Can I Eat Olives During Pregnancy?

By: Ambili S Kartha

Are you expecting a newborn soon? Pregnancy is the most crucial phase of a woman’s life and is regarded as the second birth of the women. This phase brings a drastic transformation not only in the woman’s body but also in the diet that she follows. As now she has to think of herself and the child as well, it is essential that she takes a balanced and wholesome diet that has all the required vitamins and minerals in it. Olives turn out to be one of the enriched sources that take care of the overall metabolism of her body. Did you know the fresh olives are very bitter in taste? Well, olives are cured and fermented to make it edible.

Olives – The Immunity Boosters

Olives play a crucial role in the development of the fetus during pregnancy. It not only helps the mother to grow but also supports the infant to gain all the important supplements that are required for its development. Olives are the fruits of the olive trees which are scientifically known as Olea Europaea and are mainly found in the Mediterranean regions of Europe and Africa. Olives can be used in various forms such as olive oil, olive fruit, fine wood, olive leaf etc.

Nutritional Value Of Olives:

Olives are an extraordinary fruit for the reason that unlike other fruits, they are very high in fat content.

Basic facts:

• 75–80% of olive is water.
• 10 to 15% of olive is fat.
• Ten olives contain about 59 calories.
• 4-6% of olives are carb, the majority of which is fiber.
• Olives are a significant source of, copper, calcium vitamin E, and iron. The sodium level is also high as it comes in brine.
• It is rich in antioxidants like oleuropein, quercetin, etc.

What Are The Various Types Of Olives?

Olives can be classified into various categories such as:

1. Kalamata Olives: These are considered as the kings of the olives family. These are almond shaped deep purple olives which have a shiny skin and are usually used in red wine.
2. Castelvetrano Olives: These are bright green in color and have a buttery, meaty and mild flavor which are commonly served with white wine.
3. Cerignola Olives: These are large green colored olives which are originated from the southeastern parts of Italy.
4. Nyon Olives: Nyon olives have its origin from the south of France. These olives are jet-black in color and aromatic in flavor.
5. Gaeta Olives: These are either dry-cured or brine-cured and are purplish brown, small and tangy in taste.
6. Manzanilla Olives: Manzanillas are crisp in texture and have almond flavor. These are usually served with alcoholic beverages or as an appetizer.

Are Olives Safe During Pregnancy?

Yes, Olives have a proven track of benefits for pregnant women. The oleic acid present in olives is responsible for reducing the cholesterol levels of the blood and protects the baby from asthma and several allergies. Not only it maintains the nutritional content in the woman’s diet but also helps in providing vitamins and fatty acids to the child.

Advantages of Olives during Pregnancy

A recent study has proved that an olive-rich diet plays a positive role in the nourishment of the baby as well as the mother. Olives provide all the vital vitamins and minerals to the woman’s body and make her body look healthy, fit and fine. Olives are very easy to incorporate into the pregnancy diet. Olives are beneficial in numerous ways that include:

1. Act As Antioxidants:Olives are powerful antioxidants that reduce the risks of harmful diseases such as heart disease, blood cancer etc. Besides improving the circulation of blood, it also helps in protecting the stomach from dangerous bacteria and viruses.
2. Improves The Sugar-Levels:Olives are a rich source of vitamin E. The oleic acids and polyphenols present in olives help in lowering the chances of type 2 diabetes.
3. Cancer Prevention:Studies have shown that olives mitigate the possibility of breast cancer which is quite common in post pregnancy. These have powerful cancer-killing cells that affect the colon, breasts, and stomach.
4. Improves Bone Health:Olives alleviate the risk of fractures and help in increasing the bone mass and bone quality.

Benefits of Olive Oil during pregnancy

Olive oil contains a number of nutrients like vitamins and fatty acids that help in hydrating the skin and keeping the mother safe. There are various merits of using olive oil such as:

1. Healthy Growth Of Child:The intake of olive oil by mothers can be very useful in the child’s cognitive, mental and physical development. Olive oil is enriched with vitamin A that aids in the formation of the eyes of the unborn.
2. Reduction In Stretch Marks: Olive oil is responsible for diminishing the marks and mitigating the stretches. Regular application of this natural oil is necessary for getting desirable results.
3. Clear Complexion:Pregnancy can make the skin dull and dry. Therefore, Olive oil is best for dehydrating the skin pores, removing the dead skin cells and rejuvenating the skin.
4. Protects The Immune system:Olive oil plays a pivotal role in regulating the immune system of the mother and killing the harmful pathogens that spread the infections.

 What Are The Side Effects Of Olives During Pregnancy?

• Even though rare, olives are not 100% allergy-proof.
• Olives may contain a small quantity of heavy metals like tin and lithium. As it comes in preserved form the sodium content will also be high. None of this is advisable for a healthy pregnancy.

Are Canned Olives Safe During Pregnancy?

Yes, the canned olives have an adequate amount of vital elements and render the same effects as others unless checked for expiry date. Pregnant women must ensure that they take only fresh olives for satisfying their pregnancy cravings and avoid the use of olives that have been stored for a long time.

Is Extra Virgin Olive Oil Good For Pregnancy?

For pregnant women, extra virgin oil has an excellent impact in keeping the bad cholesterol in control and provides a permanent solution to the problem of arterial thrombosis besides balancing the blood circulation in the heart.

At last, it is an undeniable fact that Olives have a significant role in treating several ailments that subsides during pregnancy and is highly recommended for use by pregnant women to promote a healthy development of the baby.

Source: https://www.beingtheparent.com/can-i-eat-olives-during-pregnancy/

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