12 Surprising Benefits of Eating Cabbage During Pregnancy
Cabbage During Pregnancy - Nutritional Value, Health Benefits, Precautions, And Side Effects
An expectant mother needs to take a healthy and well nutritious diet for the well-being of her growing baby. Veggies are a great addition to the pregnancy diet as they are filled with numerous nutrients that are essential for a safe delivery and healthy baby. Veggies are a great source of fiber, protein, beta carotene, vitamin C, minerals, and many more vital nutrients. Cabbage is also one of those veggies that provide numerous health benefits to a pregnant woman and her unborn baby. Cabbage comes in a variety of shapes and colors such as red, green, purple, and white. In this article, we're going to tell you all about having cabbage during pregnancy.
Health Benefits of eating Cabbage during pregnancy
Cabbage is fully packed with vital nutrients that your body requires to nourish your little one during the pregnancy period. Consumption of cabbage while pregnant is extremely beneficial and provides a lot of health benefits to both the expectant mother and her baby. Some of the amazing health benefits of eating cabbage during pregnancy are:
1. Healthy Weight Gain
Cabbage is a low-calorie and high fiber veggie. The high fiber content of cabbage keeps you full for a longer time thereby promote healthy weight gain. This veggie is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
2. Packed with Vitamin C
It is fully packed with vitamin C that acts as a powerful antioxidant, keeps you away from infections and certain diseases thereby boost your immune system throughout your pregnancy period. It also plays a major role in the baby's physical development too. It helps to promote the production of collagen that is a protein made up of amino acids. Collagen is the primary component of connective tissues in the body. Vitamin C helps your body to absorb more iron hence reduce the risk of developing iron deficiency that can lead to anemia during pregnancy.
(Also read: Dates during pregnancy)
3. Aids Digestion
Cabbage is a great source of dietary fiber. It consists of both soluble and insoluble fiber. The insoluble fiber content of cabbage helps to keep your digestive system healthy by promoting regular bowel movements while soluble fiber increases the number of friendly bacteria in your gut. Soluble fiber is well known to reduce LDL cholesterol. Hence, the consumption of cabbage in pregnancy is an excellent way to prevent constipation, improve digestion, and keep your digestive tract healthy.
4. Rich in Potassium
Cabbage is a good source of potassium. Having an electrolyte imbalance during pregnancy is a very common complication that can lead to a weaker immune system. Fluid retention is also a common complication faced by many pregnant women. Potassium is a mineral that plays a key role in maintaining body fluids and electrolyte balance in the cells of your body. It also helps in muscle contraction and keeps you away from leg cramping too. Potassium plays an essential role in the optimal growth of the fetus. Potassium along with sodium helps to keep a healthy blood pressure level during pregnancy. So, eating potassium-rich foods is extremely beneficial in pregnancy.
5. Great source of Vitamin K
Cabbage is an excellent source of vitamin K that is essential for blood clotting, prevent excessive bleeding. It is crucial for bone metabolism as well. Vitamin K is a group of compounds that helps your body to make proteins for healthy bones and tissues. So, vitamin K is essential to strengthening the bones of both the expectant mother and her baby as well.
6. Healthy Heart
Cabbage contains powerful compounds called anthocyanins that help to reduce your blood pressure and the risk of heart diseases.
(Also read: Side Effects Of Eating Almonds During Pregnancy)
7. Reduce Chronic Inflammation
Cruciferous veggies such as cabbage contain powerful antioxidants that are well known to reduce chronic inflammation.
8. Prevent Anemia
It is a good source of vitamin C that helps your body to absorb more iron hence reduce the risk of developing anemia during pregnancy. Anemia occurs due to iron deficiency. So, to prevent anemia you need to eat iron-rich foods throughout your pregnancy.
9. Prevent Neural Tube Defects
This cruciferous veggie is a great source of folic acid or folate that is essential to build up fetal DNA thereby prevent your baby from developing neural tube defects such as spina bifida or anencephaly.
10. Lowers the risk of Gestational Diabetes
Cabbage contains an adequate amount of dietary fiber that helps in proper digestion and to keep your blood sugar level under control which in turn reduces your chances of developing gestational diabetes.
(Also read: Is It Safe To Eat Meat During Pregnancy?)
11. Reduces Swelling
Pregnancy edema is a common complication in which a pregnant woman experiences swelling in the face, ankle, hands, legs, and feet. It can occur anytime in your pregnancy period but usually occurs during the third trimester of pregnancy. The additional blood and fluid in the body cause edema while pregnant. Wrapping cabbage leaves around the swollen area will help to ease pain and discomfort caused due to edema and reduces swelling as well.
12. Prevent Cancer
Cabbage contains anthocyanins which are anti-cancer agents that fight against cancer-causing cells. Therefore, the consumption of cabbage during the gestation period helps to prevent cancer.
Side Effects of Cabbage during pregnancy
Although cabbage is safe and good to consume while pregnant if eaten in the recommended amount. Overeating cabbage can pose some risks too. Some of the side effects caused due to the overconsumption of cabbage are:
1. Affect the Thyroid
Cabbage contains substances called goitrogens that can inhibit iodine transport to the thyroid. Raw cabbage contains a higher amount of goitrogens. So, wash and cook it properly to reduce its goitrogenic effect. Overeating cabbage may interfere with the thyroid gland functioning so it's better to consume it in sufficient quantity.
