Carrots During Pregnancy - Nutritional Value And Side Effects
Carrots During Pregnancy - Nutritional Value, Health Benefits, And Side Effects
Eating healthy and nutritious food is crucial during pregnancy for the well-being of your little one. Carrot is one of the most nutritious root vegetables to be eaten during the pregnancy period. Carrots are packed with vital antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that are good for an expectant mother and her fetus. Read this article to know all about having carrots during pregnancy.
Health Benefits of Carrots during pregnancy
Consumption of carrots during pregnancy is highly beneficial as it provides you an abundance of vital proteins, vitamins, and minerals that are required for a healthy pregnancy. The amazing health benefits of consuming carrots during pregnancy are:1. Promotes Fetal Development
Carrot contains an adequate amount of vital vitamins and minerals that contribute to the healthy growth and development of the fetus. And these nutrients are extremely beneficial for expectant mothers as well.2. Enhances Immune System
Carrots are a good source of Vitamin C that plays an essential role in strengthening the immune system. A pregnant woman's immunity tends to become low during the pregnancy period and consuming carrots during this period helps to strengthen the immune system. Due to its high content of vitamin C carrots helps to boost your immune system during pregnancy.3. Prevents Anemia
Carrots are a good source of iron that is required for the formation of red blood cells. Iron deficiency can cause anemia during pregnancy. To prevent anemia during pregnancy it's essential that you include iron-rich foods in your diet. Carrot is among them. It also contains an abundance of vitamin C that helps to absorb more iron into the body.4. Good Vision
Carrots are an excellent source of Vitamin A that helps to keep eyes and vision healthy throughout your pregnancy. Vitamin A plays a major key role in fetal eye development.5. Healthy Digestive Tract
The fiber content of carrots helps to keep digestive issues such as constipation at bay. This helps to keep the digestive tract healthy during pregnancy.6. Strengthens Fetal Bone And Cartilage
Calcium is essential to keep bones and teeth healthy. It helps in the development of the baby's bones and teeth. It is crucial for strengthening the baby's bone and cartilage. Carrot contains an ample amount of calcium. So, including it in a pregnancy diet is a good way to take calcium.
(Also read: Benefits of Sweet Potato During Pregnancy)
7. Prevent Neural tube Defects
Carrots contain an ample amount of folate that is essential to prevent neural tube defects such as spina bifida in babies.8. Development of Baby's Nervous System
Carrots contain an ample amount of vitamin B and folic acid that play a major role in the development of the baby's nervous system and brain.9. Prevent Cramping
Cramping is a common pregnancy complication that makes you uncomfortable during the pregnancy period. Carrot contains phosphorus that helps in the proper functioning of your muscles. It also prevents you from muscle stiffness and cramping during pregnancy.
(Also read: Is it safe to eat Guava during pregnancy?)
10. Prevents Cancer
Carrots contain an antioxidant called beta-carotene that is well known to reduce the risk of cancer.11. Great Source of Antioxidants
Carrots are a good source of antioxidants that are required to keep you and your baby healthy during pregnancy.Side Effects of Carrots during pregnancy
However, carrots are highly nutritious and provide numerous benefits to the expectant mother and her baby. But overconsumption of carrots can cause some side effects too. The possible side effects due to the overconsumption of carrots during pregnancy are:- Carrots contain an adequate amount of vitamin A. Excess quantity of vitamin A during pregnancy can hamper the growth of the fetus.
- Some pregnant women might be allergic to carrots as well. If you're allergic to carrots then it's better for you to avoid them while pregnant.
- Carrots contain a good amount of beta carotene. This antioxidant is great for health but an excess amount of beta carotene can cause harm to the fetus.
- Overconsumption of carrot juice during pregnancy can cause a headache and makes a person lethargic.
Nutritional Value of Carrots
100 g of raw carrots contain:| Calories | 41 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 9.58 g |
| Protein | 0.93 g |
| Fats | 0.24 g |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.8 g |
| Vitamin A | 16,706 IU |
| Vitamin B1 (Thiamin) | 0.066 mg |
| Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) | 0.058 mg |
| Vitamin B3 (Niacin) | 0.983 mg |
| Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid) | 0.273 mg |
| Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) | 0.138 mg |
| Vitamin B9 (Folate) | 19 µg |
| Vitamin C | 5.9 mg |
| Vitamin K | 13.2 µg |
| Sodium | 69 mg |
| Potassium | 320 mg |
| Iron | 0.30 mg |
| Calcium | 33 mg |
| Phosphorus | 35 mg |
| Manganese | 0.143 mg |
| Magnesium | 12 mg |
| Copper | 0.045 mg |
| Zinc | 0.24 mg |
| Selenium | 0.1 µg |
| Carotene-α | 3427 |
| Carotene-β | 8285 µg |
| Leutein-zeaxanthin | 256 µg |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is it safe to eat carrots during pregnancy?
Carrots are considered safe to eat during pregnancy.
(Also read: Why Kale is good for you during pregnancy?)
2. Are raw carrots safe to eat during pregnancy?
Yes, raw carrots are safe to consume during pregnancy and don't pose any risk to the expectant mother and her baby. However, wash them thoroughly to remove all the dirt to avoid probable infections.3. Is carrot juice safe to consume during pregnancy?
Yes, drinking carrot is juice perfectly safe during pregnancy but don't consume it in excess amount as it contains vitamin A, and excess of vitamin A can hamper the growth of the fetus.Carrots provide numerous health benefits to the expectant mother as well as to her growing baby. Consult your doctor before including carrots in your pregnancy diet. If your doctor gives the green signal then include carrots in your diet but always remember to consume them in moderation as overconsumption can adversely affect your health. Consult your doctor to know about the safe quantity of carrots for you to consume while pregnant. Have a happy, safe, and healthy pregnancy.
Also, read other 'pregnancy-related' articles:
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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