Eating Eggplant (Brinjal) During Pregnancy - Is It Safe To Eat?
Eating Eggplant (Brinjal) During Pregnancy - Health Benefits, Side Effects, Precautions & Is It Safe To Eat
Eggplant is also known as Brinjal or Aubergine. It is a good source of vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates which provides numerous health benefits. Brinjal is highly nutritious and contains many essential nutrients that promote the proper growth and development of the fetus. Brinjal is fully loaded with those nutrients which your baby needs to grow. Brinjal is a low-calorie vegetable but is packed with nutrients such as potassium, fiber, iron, thiamin, niacin, copper, and many more.
Health Benefits of Eggplant (Brinjal) during pregnancy
Eggplant provides vital essential nutrients to the pregnant woman and her unborn baby. It is beneficial to eat brinjal during pregnancy. The benefits of eating eggplant during pregnancy are:1. Promotes Healthy Fetal Development
Brinjal contains vitamins such as Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Niacin, Vitamin B complex all of these play an important role in the proper growth and development of the fetus.2. Improves Digestion
Eggplant is a rich source of dietary fiber which prevents the problems of indigestion. The dietary fiber present in eggplant helps to ease bowel movements and reduces the problem of constipation which is faced by many women during the pregnancy period.3. Regulates Blood Pressure
Brinjal is a good source of bioflavonoids, thiamin, riboflavin which minimizes blood pressure levels and regulates blood pressure levels during pregnancy thus reduces the risk of hypertension.
(Also read: Is Black Plum safe to eat during pregnancy?)
4. Reduces the risk of Gestational Diabetes
Brinjal regulates blood sugar levels which in turn reduces the risk of developing gestational diabetes during pregnancy.5. Prevent Birth Defects
Brinjal is a rich source of folic acid which is essential for a pregnant woman during pregnancy as it prevents neural birth defects such as Spina Bifida in the unborn baby.6. Reduces the risk of Heart-related issues
Brinjal reduces bad cholesterol levels (LDL) and increases good cholesterol levels (HDL). By reducing the bad cholesterol levels in the blood it reduces the risk of heart-related issues.7. Rich Source of Minerals
Eggplant is a rich source of vital minerals such as potassium, manganese, iron, and many more which helps in maintaining the electrolyte balance and also promotes the better development of the fetus.8. Immunity Booster
The antioxidant property of eggplant helps in boosting immunity. The outer skin of the brinjal contains Nasunin, an Anthocyanin whose antioxidant property helps to fight against free radicals and helps in preventing cell and DNA damage. It protects the expecting mother and her unborn baby from the attack of free radicals. It also prevents the risk of cell damage.9. Maintain Electrolyte Balance
Eggplants contain minerals such as potassium, magnesium, manganeses, copper, iron all of these helps in maintaining electrolyte balance and also improves blood circulation. It also helps in increasing the blood supply and hemoglobin count.
(Also read: Side Effects of eating Avocados during pregnancy)
10. Prevent Infections
Eggplant contains antioxidants that help to prevent expecting mothers from infections such as cold and flu.11. Strengthen Bones and Teeth
Brinjals contain good content of calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium and all of these minerals are required for strengthening the bones and teeth of a pregnant woman.12. Increases Red Blood Cells (RBC) Production
Red Blood Cells are required for the proper growth of the fetus. It helps in the development of the nerves and muscles of the fetus. It also ensures a sufficient amount of iron in the expectant mother thus prevent the risk of developing anemia during pregnancy which caused due to the deficiency of iron.Side Effects of eating Eggplant during pregnancy
Brinjal is a rich source of various vitamins and minerals which are essential during pregnancy for the proper growth and development of the fetus but it can cause some side effects if eaten in excess amount. The side effects of eating brinjal during pregnancy are described below:1. Miscarriage
Even though brinjals are highly nutritious but it contains Phytohormones which is known to induce mensuration and can lead to miscarriage if eaten in excess amount. Overeating brinjals can lead to miscarriage so always keep in mind to eat it in a moderate amount.2. Acidity
Overeating brinjal can cause acidity and even cause discomfort during pregnancy.3. Premature Delivery
If brinjal is eaten in excess amount during pregnancy it can trigger uterine contractions which may lead to premature delivery.
(Also read: Risk factors of pregnancy after the age of 30)
4. Cause Allergic Reactions
It can cause allergic reactions such as stomach upset, itching, rashes to some pregnant women.5. Diuretic
Brinjal contains diuretic content which can stimulate menstruation and can lead to miscarriage in early pregnancy.6. Cold/Hot Food Category
Japan considered eggplant as a dark food that contains cold energy and it is not recommended to consume during the pregnancy period.Precautions to be taken while eating Eggplant (Brinjal) during pregnancy
Tips to remember while eating eggplant during pregnancy are:- Wash eggplant before eating it.
- Eat well-cooked brinjal. Don't eat raw or undercooked brinjal as it can cause digestive problems, especially during pregnancy.
(Also read: How To Look Beautiful After Delivery?)
Is Brinjal (Eggplant) safe to eat during pregnancy?
Yes, brinjal (eggplant) is safe to eat during pregnancy. But remember to eat it in a moderate amount.Brinjal is highly nutritious and is considered safe to eat during pregnancy but remember to eat it in a moderate amount to avoid any kind of side effects. Consult your doctor before eating it and find out whether it is safe to consume for you or not. Here's wishing you a very happy and healthy pregnancy.
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Disclaimer: This content is intended for general information only and should not be used as the basis of patient treatment. The given content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, treatment, or any diagnosis. Always consult a doctor for more information. Our website doesn't claim responsibility for this information.
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