Spring Onions (Scallions) During Pregnancy

Spring Onions (Scallions) During Pregnancy - Nutritional Value, Health Benefits, Side Effects, And Is It Safe To Eat

Spring Onions offer numerous benefits to a pregnant woman and her growing baby. They're low in calories and loaded with vital nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and many more. In addition, spring onions (Green onions or Scallions) provide a unique taste and flavor to the dish. As a result, onions are highly healthy and nutritious for a pregnant woman and her fetus. Read this article to learn all about having spring onions during pregnancy.

Nutritional Facts about onions

Spring onions are a rich source of calcium, folate, dietary fiber, vitamins A, B, C, and minerals such as potassium, iron, manganese, copper, and chromium. 100 g of spring onions contain:

Energy	32 kcal
Carbohydrates	7.34 g
Fats	0.30 g
Protein	1.83 g
Cholesterol	0 mg
Dietary Fiber	2.6 g
Vitamin A	997 IU
Vitamin B1 (Thiamin)	0.055 mg
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)	0.080 mg
Vitamin B3 (Niacin)	0.525 mg
Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid)	0.075 mg
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)	0.61 mg
Vitamin B9 (Folate)	64 µg
Vitamin C	18.8 mg
Vitamin E	0.55 mg
Vitamin K	207 µg
Sodium	16 mg
Potassium	276 mg
Calcium	72 mg
Iron	1.48 mg
Magnesium	20 mg
Manganese	0.160 mg
Phosphorus	37 mg
Copper	0.083 mg
Selenium	0.6 µg
Zinc	0.39 mg
Carotene β	598 µg
Lutein Zeaxanthin	1137 µg

Health benefits of eating spring onions during pregnancy

Spring Onions are an excellent folate, potassium, calcium, and phosphorus source. All these nutrients contribute to the healthy growth and development of the fetus. Some of the fantastic health benefits of spring onions during pregnancy are:

1. Regulates Blood Pressure

The phytonutrients stored in onions help control blood pressure during pregnancy. Hence, keeps you away from preeclampsia, gestational hypertension, and premature labor.

2. Prevent Gestational Diabetes

Onions contain chromium that helps to keep blood sugar levels under control during pregnancy. It also helps to reduce and prevent insulin resistance in the body. Thus, prevents gestational diabetes caused due to insulin resistance.

3. Lowers Blood Sugar Levels

The sulfur compounds and antioxidant quercetin help keep blood sugar levels under control by increasing insulin production. Hence it helps to cope with diabetes.

(Also read: Radish during pregnancy)

4. Immunity Booster

Spring onions are a good source of vitamin C, which helps to strengthen the immune system during pregnancy. Vitamin C helps to build white blood cells that fight against infections. In addition, spring onions exhibit anti-bacterial properties and thus protect from the common cold, cough, and flu.

5. Promotes healthy digestive tract

Onions are rich in dietary fiber that is well known to improve digestion. Due to its fiber content, onion helps to keep digestion problems such as constipation at bay. In addition, it helps to ease bowel movements. Thus, improves digestive health during pregnancy.

6. Promotes Good Oral Health

Pregnant women are more prone to gum issues and tooth decay during their pregnancy period. The anti-bacterial properties of spring onions help keep such problems at bay, thus improving oral health during pregnancy.

7. Fight Infections

Pregnant women are more prone to infections and diseases as their immunity is low. Spring onions' anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties help fight and prevent viral infections, flu, the common cold, and other diseases.

8. Healthy Weight Gain

Onions are low in calories; you can eat them raw or cooked. In addition, you can add them to your salads or daily foods as they're low in calories and fats, making them a good choice for a pregnancy diet.

(Also read: Nutritional Facts of Guava)

9. Reduce the risk of heart diseases

Spring onions help to keep cholesterol levels under control and reduce the risk of heart-related issues such as strokes and heart attacks. They're good for maintaining cardiovascular health.

10. Reduces the risk of cancer

Spring Onion contains compounds such as flavonoids and allyl sulfide that help to prevent cancer. These compounds also fight against those enzymes that produce cancer cells. In addition, spring onions contain pectin, reducing the risk of colon cancer.

11. Promotes Good Vision

Spring onions contain vitamin A keep your eyes healthy, and play a crucial role in maintaining normal vision. It also prevents eyes from inflammation and fights against macular degeneration. Spring onions also contain carotenoids that help keep eyes healthy and prevent vision loss.

12. Maintain Bone Density

Spring onions are a good source of vitamin C and vitamin K. These vitamins play a significant role in the normal functioning of bones and maintaining bone density. Vitamin C helps to keep your bones strong, while vitamin K plays a vital role in maintaining bone density.

(Also read: Why Kale is so good for you during pregnancy?)

13. Reduces Stress

Spring onions are known to speed up blood circulation. This is because the blood absorbs the spring onion's vitamin B1 (Thiamin), thereby reducing stress.

14. Prevent Neural Tube Defects

Spring onions contain folic acid, which is very crucial for pregnant women. Folate helps to prevent babies from neural tube defects.

15. Maintains Skin Elasticity

Vitamin C regulates collagen synthesis in the body. Collagen helps to maintain skin elasticity and provides you with smooth skin. It also prevents anti-aging signs such as fine lines and wrinkles. In addition, spring onions contain allicin, which is good for healthy skin and prevents wrinkle formation.

Side Effects of Spring onions during pregnancy

Spring onions are highly beneficial for an expectant mother, but if consumed excessively, they can lead to several side effects. The side effects caused due to overconsumption of spring onions during pregnancy are:

• Allergic Reaction

• Diarrhea

• Heartburn

• Nausea

• Respiratory Problems

(Also read: Is it safe to eat Sweet Potatoes during pregnancy?)

Is it safe to eat spring onions during pregnancy?

Yes, spring onions are perfectly safe to consume during pregnancy.

Although spring onions are healthy and safe to eat during pregnancy, remember to eat them in moderation. Consult your doctor before adding spring onions to your pregnancy diet.

Watch this video on our YouTube Channel, 'Mother Baby Care,' to learn about Spring Onions (Scallions) During Pregnancy.

Also, read other 'pregnancy-related' articles:

• 12 bad habits to avoid during pregnancy

• Eating Peanuts (Groundnuts) During Pregnancy - Nutritional Value, Health Benefits, Side Effects And Is It Safe To Eat

• Consuming Jaggery During Pregnancy - Nutritional Value, Health Benefits, Side Effects, Is It Safe To Eat

• Eating Nuts During Pregnancy - Health Benefits, Side Effects, Is It Safe & When To Avoid Them

• Eating Walnuts During Pregnancy - Nutritional Benefits, Health Benefits, Risks, and Side effects

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 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.