Eating Cauliflower During Pregnancy
Eating Cauliflower During Pregnancy - Nutritional Value, Health Benefits, And Side Effects
Cauliflower is a highly nutritious vegetable that provides numerous health benefits to the mom-to-be and her unborn baby. It is low in calories and high in fibers and vitamins that make it a good food choice during pregnancy period. Read this article to know all about having this nutritious vegetable during your pregnancy period.
Health Benefits of Cauliflower during pregnancy
Cauliflower is a good source of vitamins and minerals that are vital during pregnancy. The health benefits of consuming cauliflower during pregnancy are:1. Good Source of Vitamin C
Cauliflower is an excellent source of vitamin C that boosts immunity and helps the body to absorb more iron a nutrient that is crucial during pregnancy to reduce the chances of developing anemia. It also acts as an antioxidant and prevents free radicals that are harmful to both the expectant mother and her growing baby.2. Prevent Birth Defects
Cauliflower is a great source of folic acid, an essential vitamin that is vital during pregnancy. A pregnant woman needs at least 400 mcg of folate daily. To meet this requirement you need to include folate-rich foods in your pregnancy diet and cauliflower is among them. Consumption of cauliflower provides folic acid that is required to prevent neural tube defects such as spina bifida in babies.
(Also read: Spring Onions (Scallions) During Pregnancy )
3. Great Source of Antioxidants
Cauliflowers are a great source of antioxidants that helps to protect you from various diseases and keeps you fit and healthy throughout the pregnancy. Antioxidants play a major role in improving immunity during pregnancy.4. Prevents Anemia
This veggie is a great source of iron a mineral required to prevent anemia during pregnancy. It is also a good source of vitamin C that helps the body to absorb more iron thereby prevents anemia, low birth weight, and preterm labor.5. Promotes Fetus Development
Cauliflower contains an ample amount of vital vitamins and minerals such as zinc, sodium, magnesium, calcium, manganese, copper and many more. All of these nutrients collectively help to promote the proper and healthy development of the fetus.6. Improves Digestive Health
The high fiber content of cauliflower ease bowel movements and prevents constipation a common pregnancy complication. Hence, improves digestion health during pregnancy.
(Also read: Kale during pregnancy)
7. Promotes Healthy Heart
Cauliflower is a good source of potassium that is crucial during pregnancy as it helps to regulate blood pressure levels within required limits. It helps to lower cholesterol levels thereby promotes a healthy heart.8. Development of Fetus' brain
It is an excellent source of folate that helps to promote the proper development of the baby's brain and also assists a healthy placenta that provides oxygen and nutrients to the growing baby.9. Development of Teeth and Bones
Cauliflower is a rich source of calcium that is vital for the development of your fetus' teeth and bones during pregnancy period.10. Maintains Fluid Balance
Cauliflower contains sodium and potassium, the electrolyte that helps the body to maintain fluid balance and prevent the chances of dehydration during pregnancy. The potassium content of cauliflower also helps to prevent muscle contractions.11. Formation of fetus' skin, nerves, and digestive system
The niacin content of cauliflower helps in the formation of the skin, nerves, and digestive system of the fetus.12. Healthy Weight Gain
Cauliflower is a low-calorie vegetable and consumption of cauliflower during pregnancy helps you to put on healthy weight.13. Prevent Premature Uterine Contractions
The magnesium content present in cauliflower helps the uterus to prevent premature uterine contractions.Nutritional Value of Cauliflower
100 g of cauliflower contains the following nutrients:| Energy | 25 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 5 g |
| Fats | 0.28 g |
| Protein | 2 g |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
| Dietary Fiber | 2 g |
| Vitamin A | 0 IU |
| Vitamin B1 (Thiamin) | 0.050 mg |
| Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) | 0.060 mg |
| Vitamin B3 (Niacin) | 0.507 mg |
| Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid) | 0.667 mg |
| Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) | 0.184 mg |
| Vitamin B9 (Folate) | 57 µg |
| Vitamin C | 48 mg |
| Vitamin E | 0.08 mg |
| Vitamin K | 15.5 µg |
| Sodium | 30 mg |
| Potassium | 299 mg |
| Calcium | 72 mg |
| Iron | 0.42 mg |
| Magnesium | 15 mg |
| Manganese | 0.155 mg |
| Zinc | 0.27 mg |
| Copper | 0.039 mg |
| Lutein Zeaxanthin | 1 µg |
Is it safe to eat cauliflower during pregnancy?
Yes, cauliflower is safe to consume during pregnancy but make sure you eat it in a moderate amount.
(Also read: Eating Apples during pregnancy)
What are the side effects of cauliflower during pregnancy?
Some of the side effects associated with the consumption of cauliflower during pregnancy are:- Overconsumption of cauliflower can cause acid reflux and constipation.
- Consuming it in excess amounts can cause allergic reactions such as itching, swelling in face or hands.
- Cauliflower contains a substance called purine. Excess of purine can cause the formation of kidney stones.
- Overconsumption of cauliflower during the pregnancy period can cause digestive issues.
- Unwashed and raw cauliflowers may contain harmful bacterias, parasites, pesticide residues. Consumption of such cauliflowers during pregnancy can lead to stomach irritation or food-borne diseases such as toxoplasmosis, listeriosis.
Also, read other 'pregnancy-related' articles:
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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