12 Benefits And Side Effects Of Eating Beetroots During Pregnancy
Eating Beetroots during pregnancy - Health Benefits, Nutritional Value, And, Side Effects
Beetroot is one of the healthiest root vegetables that are highly nutritious. It is fully packed with numerous essential nutrients that your baby needs to grow in the womb. Beets are highly nutritious and are a great source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that you need during this crucial phase of your life. They're rich in carbohydrates, vitamins, fiber, proteins and provide you strength and stamina which you required during your pregnancy period. Read this article to know all about having beetroots during pregnancy.
Health Benefits of beetroots during pregnancy
Some of the amazing health benefits of consuming beetroots during pregnancy are:
1. Prevent Osteoporosis
Beets are a great source of calcium that is required for healthy bones and teeth. The calcium content of beets also helps to prevent osteoporosis, a condition in which your bones become weak and brittle. It is a bone disease that decreases bone density, increases the chances of fractures, and leads to decalcification of bones and teeth and pregnant women are more prone to it. So, it's essential to take a sufficient amount of calcium throughout your pregnancy.
2. Prevent Birth Defects
They're a great source of folate that helps to form a neural tube during the early development of the fetus. It also plays a major role in preventing your baby from some major birth defects of the brain and spinal cord such as anencephaly and spina bifida. Folate also plays a key role in the development of red blood cells.
(Also read: 8 Amazing Benefits Of Chickpeas During Pregnancy)
3. Promotes Fetal Development
Beets are loaded with vital nutrients such as iron, folate, vitamin C, potassium, dietary fiber, and many more. All of these nutrients play a major role in the proper growth and development of the fetus. Hence consuming beetroots during pregnancy help to promote optimal development of the fetus.
4. Healthy Liver
Beetroots contain betacyanin that helps to detoxify your blood as well as your liver. It eliminates fatty acids and toxins from your body and ensures a healthy liver thereby improves digestion.
5. Prevents Anemia
Beetroots are a good source of iron that helps in the production of red blood cells which carry adequate oxygen to your body's organs and tissues. Getting enough iron during pregnancy is essential to prevent anemia, a condition that is caused due to iron deficiency.
6. Immunity Booster
Beets contain antioxidants that help to keep infections and diseases at a bay. The antioxidant properties of beets help to boost your immunity. Beetroots help to purify your blood naturally and reduce the chances of infections.
(Also read: Eating Oranges During Pregnancy - Safe or Not?)
7. Healthy Bones
Beetroots contain calcium which is required to strengthen your bones and also prevent osteoporosis.
8. Healthy Digestive Tract
They're a good source of dietary fiber that helps to ease bowel movements thereby prevent constipation and improves your digestion. Hence promotes a healthy digestive tract during pregnancy.
9. Regulate Blood Sugar Levels
Beetroots have a low glycemic index which helps to keep your blood sugar level under control during pregnancy.
10. Regulate Blood Pressure Levels
Beetroots contain potassium that is well known to balance electrolytes and maintain metabolism. It also helps to regulate the blood pressure levels of expectant mothers.
(Also read: Mango benefits and side effect in pregnancy)
11. Alleviate Pain and Swelling
Swelling and pain in joints, hands, and feet is a common complication during pregnancy. Beetroot has an anti-inflammatory agent called betalain that helps to prevent inflammation. So, consuming them while pregnant helps to alleviate pain and swelling in joints, hands, and feet.
12. Good Source of Vitamin C
Beets are a good source of vitamin C that helps your body to absorb more iron hence reduces the risk of developing anemia. It works as an antioxidant and boosts your immunity during pregnancy. Vitamin C also plays a key role in fetal physical development too. It helps in the production of collagen, a protein that provides structure to the body including bones, tendons, skin, and ligaments. It is also required to strengthen your bones.
Nutritional Value of Beetroot
100 g of beetroot contains the following nutrients:
| Calories | 43 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 9.6 g |
| Fats | 0.2 g |
| Protein | 1.61 g |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.8 g |
| Sugar | 6.76 g |
| Betaine | 128.7 mg |
| Choline | 6 mg |
| β-Carotene | 20 mcg |
| Vitamin A | 33 IU |
| Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) | 0.031 mg |
| Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) | 0.040 mg |
| Vitamin B3 (Niacin) | 0.334 mg |
| Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid) | 0.155 mg |
| Vitamin B9 (Folate) | 109 mcg |
| Vitamin C | 4.9 mg |
| Sodium | 78 mg |
| Potassium | 325 mg |
| Calcium | 16 mg |
| Iron | 0.80 mg |
| Copper | 0.075 mg |
| Magnesium | 23 mg |
| Manganese | 0.329 mg |
| Phosphorus | 40 mg |
| Zinc | 0.35 mg |
| Selenium | 0.7 mcg |
Side effects of beetroots during pregnancy
Some of the possible side effects of consuming beetroot or its juice during pregnancy are:
-> Overconsumption of beetroots can cause beeturia, a condition in which your stools and urine turn red in color.
