Dates are known as fresh dates, while the ripe type is called dates or Ajwa. Dates are the fruit of the palm tree that is grown in various regions of the Arab world, especially in the Gulf and Yemen. In ancient times, Arabs relied on dates as a staple in their diet, due to their high content of nutrients essential for human health. The palm tree produces about 200 dates in each cluster. In this article, through the Dalili Medical website, we will discuss the benefits and harms of yellow dates for pregnant women, noting that dates turn into fresh dates when dried, and when they ripen more, they become dates.

**Nutritional value of yellow dates**

 

Dates contain a large amount of nutrients such as sugars, vitamins and minerals. 100 grams of dates contain the following:

- 277 calories

- 75 grams of carbohydrates

- 66 grams of sugars

- 8 grams of dietary fiber

- 2 grams of protein

- 0 grams of fat

- 2 milligrams of sodium

- 656 milligrams of potassium

- 5% of the daily requirement of iron

**Note:** When converting yellow dates into dates, calories increase due to the loss of a large amount of water and the increased concentration of sugars and carbohydrates.

**The difference between red and yellow dates**

 

Dates are considered one of the most famous and delicious summer fruits, in addition to their high nutritional value and multiple benefits. But what is the difference between red and yellow dates? Let's find out:

- **Red dates**, also known as Zaghloul, are characterized by their length, large size, and clear red color. Red dates are known for their effectiveness in lowering blood pressure, in addition to their other benefits such as cleansing the colon and providing the muscles with the energy needed to perform daily activities.

- **Yellow dates**, known as Samani, are characterized by their yellow-brown color. Due to their sweet taste, they are often used in making jams, and they have other uses in providing the body with the energy it needs.

**What are yellow dates?**

 

Yellow dates refer to the type of dates known as Barhi, where its fruits are picked and eaten fresh when they reach the Khalal stage. This type is characterized by its golden yellow color and sweet taste. Yellow dates are oval in shape, medium in size, and their peel is smooth, and some brown spots may appear on them indicating their continued ripening.

**Types of yellow dates:**

 

1. **Rutab, dates, dates (Kholas dates):**

This type goes through several stages; the first stage is the Rutab stage before it is fully ripe, followed by the Rutab stage, then the Tamar stage after it is fully ripe. It is characterized by its sweet taste and golden color, and is often served with coffee as part of the hospitality tradition.

2. **Sokari dates:**

This type is known for its sweet taste and crunchy texture. Sokari dates have several benefits, as they help lower cholesterol levels in the body, relieve fatigue and exhaustion, and help prevent tooth decay.

**Are yellow dates harmful to pregnant women in the first months?**

 

No negative effects have been recorded from eating dates during pregnancy, as studies have shown that consuming dates did not affect the dates of birth, but rather helped reduce the need to stimulate labor using medications. Therefore, dates can be eaten at any stage of pregnancy, but it is preferable to consult the doctor following up on the case. It is preferable to eat foods that contribute to facilitating the labor process after the 39th week of pregnancy. Therefore, it can be said that the benefits of yellow dates for pregnant women in the first months outweigh its harms, as it is considered one of the foods rich in essential nutrients.

**The most important nutrients in dates**

 

Dates are considered the initial stage before the date fruit ripens, and there is no difference in the nutritional elements between them, as they both contain the same vitamins that are beneficial during pregnancy. The only difference lies in the stage of maturity and shape. The most prominent nutritional elements contained in dates and dates are:

- **Sugars**: Dates contain a group of natural sugars that are considered a quick source of energy, making them beneficial for the pregnant woman and her fetus.

- **Protein**: Protein consists of chains of amino acids, which are essential for the healthy growth of the fetus. Both the mother and the fetus need proteins to adapt to the changes that occur during pregnancy.

- **Fiber**: Dates contain fibers that provide many benefits during pregnancy, such as supporting digestive health and reducing cholesterol levels, which contributes to protection against infections.

- **Folic acid**: Folic acid is one of the essential elements for fetal health, as it helps prevent anemia and the formation of new cells, and also contributes to reducing the risk of birth defects. Folic acid is also known as vitamin B9, and is often recommended by doctors as a supplement during pregnancy.

- **Vitamin K**: This vitamin plays a vital role in blood clotting and maintaining strong bones for both the pregnant woman and the fetus.

- **Iron**: Iron is an important element for transporting oxygen to the body's cells, and is essential during pregnancy to prevent anemia in the fetus, and it also enhances immunity.

- **Potassium**: Potassium is an essential electrolyte in the body, as it helps regulate blood pressure, which may be affected during pregnancy. Its deficiency can lead to serious kidney problems.

- **Magnesium**: It contributes to building teeth and bones, and it also helps maintain blood sugar levels. Not getting enough of it during pregnancy can lead to liver and kidney abnormalities and poor vision.

**The importance of nutritional values ​​and benefits of yellow dates for pregnant women**

Yellow dates are considered a rich source of nutrients necessary for the health of the body. Among its most prominent benefits are:

**A rich source of fiber**

Yellow dates contain plant fibers that contribute to reducing the problem of constipation, which is a common symptom thatWomen face it in the advanced stages of pregnancy. Therefore, it is recommended to eat foods rich in fiber to avoid this problem, which highlights the benefits of yellow dates for pregnant women in the eighth month and the rest of the last months.

