect;
- pectins are characterized by cleansing properties, helping to remove toxins and accumulated toxins from the body;
- a set of vitamins (B, C, PP, A) has a beneficial effect on the functioning of internal organs and is actively involved in internal biological processes;
- minerals (potassium, sodium, iodine, phosphorus, sulfur, zinc, chromium, selenium) ensure the full functioning of the cardiovascular system, gastrointestinal tract, thyroid gland, liver and kidneys;
- with a complex relationship of apple components, there is an improvement in the condition of the skin, hair and nails, as well as strengthening the immune system;
- organic acids and fiber stimulate the digestive organs, enzymatic activity and increase vitality;
- iron controls the level of hemoglobin in the blood, preventing anemia;
- magnesium, in addition to a beneficial effect on the functioning of the cardiovascular system, stimulates a decrease in the tone of the uterus;
- calcium acts as an active building material for the skeletal system of the unborn baby (it is very relevant in the first trimester of pregnancy).
Important! In the stomach, fruits stimulate the production of hydrochloric acid, which helps prepare the digestive tract for further meals. Therefore, such snacks are categorically not recommended before bedtime.
Nutritionists note that in potential mothers who regularly consume apples, intestinal motility increases and the gallbladder is activated.
fresh apples
In this form, fruits contain the maximum amount of nutrients and are considered the most useful. 
Moderate consumption of fresh apples:
- contributes to the proper formation of the embryo;
- nourishes the mother's body with essential vitamins and minerals;
- prevents spontaneous rejection of the embryo;
- helps to cope with nausea and toxicosis;
- prevents bleeding;
- beneficial effect on the nervous system.
Even apple grains have benefits, since they contain the maximum amount of iodine. In order for the body to receive the daily norm of this, it is enough to eat 7 seeds.
Fresh apples can and should be consumed throughout pregnancy, especially in winter, when the choice of greens and fruits is small. 
In the first weeks of the birth of a new life, this product will serve as the most important building material for the unborn baby, and in the later stages it will be useful for the mother in case of constipation, as well as if it is necessary to cleanse the intestines.
Did you know? About 7500 varieties are cultivated in the worldapples. The leadership in the production and export of these fruits has been held by China and the United States of America for many years.
Red
Red-sided juicy fruits contain easily digestible forms of iron, pectins and vitamins. 
They improve the blood formula and control the level of hemoglobin, which is why they are shown to pregnant women as an effective remedy for anemia.
Green
They are considered the most useful and, in comparison with other color varieties of their brethren, are distinguished by their ability to break down heavy food. Due to the lack of pigment, green fruits are not capable of causing an allergic reaction, but have a more sour taste. 
According to experts, such food should be present in the menu of the expectant mother from the very beginning of pregnancy, because it helps to cope with nausea and internal discomfort.
If the addiction to sour green apples has not passed even after bouts of toxicosis, you should not deny yourself them - this may be a signal of the active beginning of the formation of the children's skeleton, for which apple nutrients are very necessary. Often the craving for sour decreases in the 2nd trimester of pregnancy, when the formation of the internal organs and systems of the child occurs.
Dried
For those with a sweet tooth who are expecting a baby in the near future, this is a real find. Dried fruits saturate the body with nutrients and vitality, satisfying hunger for a long time. With the regular use of such food, pregnant women manage to avoid dysfunction of the digestive tract. 
On the contrary, in women:
- the correct mode of eating is established;
- metabolic processes are normalized;
- improves the condition of the skin and hair.
Important! Sharp changes in the diet at an early stage of the 1st trimester of pregnancy are strongly not recommended. During this period, when all organs are laid and the tissue membranes of the unborn baby are formed, the mother's body needs lean meat, dairy products, fish, fresh or frozen vegetables and fruits.
However, excessive passion for dried apples can result in:
- bloating;
- signs of flatulence;
- colic;
- a set of excess weight;
- caries (because it contains glucose and fructose);
- an increase in blood sugar levels;
- poisoning, which is manifested by a severe headache, nausea, cough, suffocation and pulmonary edema (applies only to purchased products that were treated with sulfur dioxide during the manufacturing process).
They are often called "fruits of health" and are classified as dietary products. 
In this form, the fruits retain their nutritional components, vitamins and minerals. And due to their soft structure, they have a very beneficial effect on the digestive organs, facilitate the movement of food eaten and have a slight laxative effect. That is why baked apples are recommended in the 3rd trimester of pregnancy.
