Sweet Potato During Pregnancy - Know Benefits, Side Effects
Sweet Potato During Pregnancy - Nutritional Value, Health Benefits, Side Effects And Is It Safe To Eat
A well-balanced diet is very essential during pregnancy. You need to include healthy and nutritious foods in your pregnancy diet to ensure the healthy growth and development of your fetus. Sweet potatoes are among those healthy foods that provide you essential nutrients during the pregnancy period. Sweet potatoes are highly nutritious and extremely beneficial for the expectant mother and her baby too. They're rich in fiber, vitamin A, B complex, iron, calcium, and folate that makes them a good food choice during pregnancy.
Health Benefits of Sweet Potato During Pregnancy
Sweet potatoes are packed with nutrients that are crucial for you and your unborn baby. It provides numerous health benefits during pregnancy. The amazing health benefits of sweet potatoes during pregnancy are:1. Promotes Healthy Growth of Fetus
Sweet potatoes contain vital nutrients such as vitamins A, B, C, E, iron, copper, manganese, zinc, magnesium, potassium, sodium, and many more and all of them play a major role in healthy growth and development of the fetus.2. Development of Brain and Nervous System
Sweet potatoes contain vitamin B6 also known as Pyridoxine. This vitamin is very crucial for the development of the baby's brain and nervous system.3. Rich Source of Vitamin A
Sweet potatoes are a rich source of Vitamin A that is very essential for fetus development. Vitamin A helps in the growth of the baby's organs. Vitamin A helps to build the baby's immune system.
(Also read: Kiwi fruit during pregnancy)
4. Prevent Neural Tube Defects
Sweet potatoes are a rich source of folic acid that is very essential to prevent babies from developing neural tube defects such as Spina Bifida.5. Prevent Constipation
Constipation is a very common problem during pregnancy. The high fiber content of sweet potatoes helps to keep constipation at a bay.6. Regulates Blood Pressure
Potassium-rich foods are required to maintain cardiovascular health. The potassium content in sweet potatoes helps to keep blood pressure under control. Hence, prevents the risk of hypertension.7. Prevent Anemia
Sweet potatoes contain a good amount of Vitamin C. Vitamin C is well known for speed up iron absorption that is required for the formation of red blood cells. Pregnant women are more prone to an iron deficiency that can lead to anemia. Include such foods in your pregnancy diet that contain vitamin C to prevent anemia.8. Alleviate Morning Sickness
Sweet Potatoes contain Vitamin B6 that helps in the process of blood cell formation. It also helps to alleviate morning sickness that is a common pregnancy complication.9. Fetal Brain Development
Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of Choline that plays a major role in fetal brain development. Choline also supports the nervous system.10. Reduces Inflammation
Sweet potatoes contain a nutrient called Choline that helps in regulating body functions such as muscle movements, sleeping, learning, and memory. It also helps to reduce chronic inflammation.11. Maintains Fluid Balance
Sweet potatoes are a great source of potassium that is well known to maintain fluid balance.
(Also read: Benefits of Kale during pregnancy)
12. Reduce the risk of Gestational Diabetes
Sweet potatoes have a low glycemic index that makes them suitable for pregnant women with gestational diabetes. Due to its low GI, it also helps to reduce the risk of developing gestational diabetes.13. Strengthens Immunity System
Sweet potatoes help to boost the immune system due to the presence of powerful antioxidants such as beta-carotene, vitamins such as vitamin C, A, and minerals such as iron, phosphorus, calcium.Side Effects of Sweet Potato During Pregnancy
The side effects of eating sweet potatoes during pregnancy are:1. Risk of Kidney Stones
Sweet potatoes contain a high amount of oxalates that can increase the risk of kidney stones. Thus, overconsumption of sweet potatoes can increase the risk of kidney stones.2. Digestive related issues
Raw sweet potatoes can lead to digestive-related issues such as nausea, heartburn, etc.
(Also read: Eating Guava During Pregnancy)
Nutritional Value of Sweet Potato
h100 gram of Sweet Potato contains:| Calories | 86 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 20.12 g |
| Protein | 1.6 g |
| Fat | 0.05 g |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
| Dietary Fiber | 3 g |
| Vitamin A | 14,187 IU |
| Vitamin B1 (Thiamin) | 0.078 mg |
| Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) | 0.061 mg |
| Vitamin B3 (Niacin) | 0.557 mg |
| Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid) | 0.80 mg |
| Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) | 0.209 mg |
| Vitamin B9 (Folate) | 11 µg |
| Vitamin C | 2.4 mg |
| Vitamin E | 0.26 mg |
| Vitamin K | 1.8 µg |
| Sodium | 55 mg |
| Potassium | 337 mg |
| Iron | 0.61 mg |
| Calcium | 30 mg |
| Manganese | 0.258 mg |
| Phosphorus | 47 mg |
| Magnesium | 25 mg |
| Zinc | 0.30 mg |
| Carotene-α | 7 µg |
| Carotene-β | 8509 µg |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is Sweet Potato safe to eat during pregnancy?
Yes, sweet potatoes are safe to eat during pregnancy.2. Is it safe to eat raw sweet potatoes during pregnancy?
No, raw sweet potato is not safe to eat during pregnancy as uncooked sweet potatoes can cause digestive-related issues such as bloating, heartburn.3. Is sweet potato good for early pregnancy?
Sweet potatoes are a good source of folate which is quite essential to prevent neural tube defects in babies during early pregnancy.4. What are the benefits of eating sweet potatoes during pregnancy?
Sweet potatoes are a great source of fiber, beta carotene, vitamins A, B6, C, minerals, choline, and many more vital nutrients that play a major role in the healthy growth and proper development of the fetus.5. Are sweet potatoes good for pregnant women?
Yes, sweet potatoes are a powerhouse of nutrition and are quite beneficial for a pregnant woman and her unborn baby.6. Can you eat sweet potatoes while pregnant?
Yes, sweet potatoes are packed with essential nutrients that are crucial for you and your growing baby during the pregnancy period.7. Can we eat sweet potatoes in the first trimester?
Sweet potatoes are extremely beneficial and good to consume during the first trimester of pregnancy. They're a great source of folate that is required to prevent your baby from developing birth defects such as spina bifida or anencephaly. A pregnant woman needs to eat folate-rich foods daily to meet her folate requirements.Sweet potatoes are nutritious and safe to eat during pregnancy but remember to eat them in moderation. Overeating anything always adversely affects your health. Consult your doctor before including sweet potatoes in your pregnancy diet.
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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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