Greek Yogurt During Pregnancy - Is It Safe?
Greek Yogurt During Pregnancy - Health Benefits, And Is it safe to consume
Greek yogurt is a dairy product that is strained to remove the whey. Whey contains lactose which is a natural sugar that is found in milk. Removing the whey out of it gives it a denser consistency. Greek yogurt is much thicker, creamier, and has more protein than regular yogurt. It is packed with many essential nutrients such as protein, calcium, potassium, iron, and many more. All of these nutrients are vital during pregnancy and promote a healthy pregnancy. Read this article to know all about having greek yogurt while pregnant.
Health Benefits of eating greek yogurt during pregnancy
Some of the amazing benefits of eating greek yogurt during pregnancy are:
1. Excellent Source of Protein
Greek yogurt is an excellent source of protein. It contains more protein than milk. Protein plays a major role during pregnancy as it helps to maintain maternal health and contributes to the proper growth and development of your baby. Your body uses protein to build up bones, muscles, cartilage, hair, skin, and blood. It also plays a huge role in fetal development. It helps to build up your baby's soft tissue, placenta, and red blood cells. Protein helps your breast and uterine tissue to grow while pregnant. It also helps in the growth of fetal tissue. Experts recommend 75 to 100 grams of protein per day for pregnant women. Greek yogurt contains a double quantity of protein compared to other regular yogurts. A 7 ounces pack of Greek yogurt contains 20 g of protein. So, Greek yogurt is a good addition to include in your diet during the pregnancy phase.
2. Healthy Bones
Greek yogurt is packed with calcium, a mineral that is vital during the pregnancy period to build up your baby's bones, nails, and teeth buds. An expectant mother requires almost 1000 milligrams of calcium daily during the pregnancy phase. Getting a sufficient amount of calcium during the pregnancy period is essential as it helps to keep your teeth and bones healthy. It also helps your baby to develop strong teeth and bones. Calcium is also required for the proper functioning of your circulatory, muscular, and nervous systems. A single serving of Greek yogurt contains 20% of your daily calcium requirement.
(Also read: Is It Safe To Eat Green Beans During Pregnancy?)
3. Boost Immune System
Greek yogurt contains probiotics which are healthy bacteria that help to boost your immune system. It also keeps stomach issues such as diarrhea or abdominal pain at bay.
4. Good source of vitamin B12 (Cobalamin)
It is a good source of vitamin B12 which is well known to maintain the health of the nervous system during pregnancy. This vitamin is essential for your baby's neural tube formation, spine, and brain development. When combined with folic acid during pregnancy it helps to produce DNA synthesis. It also helps in the regulation and formation of red blood cells. It contributes to the proper functioning and health of nerve tissue.
5. Rich in Iodine
It contains an ample amount of iodine, a mineral that is vital for your baby's brain development and physical growth. Iodine also helps to maintain normal functions of the thyroid during pregnancy.
6. Promote Fetal Development
Greek yogurt is packed with essential vitamins and minerals that are necessary for the proper growth and healthy development of your growing baby in the womb. It is loaded with vital nutrients that are crucial for a healthy pregnancy. Consumption of greek yogurt during pregnancy help to promote fetal development.
7. Packed with vitamins
Greek yogurt contains a sufficient amount of vitamins such as vitamin A, C. Both of these vitamins play a major role in a healthy pregnancy. Vitamin A is required to build your baby's immune system. It is also essential for healthy skin and good vision. Vitamin C helps to boost your immune system and plays a key role in the physical growth and development of your baby too.
(Also read: 8 Amazing Benefits Of Chickpeas During Pregnancy)
8. Alleviate Bloating
Consumption of greek yogurt during pregnancy supports the good health of the digestive system. It helps to keep you away from gastrointestinal issues such as indigestion, bloating, abdominal discomfort, abdominal pain while pregnant.
9. Healthy Weight Gain
Greek yogurt is considered a healthy snack as it contains more protein, less sugar, and carbohydrates than regular yogurt. The high content of protein in greek yogurt help to keep you full for a longer time thereby reduce the chances of unhealthy weight gain during pregnancy.
10. Regulates Blood Pressure
It contains potassium that is well known to keep your blood pressure levels under control during pregnancy. High blood pressure can cause hypertension and can lead to heart-related issues. Therefore it's essential to keep blood pressure levels in control during pregnancy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is it safe to eat greek yogurt during pregnancy?
Greek yogurt is fully loaded with vital nutrients and is safe to consume while pregnant but make sure that it is made from pasteurized milk. Greek yogurt which is made from unpasteurized milk contains listeria, a bacteria that can cause miscarriage or can cause harm to the growing fetus.
2. Is it ok to eat greek yogurt during pregnancy?
Yes, greek yogurt is safe and extremely beneficial to consume during pregnancy due to its nutritional value.
(Also read: Ladyfinger (Okra) During Pregnancy - Safe or Not?)
3. What are the benefits of greek yogurt during pregnancy?
Greek yogurt is a powerhouse of nutrients that are required for a healthy pregnancy. It contains essential vitamins and minerals that are required for both the expectant mother and her growing baby.
4. Which is healthier greek or regular yogurt during pregnancy?
Greek yogurt is considered healthier as it contains more protein and less sugar than regular yogurt.
Greek yogurt is packed with nutrients that are vital during pregnancy. It is an excellent source of probiotics, vitamins, calcium, protein, and phosphorus. You can consume greek yogurt as a part of a healthy and balanced diet but must consult your doctor before including it in your pregnancy diet. Have a happy and healthy pregnancy.
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