Consuming Figs (Anjeer) in Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a crucial time for any woman, and if you’re pregnant, you must take good care of yourself and eat healthy. Your pregnancy diet should include veggies, whole grains, fruits, and dry fruits. These foods are nutritious and a must-have, but then there are certain foods that may not be good for your health, which you should avoid. This could be due to various concerns such as being unsafe for pregnancy or the baby or harmful in excessive amounts. If you enjoy eating figs, it is essential to check if it is safe to eat anjeer in pregnancy. This article will give you information on whether or not it’s safe to add this fruit to your pregnancy diet.

Also Read: Eating Apple while Pregnant

Is It Safe to Eat Figs During Pregnancy?

Figs are considered to be one of the healthiest fruit as they are rich in nutrients and highly recommended to pregnant women. Having anjeer during pregnancy can help you deal with morning sickness during the early stages of pregnancy, especially in the first trimester. It can also help fulfil the nutritional requirements of your body during pregnancy.

Nutritional Value of Figs

You may have a quick look at the nutritional property per 50 grams of figs, given in a detailed list below.

• Calories – 41 Kcal
• Dietary Fiber – 2.32 g
• Vitamin B6 – 0.08 mg
• Potassium – 116 mg
• Manganese – 0.04 mg
• Copper – 0.1 mg
• Pantothenic acid – 0.13 mg
• GI – medium
• Protein – 1.01 g
• Carbohydrates – 8.14 g
• Fat – 0.19 g
• Total sugar – 4.32 g

Also Read: Eating Banana during Pregnancy

How Many Figs Can You Consume Per Day During Pregnancy?

Consuming figs during pregnancy can be beneficial for your health. That said, you must remember that you consume it in moderation as overconsumption of figs may lead to high blood sugar levels during pregnancy. Doctors usually suggest that pregnant women consume figs as a fruit and not as a medicine. You can have 1-3 figs a day at different times in the form of a snack. You can even have one during a coffee break or add it your salad. Note: Remember to consume figs in moderation; as mentioned, a maximum of 3 per day.

Benefits of Eating Fig Fruit During Pregnancy

Figs (anjeer) have numerous components that can ensure good health of a pregnant woman as well as proper nourishment of her baby. Some fig benefits for pregnancy are given below:

1. Helps Strengthen the Bones – Calcium helps in the development of bones and teeth of the foetus as well as of the mother. Figs being a rich source of calcium can help strengthen the bones of the mother during and after pregnancy, thus keeping her fit and strong for resuming daily activities.
2. May Help in Brain Development of the Foetus – Consuming figs has a commendable contribution to the development of the foetal brain. Figs are rich in omega-3 and folate, which are crucial for brain development.
3. May Help Keep Your Cravings in Control – During pregnancy, many women tend to have an increased craving for certain dishes or food in general. Such cravings may result in other serious conditions like gestational diabetes or obesity. Eating figs can help control your cravings.
4. May Lower the Risk of Anaemia – Deficiency of iron may lead to lack of oxygen supply to the foetus. Figs provide adequate iron content to the body. Figs are also rich in Vitamin c, which is known to assist in the absorption of iron in the body. Thus it may lower the risk of anaemia in pregnant women.
5. May Improve Digestion – Figs are rich in dietary fibre, which helps regulate bowel movement and prevent constipation. Moreover, the probiotics existing in fig support the good bacteria in your gut and aids in digestion.
6. May Provide Relief From Morning Sickness – The presence of Vitamin B6 is thought to be beneficial to lessen morning sickness.
7. May Help Regulate Blood Sugar Levels – Figs are a rich source of potassium, which can help in lowering blood sugar levels. Besides, it has a high amount of polyphenol antioxidants that help prevent atherosclerosis.
8. May Help Balance Cholesterol Levels – Figs possess healthy components like omega-3, omega-6 fatty acids, and phytosterol that help reduce cholesterol levels. In addition, the element pectin, present in figs also helps lower cholesterol levels in the body.
9. May Provide Glucose – Figs are sweet and are a healthy way to fulfil the need for glucose during pregnancy. 
10. Can Clear Pigmentation – Figs contain a chemical called Psoralens, which help clear skin pigmentation such as melasma.
11. Provides Relief From Acidity – As figs are alkaline in nature, they can help women deal with acid reflux, a common problem women face during pregnancy.

Also Read: Consuming Chikoo while Pregnant

Side Effects of Consuming Figs While Pregnant

Eating figs can benefit a pregnant woman immensely, but only if they are consumed in moderate amounts. Over-consumption of this fruit may lead to certain side effects during pregnancy, such as:

1. Figs are known to treat skin pigmentation caused during pregnancy. But in certain cases, if a high amount of psoralens (contained in figs) enter the body, it may cause a serious skin condition called photodermatitis.