2. Abdominal Discomfort
Overconsumption of cabbage can cause gas, abdominal discomfort, bloating, or diarrhea. So, it's better to limit your cabbage intake to avoid such complications.
(Also read: Greek Yogurt During Pregnancy - Is It Safe?)
3. Allergic Reactions
Some pregnant women may cause allergic reactions due to the consumption of cabbage during their pregnancy period. If you're allergic to cruciferous veggies before pregnancy then it's better to take your doctor's advice before consuming them in your pregnancy phase.
4. Food Poisoning
Consumption of raw cabbage can cause food poisoning. So, it's better to consume it in cooked form.
(Also read: Potatoes During Pregnancy - Are They Safe?)
Precautions to take while eating cabbage during pregnancy
Some of the precautions you should take while eating cabbage during pregnancy are:
- Always go for organic ones as they're less prone to listeria.
- Never buy shredded cabbage.
- Wash and cook it properly to remove toxins and microbes.
Nutritional Value of Cabbage
100 g of cabbage contains the following nutrients:
| Calories | 25 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 5.8 g |
| Fats | 0.8 g |
| Protein | 1.3 g |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.50 g |
| Vitamin A | 98 IU |
| Vitamin B1 (Thiamin) | 0.061 mg |
| Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) | 0.040 mg |
| Vitamin B3 (Niacin) | 0.234 mg |
| Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid) | 0.212 mg |
| Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) | 0.124 mg |
| Vitamin B9 (Folate) | 53 µg |
| Vitamin C | 36.6 mg |
| Vitamin K | 76 µg |
| Sodium | 18 mg |
| Potassium | 170 mg |
| Calcium | 40 mg |
| Iron | 0.47 mg |
| Magnesium | 12 mg |
| Manganese | 0.160 mg |
| Zinc | 0.18 mg |
| Phosphorus | 26 mg |
| Carotene-α | 33 µg |
| Carotene-ß | 42 µg |
| Lutein-zeaxanthin | 30 µg |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I eat raw cabbage during pregnancy?
Raw cabbage can contain microbes or toxins that can lead to food-borne illnesses such as listeria which can cause several further complications such as premature birth, miscarriage, or even stillbirth. It may contain bacteria that can cause food poisoning. So, avoid eating raw cabbage during your pregnancy period.
2. Is it safe to eat cabbage during pregnancy?
Yes, cabbage is safe to eat in pregnancy as it is packed with many vital nutrients that your body needs to nourish your little one during your pregnancy period.
(Also read: 10 Most Common Medical Reasons For a C-Section)
3. Can I drink cabbage juice during pregnancy?
Yes, cabbage juice is healthy and safe to consume during pregnancy. Avoid it if you're allergic to cabbage or if you're prone to gas formation.
4. Can I eat Coleslaw during pregnancy?
Coleslaw is prepared from finely chopped raw cabbage along with salad dressing, such as vinaigrette or mayonnaise. It's best to avoid eating coleslaw during pregnancy as it contains raw cabbage which can lead to food-borne illnesses and can cause several complications.
5. Is cabbage good for pregnancy?
Cabbage is undoubtedly one of the healthiest cruciferous veggies that are filled with vital nutrients that are crucial for the healthy growth and development of your little one. It's good to consume cabbage while pregnant.
(Also read: Mango benefits and side effect in pregnancy)
6. How to consume cabbage in pregnancy?
There are several ways to consume cabbage in pregnancy. Some of the simple and easy ways to consume cabbage during pregnancy are:
- You can consume steamed, boiled, or roasted cabbage.
- Avoid consuming raw cabbage as it increases the chances of food-borne illnesses.
- You can add cabbage to the soup while cooking.
- Add steamed or boiled cabbage to your salads.
This green, leafy, cruciferous veggie is exceptionally healthy and nutritious and is packed with numerous vital nutrients. Including it in your pregnancy diet is an amazing way to get several crucial nutrients that your body needs to nourish your baby during your pregnancy period. But always make sure to eat it in an adequate amount. Consult your doctor before including cabbage in your pregnancy diet especially if you're allergic to it before pregnancy. We wish you a very happy, safe, and healthy pregnancy.
You can watch this video on our Youtube Channel Mother-Baby Care to know all about having Cabbage during your pregnancy period.
Eating Cabbage while pregnant
This video contains all information about the consumption of cabbage during the pregnancy period. Find out the results for your queries related to the consumption of cabbage in pregnancy such as What are the side effects of eating cabbage, How safe is cabbage during pregnancy, Is it safe to eat cabbage during pregnancy, What are the health benefits of cabbage during pregnancy, Can you eat cabbage when you're pregnant, What happens when pregnant women eat cabbage, Is cabbage safe to eat during pregnancy, Can I eat cabbage during pregnancy, Can I eat cabbage during 5 weeks of pregnancy, Can I eat raw cabbage during pregnancy. So, just watch this video and clear all your doubts about the consumption of cabbage in pregnancy.
Also, read other pregnancy-related articles:
No comments