Benefit and side effects of Consuming Spinach During Pregnancy
Consuming Spinach During Pregnancy - Health Benefits, Nutritional Value, Side Effects And Is It Safe To Eat
Spinach is a green leafy nutrient-rich vegetable that is fully loaded with nutrients, vitamins, protein, iron, antioxidants, fiber, sodium, phosphorus, and minerals. Spinach consists of vitamins such as A, C, K, B1, B2, B6 that help to keep a pregnant woman and her baby healthy throughout the pregnancy period. It consists of plenty of nutrients that are essential for both the mother and her unborn baby. It is loaded with folic acid which helps to prevent neural tube defects during pregnancy.
Nutritional Value Of Spinach
The nutritional value for 100 gm of raw spinach contains 91.6% water, 2.9% protein, 2.2 gm dietary fiber, 49% folate, 0.4 gm fat, 0.4 gm sugar.Health Benefits of eating spinach during pregnancy
The health benefits of eating spinach during pregnancy are as follows:1. Prevent Anemia
Spinach is a rich source of iron and helps in the production of red blood cells thus prevents anemia which is a common problem during pregnancy.2. Promotes Teeth and Bone Development
Spinach is enriched with calcium that helps in teeth and bone development of the baby. The calcium content present in spinach also helps in reducing blood clots in the arteries.3. Enhances healthy growth and development of the fetus
Spinach is loaded with phosphorus, sodium, potassium, and vitamins such as vitamins A, B, C, K. All of these nutrients are essential for the healthy growth and development of the fetus during pregnancy.4. Immunity Booster
The immune system gets weak during pregnancy but the growing baby in your womb needs extra protection against various infections. Spinach contains Vitamin C which helps in strengthen the immune system.5. Development of Vision and the Nervous System of the Foetus
Spinach is a good source of Vitamin B1 and B2 which helps in the development of the nervous system and vision of the fetus.6. Development of Reproductive Tissues and Organs
Spinach is a rich source of Vitamin B2 that helps in the development of reproductive tissues and organs in the body.7. Provides Protein
Spinach is a rich source of protein that is required for repairing cells in the body. Protein also helps in strengthening bones and muscles.8. Promotes Baby's Lung Development
Spinach is a good source of beta carotene that converts into Vitamin A. Vitamin A helps in promoting the proper lung development of the baby inside the womb. It also boosts the metabolism of the body.9. Prevents Constipation and Hemorrhoids
Spinach is a rich source of insoluble fiber hence helps in preventing constipation and ease digestion throughout the pregnancy hence prevent hemorrhoids.10. Regulates Blood Pressure Levels
Spinach contains nitrates that help in regulating blood pressure levels throughout the pregnancy. It also contains potassium which helps to bring down the blood pressure levels if the sodium level increases.
(Also read: Which Fruits To Eat During Pregnancy?)
11. Balance Cholesterol Levels
Spinach contains Vitamin E which helps to balance cholesterol levels in the body during pregnancy.12. Cognitive Development
The presence of folic acid in spinach contributes to the spinal and cognitive development of the baby. The insufficient amount of folic acid in the body during pregnancy can increase the chances of miscarriage. The folic acid content present in spinach prevents miscarriage and lowers the chances of premature birth.13. Rich Source of Iron
Spinach is a rich source of iron. The high iron content of spinach increases the red blood cell count of the body. Iron deficiency can cause anemia during pregnancy. To prevent anemia iron is required during pregnancy.14. Provide relief from pain and aches
The whole body experiences lots of pains and aches during pregnancy due to the increased weight and fluctuating hormones. Spinach contains an anti-inflammatory agent called glycolipid that helps in providing relief from pains and aches that occur during pregnancy.
(Also read: Figs During Pregnancy )
15. Alleviates Mood Swings
The Vitamin B content of spinach helps in alleviating mood swings such as depression, anxiety, stress which are common complications during pregnancy.Side Effects of eating spinach during pregnancy
Spinach has lots of benefits but if eaten in excess amount then it can cause side effects too. Some of the side effects caused by consuming the excess amount of spinach during pregnancy are:1. Formation of Kidney Stones
Spinach contains purines and if spinach is eaten in excess amount these purines convert into uric acid. Excess amounts of uric acid in the body can cause the formation of calcium which can lead to the formation of kidney stones.2. Diarrohea
Overconsumption of spinach can cause digestive problems such as loose stools.
(Also read: Eating Cucumber During Pregnancy )
3. Digestion Problems
The fiber content of spinach helps in reducing constipation but if spinach is consumed in the excess amount it can lead to digestion problems such as bloating.Is it safe to eat spinach during pregnancy?
Yes, spinach is totally safe to eat during pregnancy if consumed in a moderate amount. It provides all the essential nutrients to the mother and her unborn baby.Spinach contains lots of nutrients that are required for the healthy development of the baby during pregnancy. It is a superfood that provides sufficient nutrients to both the mother and her unborn baby. After consulting your doctor you must include it in your pregnancy diet.
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Disclaimer: This content is intended for general information only and it 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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