2. Figs in a moderate quantity can help control the blood pressure. But it has an opposite effect if consumed too much. Figs, when consumed in excess, can lower blood glucose levels.

3. Allergic reactions are highly unpredictable and may be triggered at any point of time. Even in the absence of a history of allergy in mother, many times, the hormonal changes during pregnancy can trigger an allergic reaction on the consumption of figs.

Also Read: Eating Oranges while Pregnant

Can You Eat Dry Figs During Pregnancy?

The method of dehydrating fruits helps preserve the nutrients while changing the texture of the fruit. Dried figs are a convenient method of eating this fruit during pregnancy. When stored properly, they last longer and can also be added to salads or milkshakes. They are convenient to pack as well, for moms on the go. 

How You Can Select And Store Figs?

Selecting and storing figs the right way helps extend their shelf life and also keep the nutrients intact. Here are some tips on making the right choices when it comes to figs.

1. Buying Fresh Figs – Fresh figs should be clean and dry on the outside, with the skin unbroken. Gently squeeze them. They should be soft to touch but not mushy. Figs shouldn’t give out an acidic smell, as it indicates that the fruit has begun to ferment. 
2. Storing Fresh Figs – After purchasing, store fresh figs in a plastic bag in your refrigerator to increase their shelf life.
3. Freezing Fresh Figs – You can also peel and slice fresh figs, and then freeze them in a sealed container for upto a year.
4. Buying Dried Figs – When buying dried figs, the packet should be sealed tightly with no holes or tears.
5. Storing Dried Figs – Once you open the packet, transfer the dried figs to a re-sealable bag or airtight container, and store in the refrigerator.

How to Eat Figs during Pregnancy?

Whether you prefer fresh figs or eating dried figs during pregnancy, there is major scope to experiment. You can include figs in your diet in one or more of the following ways given below:

1. Fresh Fig: Eating a fresh fig is the best option. Fresh figs can also be added to a fruit salad with some fresh cream.
2. Dry Fig: Dry figs are easy to carry. You can store some dried figs along with other dry fruits in a jar and eat it when you crave for some snacks.
3. Milkshake: Add 1 fresh fig to the blender with 2 cups of milk. Add a bit of vanilla extract. Blend together all the ingredients. You will have fig milkshake ready in a matter of minutes. It’s the best way to include figs in your diet if you don’t like eating raw figs.
4. Fig Smoothie: Add ½ banana and 1-2 figs to the blender with a cup yoghurt, and 1 teaspoon of honey. Blend together, and add more milk if you prefer a thinner consistency. This is a power-packed recipe that can be included in your breakfast menu.
5. Salad: Add cut up pieces of fresh or fried figs to a salad of your choice, and enjoy the sweet and tart bites of the fruit in every bite. 

FAQs

1. Which Is Better In Pregnancy – Fig Fruit Or Dry Fig?

You can choose to eat figs in whichever form you prefer during pregnancy. However, dried figs contain more antioxidant properties. Whatever your choice, make sure you select and store figs the right way to ensure proper nutrition.

2. Is It Safe to Consume Fig Juice During Pregnancy?

Most women prefer eating the whole fig as opposed to drinking fig juice, as the process of juicing gets rid of primary nutrients such as fibre. Fig juice is also sugar-heavy, which can be of concern if consumed in excessive amounts. It is advised to opt for whole figs or dried figs rather than consuming fig juice.

3. Can You Eat Fig While Breastfeeding?

Breastfeeding can be tiring for mothers, and they may often feel fatigued. Figs are high in natural sugars and can give you much needed energy and replenishment while breastfeeding. You can eat ripe or dried figs as a snack or addition to meals.

Figs are not only delightful to eat but help counteract some of the ill-effects of pregnancy. However, before making them a part of your diet, check with your doctor if you should eat it. Do keep in mind that too much of anything can be detrimental to health and figs are no exception.

References/Resources:

1. Sandhu. A, Islam. M, Edirisinghe. I, et al.; Phytochemical Composition and Health Benefits of Figs (Fresh and Dried): A Review of Literature from 2000 to 2022; Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago; https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/15/11/2623; June 2023

2. W. Lianju, J. Weibin, M. Kai, et al.; The production and research of fig (ficus carica l.) in China; International Society for Horticultural Science; https://www.ishs.org/ishs-article/605_28

3. Trad. M, Bourvellec. C, Gaaliche. B, et al.; Nutritional Compounds in Figs from the Southern Mediterranean Region; International Journal of Food Properties; https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/10942912.2011.642447; November 2013

4. Figs, Raw; U.S. Department of Agriculture; https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/173021/nutrients; January 2019

5. Morgan. A, Field. A, Kimmel. L, et al.; The Vitamin Content of Figs; The Journal of Nutrition; https://academic.oup.com/jn/article-abstract/9/3/383/4727546

Also Read:

Eating Fruits during Pregnancy
Dry Fruits while Pregnant