Spotlight on: Dates

Dates are the fruit of the date palm tree, which is grown in tropical regions. There are several different varieties and although dates can be eaten fresh or dried, the majority of dates consumed in Australia are dried.

Like all dried fruit, dates are a good source of carbohydrates, fibre, and antioxidants.

We talked about the benefits of antioxidants in our post on ginger.

Why fibre is important in preconception, pregnancy and postpartum.

Fibre is needed for gut health and normal digestion. In fact, eating plenty of fibre is one of the most important things you can do for your gut. This is important because gut health effects so many other aspects of health, from sleep to hormone health.

In pregnancy and postpartum, the quality of our gut microbiome is what sets up our baby’s gut health and immunity.

Constipation is common in pregnancy due in part to high progesterone levels, and this can be alleviated by eating high fibre foods like dates.

Daily fibre intake recommendations:
Preconception - 25g
Pregnancy - 28g
Postpartum/breastfeeding - 30g

Other benefits of dates:

If eaten in the last few weeks of pregnancy, dates may promote cervical dilation, lower the need for induced labour, and reduce labour time. This is thought to be because compounds in dates mimic the action of oxytocin in the body.

The carbohydrates in dates can also provide much-needed energy in pregnancy and postpartum.

You can find dates in our Mother Nourish Packs, and Crunchy Granola with bush honey yogurt and seasonal berries.