-> The nitrate content of beetroots can trigger fatigue during pregnancy.
-> Beetroots are high in oxalates that can lead to kidney stones.
-> The betaine content of beetroots can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal problems.
-> Overconsumption of beetroot juice can temporarily paralyze your vocal cords.
(Also read: Chia Seeds During Pregnancy - Safe or Unsafe?)
Ways to include beetroots in your pregnancy diet
Here are some of the easy and simple ways to include beetroots in your pregnancy diet:
-> Chop beetroots and combine them with other healthy veggies or fruits of your choice to make a salad. It is one of the healthiest snacks that are extremely beneficial to consume while pregnant.
-> Bake beetroots and have them in roasted form.
Beetroot juice is one of the healthier options to start your morning with. You can add tomatoes or carrots with it to enhance its taste.
-> Boil beetroots and sprinkle some salt and pepper over them and your snack is ready.
-> You can also make beetroot pickles, dips, soup, or beetroot tea.
Beetroot juice during pregnancy
Beetroot juice provides numerous benefits to you and your little one. It is among the healthiest juices that you can consume during this vital phase of your life. It is full of powerful antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. You can make beetroot juice by mixing it with water or some other veggies or fruits.
(Also read: Is It Safe To Use Olive Oil During Pregnancy?)
Benefits of beetroot juice during pregnancy
Some of the amazing benefits of consuming beetroot juice during pregnancy include:
- Lowers the blood pressure
- Boost energy and stamina
- Great source of essential vitamins and minerals
- Promotes healthy liver
- Good source of folate
- Works as a natural detoxifier
- Regulate blood sugar levels
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is it safe to eat beetroot during pregnancy?
Beetroots are perfectly safe to consume during pregnancy if eaten in a moderate amount. Consuming two beetroots in a day is considered safe.
2. Is it healthy to eat beetroot during pregnancy?
Beetroots are highly nutritious and contain many nutrients that are vital during the pregnancy period. So, you can include this healthy root veggie in your diet.
3. Is beetroot safe during pregnancy?
Beetroots are safe to consume during pregnancy as they're packed with vital nutrients but eat them in moderation. Overconsumption of beets can cause complications too.
(Also read: Jackfruit During Pregnancy is Safe or Not)
4. Is beetroot good in the first trimester?
Beetroots are an excellent source of folate which helps to form neural tubes during early pregnancy and prevent birth defects. So, it's good to consume beetroots in the first trimester of your pregnancy. However, beets contain betaine that can trigger nausea or vomiting, especially in the first trimester. So, don't overeat them.
5. Is carrot and beetroot juice good during pregnancy?
Carrot and beetroot both are healthy and highly nutritious veggies. Having carrot and beetroot juice during pregnancy is a good choice.
6. Can I eat beetroot during pregnancy?
Beetroots are healthy and nutritious. Consuming them during pregnancy is extremely beneficial if you eat them in a moderate amount.
7. Does beetroot have side effects?
Some of the possible side effects caused due to consumption of beets include kidney stones, nausea, vomiting, gastrointestinal issues, diarrhea, or fatigue.
8. Is it harmful to eat beetroots during pregnancy?
Beetroots don't cause any harm to you or your baby if you eat them in a moderate amount. Overconsumption of beets can cause adverse effects on your health. So, to get all the nutritions always eat them in the right quantity.
(Also read: Is It Safe To Eat Garlic During Pregnancy? )
9. Is beetroot ok for pregnancy?
Yes, beetroots are good to consume during pregnancy. They provide numerous essential nutrients that are required for a healthy pregnancy.
10. Can you eat beetroots during pregnancy?
Beetroots are safe and healthy to consume during pregnancy but always keep in mind that moderation is the key. Beetroots are extremely beneficial to consume during the pregnancy period but eat them in a moderate amount to get all the health benefits.
11. Is it better to eat beetroot raw or cooked?
Beetroot can be eaten in both raw or cooked form. However raw beetroot contains more vitamins and minerals than cooked ones.
12. Is it good to eat beetroot during pregnancy?
Yes, beetroots are good to consume while pregnant due to their high nutritional value.
(Also read: Eating Cauliflower During Pregnancy)
13. How to eat beetroot during pregnancy?
You can consume them raw, cooked, baked, or in juice form.
14. How many beetroots can I consume in a day during pregnancy?
Consuming two beetroots in a day is enough during pregnancy. Consult your doctor to know the safe quantity of beets for you to consume.
15. Is beetroot juice good for pregnant women?
Beetroot juice is packed with vital vitamins, minerals, and powerful antioxidants that are required for a healthy pregnancy. It's good to consume beetroot juice during pregnancy.
Beetroots are undoubtedly one of the healthiest root veggies and consumption of beetroots during pregnancy is highly beneficial for you as well as for your growing fetus. They contain vital nutrients and provide numerous benefits to the expectant mother and her baby. Consult your doctor before including beets 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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