In addition, they:
- help to normalize blood pressure;
- strengthen the walls of blood vessels;
- reduce the risk of tumors;
- cleanse the body.
Important! Please note that people with low acidity of the stomach are shown sour apples, and with increased, on the contrary, sweet fruits will be appropriate.
On the day of a pregnant woman, 1-3 fruits are enough. This portion will improve health and appearance, as well as prevent obesity. In addition, the folic acid and vitamins present in the baked fruits will ensure the proper development of the nervous system for the baby.
Of all types of apples, baked ones are much more digestible, so it is very easy to lose control over the amount of treats eaten. 
It should be noted that in cases of systematic excess of the recommended portions, there are high risks of exacerbation of colitis (which occurs due to exposure to coarse fiber), as well as disruption of the digestive tract.
Precautionary measures
Despite the long list of useful properties of any kind of apples, not everyone is allowed to use them. Women who are expecting the birth of a baby should also take into account the characteristics of their body and the timing of intrauterine development of the embryo.
To prevent undesirable consequences, experts advise:
- Eat homemade fruits, avoiding imported ones, which have been repeatedly treated with harmful chemicals during the harvesting process.
- Completely abandon dried, fresh and even baked apples for various diseases of the digestive tract (ulcers, gastritis, pancreatitis). The prohibition is associated with the properties of the fruit to stimulate the synthesis of hydrochloric acid and the production of gastric juice, which can subsequently cause exacerbation of ailments.
- If the onset of pregnancy is accompanied by frequent attacks of toxicosis, it is better to refuse fresh fruits and apple juice in the first 3 months of embryo formation. This is due to the fact that an excess amount of hydrochloric acid in the mother's stomach only increases nausea and discomfort.
- In no case do not overdo it with eating apple grains, because among their components, in addition to valuable iodine, there is also toxic amygdalin. Its excess can cause severe poisoning and even death.
Methods of use
Due to their prevalence and the possibility of long-term storage, apples are especially popular. 
However, the expectant mother will be able to get the maximum benefit from them for herself and the baby only if certain rules are observed:
- In the absence of contraindications and severe toxicosis, it is recommended to eat fresh fruits every day from the very beginning of pregnancy, 1-2 pieces.
- Dried and baked apples are more suitable for women suffering from diseases of the digestive tract. These products are recommended as diet food for gastritis, pancreatitis, ulcers. To improve the taste, you can bake apples with cottage cheese, as well as in honey caramel. In addition, baked fruits are suitable for those whose pregnancy is accompanied by severe toxicosis.
- Fresh juice from apples is best introduced into the diet, starting from the 7th month of fetal development. The drink will quench your thirst, saturate the body with useful components and eliminate puffiness. According to experts, it is advisable to take apple drink in the morning.
- If you want something new, you can cook the well-known Charlotte pie, marshmallows, marshmallow, jam, compote, salad, sauce and many other healthy dishes from fresh fruits. The main thing is not to overdo it with the addition of spices that can cause allergies.
Did you know? In pregnant women, the sense of smell is aggravated by 11 times.
Unloading day on apples during pregnancy
The easiest way to help your body overcome the double load during the period of bearing a baby is an apple fasting day. It consists in limiting food to these fruits alone. For a day they will need about 1.5 kg. It is best to consume the product in small portions throughout the day. Food can be washed down with fresh water or green tea without sugar. 
There are times when a pregnant woman cannot survive on apples alone. Then it is recommended to introduce a small portion of kefir and cottage cheese into her diet.
Regardless of the gestational age, it is very useful to arrange such fasting days every 2 weeks. The only conditions for this are:
- good health;
- lack of toxicosis;
- the absence of infectious and colds (otherwise, you need to wait for a full recovery).
Important! P the nutritional diet of pregnant women should be 300 kcal / day higher than before pregnancy, but in the 1st trimester there is no need to increase its energy value; in the 2nd, an additional 340 kcal / day is required; in third- 452 kcal/day.
If you have even the slightest doubt about the appropriateness of food restriction and an apple diet, be sure to consult your doctor on this topic. 
As you can see, a moderate amount of apples can bring considerable benefits. This beneficial effect is very important for women who are preparing for motherhood, especially if you know how to consume apples with maximum benefits for the body.
Salty or an apple can make the expectant mother have an irresistible desire to try them. However, it should be remembered that everything is good in moderation, so the use of large quantities of the same product can adversely affect well-being.