Fiber also acts as a natural regulator of blood sugar levels, as it helps slow down the digestion of carbohydrates. Fiber also contributes to improving digestive health by enhancing the diversity of the intestinal microbiome, and reducing the risk of problems such as glucose intolerance and preeclampsia, which helps achieve healthy weight gain during pregnancy.

**A quick source of energy**

Another benefit of yellow dates is that it is a quick and effective source of energy thanks to its high carbohydrate content, which is what pregnant women need in particular. Calorie needs change during pregnancy, as women with a healthy weight need:

- The first three months: No additional calories needed.

- The next three months: About 340 additional calories per day.

- The last three months: About 450 additional calories per day.

Weight gain is normal during pregnancy, and the amount of healthy weight that should be gained depends on several factors, including the pregnant woman's weight before pregnancy and her level of physical activity.

**Provides the body with iron**

Yellow dates are a good source of iron, which is a vital element during pregnancy to support the growth of the fetus and the formation of red blood cells. It should be noted that low iron levels may lead to fatigue and stress, and may increase the risk of premature birth, which highlights the importance of yellow dates for the fetus.

**Reducing labor pain**

Several studies have shown that yellow dates can help reduce labor pain and reduce its duration, in addition to dilating the cervix and stimulating natural birth. Some research suggests that eating dates may reduce labor time and reduce the need for oxytocin injections, a hormone that stimulates uterine contractions.

**Provides the body with essential vitamins and minerals**

 

Yellow dates contain a group of vitamins and minerals necessary for bone health, such as calcium, phosphorus and potassium, which have been proven to be linked to bone health. Although low bone density may be normal during pregnancy and lactation, some women may suffer from osteoporosis. Therefore, it is recommended to include yellow dates in the diet of pregnant and lactating women.

**A good source of antioxidants**

**Benefits of yellow dates for pregnant women**

 

Yellow dates are considered one of the beneficial foods for pregnant women, as they provide the body with antioxidants that protect cells from damage and reduce the risk of many diseases.

Yellow dates contain a high percentage of beta-carotene, which is characterized by its antioxidant properties. Beta-carotene is converted in the body to vitamin A according to its needs, which reduces the risk of vitamin A poisoning, making it a safe option during pregnancy, as high levels of vitamin A (retinol) should be avoided.

**A source of energy during pregnancy:** Eating a few dates daily gives pregnant women a lot of energy and helps reduce the feeling of lethargy that they may suffer from.

**Constipation treatment:** Many mothers suffer from constipation during pregnancy, and eating dates daily can help alleviate this problem and support the health of the digestive system.

**A source of amino acids:** The fetus needs amino acids to form new cells and healthy growth, and dates are a rich source of them.

**Preventing fetal malformations:** Eating dates during pregnancy helps reduce the risk of birth defects that may appear during fetal development, and contributes to the proper formation of cells.

**Preventing pregnancy diseases:** The fibers in dates help prevent diabetes and high blood pressure associated with pregnancy, and also help maintain a healthy weight by giving the mother a feeling of fullness.

**A rich source of vitamin K:** Dates are rich in vitamin K, which is important for the growth of the fetus' bones, as children are usually born with low levels of this vitamin. Its deficiency can be dangerous because it is associated with blood clotting.

**Electrolyte balance:** Dates help balance water and electrolytes during pregnancy, which contributes to the health of the heart, digestive system, and better muscle performance.

**Prevention of preeclampsia:** Dates help prevent magnesium deficiency, which can lead to preeclampsia and chronic high blood pressure. They can also cause placental dysfunction and premature birth, so it is recommended to eat them during pregnancy.

**Improving mood:** Dates help relieve feelings of depression, anxiety and stress, thanks to their tyramine content, which boosts the level of adrenaline, leading to a feeling of comfort and happiness.

They soften blood vessels and combat the accumulation of fat in them, which reduces the likelihood of strokes and sudden heart attacks.

They also contribute to increasing sexual desire in both women and men, thanks to their abundant amounts of minerals and vitamins.

**The harms of eating dates for pregnant women and the fetus**

Eating dates during pregnancy is relatively safe for the mother and fetus, and doctors recommend it, but nothing is completely safe. So, there are some harms that should be paid attention to when eating dates during pregnancy, including:

1. **Gestational diabetes**: The risk of diabetes is an important point, as dates contain amounts of sugar. Therefore, the amounts consumed should be monitored, especially if there is a family history of gestational diabetes, then dates should be avoided.

2. **Pregnant women's weight gain**: Excess weight is a risk during pregnancy, as pregnant women should maintain their weight as much as possible for the benefit of their health and the health of the fetus. Excessive pressure from fat on the uterus can be harmful, and the nutritional properties of dates may lead to weight gain.

3. **Dental problems during pregnancy**: Attention should be paidIt is necessary to clean the teeth well to avoid tooth decay resulting from the high amounts of sugars found in dates. Teeth are also weaker during pregnancy, because the fetus needs large amounts of calcium and magnesium, which requires the mother to compensate for this deficiency to maintain the health of her teeth and bones.

4. **Date allergy**: Pregnant women should be aware that some of them may suffer from allergic reactions to dates, which may appear in the form of itching, redness and swelling around the mouth and tongue. In this case, you should stop eating dates immediately and consult a doctor about the swelling.