Beneficial features
In addition to the exceptional taste of an apple, it has useful and medicinal properties. Being familiar to our climatic zone, the fruit is widespread throughout the area and will be useful for. Note that it contains more vitamin B2 than any other. It is also rich in such components as vitamins, B1, P, manganese, potassium, organic acids, carotene, pectins. Some varieties of apple trees can contain up to 15% sugars, up to 0.6 fiber, up to 0.8 starch, up to 0.27 pectin, up to 0.89 organic acids.
Did you know? 70% pectin is extracted from citrus fruits, 30% from apple fruits. His food supplement code is E440.
Most of the nutrients are found in fruit peel. It contains flavonoids, which are plant substances that, when ingested, affect enzymatic activity. Apple seeds contain up to 15% oil, and its leaves are rich in vitamin C.
Because apples normalize the activity of the gastrointestinal tract, when they can be used for prevention and with increased appetite, as well as on an empty stomach to prevent morning sickness and. 
Don't forget to measure
Many fruits contain large amounts of acids, and the apple is no exception. Any of its varieties will be useful, including green ones. Eating them at the time prevents the onset of asthma and. You should consult your doctor about whether it is possible to eat apples in large quantities. He, most likely, will answer that in everything it is necessary to observe the measure.
Did you know? Scientists have proven that eating apples daily can prevent the destruction of brain cells that lead to memory loss.
It should be remembered that the acid, which is a constituent component of the fruit, can cause irritation of the mucous membrane in a woman. This can lead to flatulence and. Answering the question of how many apples you can eat, we note that their number should not exceed 4 fruits per day.
It is advisable to consume any fruit half an hour before eating, this is due to the fermentation that can occur if you eat them on a full stomach. In addition, they contribute to the secretion of gastric juice, which increases appetite. 
Contraindications and harm
If a pregnant woman suffers from, then she should not lean on fruits with a pronounced red color, so as not to cause an appropriate reaction of the body. Sweet varieties of this fruit are contraindicated for those who suffer from diseases of cardio-vascular system. And for those who have stomach diseases, apples are categorically contraindicated.
Important! Apple seeds contain hydrocyanic acid, which, when ingested, turns into poison and blocks respiration and energy production in cells. In a volume of 60 mg, it provokes suffocation.
It should be noted that it is not recommended to eat more than 4 apple seeds per day during pregnancy. Note that regular consumption of apples can damage tooth enamel. For gestation, you should consult with your doctor and clarify if you have any contraindications to eating this fruit.
Selection and purchase rules
Among the variety of varieties of apples, you should choose those that have wormholes. This suggests that the apple has a lot of useful substances and there are no GMOs. If the choice fell on a beautiful fruit that looks like papier-mâché, then before use, you need to soak it in sweetened water for several hours. 
The surest way to eat quality apples is growing fruit trees in your garden. Thus, you will be sure that they will not bear harmful fruits. If this is not possible, then when buying this fruit on the market, you should pay attention to the packaging of products and the appearance of the fruit.
Did you know? October 16, 1976 in Rochester was cut off the longest apple peel - 52 meters.
It should be noted that the smell of an apple should be appropriate, because the missing smell indicates the futility of the fruit. Do not eat fruit smeared with wax, as this can cause allergies.
If you are prone to allergic manifestations, then you should choose green apples, varieties such as Delicious, Golden, Semerenko are suitable for this.
Fruit storage at home
For winter storage, appropriate varieties with a thick skin and a natural coating are suitable. They can keep their freshness for 6-9 months. The warmer the season, the less time you can store the fruit. Do not move apples to a room with a large temperature difference, the fruit will wrinkle and lose its taste. 
If you live in a house, then you probably have basement. This will be the best place for storage. And if your housing is in an apartment, then you can leave fruit on balcony. However, it should be remembered that in frosty weather, fruits can deteriorate.
Important! The optimal temperature range for storing apples is from -2 °C to +5 °C.
Fruit can be packaged in a variety of ways. So, for long-term storage, it is advisable to keep them in a cardboard box, on a rack, in a wooden or cardboard container. To extend the time, you can wrap each fruit in paper. 
In addition, you can use apple cider vinegar in your kitchen. In addition to its useful properties as a salad dressing, it has a healing effect in wound healing. It can also help get rid of freckles and age spots. 
An apple is a very useful fruit for both a pregnant woman and her unborn child. It contains many useful elements that saturate the body with vitamins. You can eat these fruits fresh, as well as soaked or baked.
You can also use an apple as an additive to salads and other dishes, and if you have the necessary equipment, prepare apple juice and combine it with pumpkin or. This will be a beneficial combination for a woman during late pregnancy.
