Benefits of Spring Onions During Pregnancy
Spring Onion (Green Onions or Scallions) Benefits in Pregnancy
Spring Onions contain a green leafy part and a small white bulb. Both of these parts are edible and can be eaten raw or cooked. They have a milder taste than regular onions. As they combine onions and greens, they provide health benefits of both onions and greens. They're also known as Green Onions or Scallions.
They enhance the taste and nutrition of a dish. You can use it in various ways. Spring Onions are a great source of essential vitamins such as vitamins A, C, and K. You can add them to vegetables of your choice, such as cauliflower, potatoes, or mushrooms. You can add them to sandwiches or salads to make them healthier and more delicious. You can use spring onions in soups, stir-fries, dumplings, dips, and stuffing.
Benefits of Spring Onions in pregnancy
Spring onions are incredibly beneficial for overall health. They are loaded with vital nutrients and are highly beneficial for the mom-to-be and her little one. Here are some of the fantastic health benefits provided by spring onions:
1. Promote Overall Fetal Development
Spring onions are not only delicious but healthy as well. They provide a unique taste to the dishes. They're a great source of vital vitamins and minerals such as phosphorus, copper, and potassium. They're low in calories and provide several health benefits to the expectant mother and her growing baby.
2. Strengthen Immune System
Spring onions are loaded with vitamin C, which significantly supports a healthy immune system. In addition, it helps grow and repair tissue all over the body. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps to protect your body tissues from damage and inflammation. It helps to boost your immunity and also improves your ability to absorb iron which is essential to prevent the risk of developing anemia during pregnancy.
(Also read: Oats During Pregnancy - Is It Safe?)
3. Prevents Cold and Flu
The antibacterial and antiviral properties of green onions help to fight against the common cold, viral infections, and flu. In addition, they're often used as a medicine for the common cold and help reduce excess mucus.
4. Promote Healthy Heart
They help to lower cholesterol levels in the body. In addition, they contain vitamin C, which is well known to reduce inflammation and relax your blood vessels which carry blood to the heart, thereby reducing the chances of heart attack or stroke.
5. Reduces the Risk of Cancer
Spring Onions contain compounds such as allyl sulfide and flavonoids that prevent cancer. These compounds fight against the enzymes that produce cancer cells, reducing cancer risk.
6. Promote Digestion
They're a great source of fiber and help to promote digestion. You can add them to other vegetables to enhance their taste. Consumption of green onions during pregnancy keeps you away from constipation and promotes a healthy digestive tract.
(Also read: Is It Safe To Eat Duck Meat During Pregnancy?)
7. Healthy Vision
Spring onions are a rich source of vitamin A, which helps to maintain good vision. They also contain carotenoids such as lutein and zeaxanthin, which are known to maintain normal vision and helps to keep your eyes healthy.
8. Strong Bones
Scallions are a great source of vitamin C and vitamin K. These nutrients play a crucial role in keeping your gums and bones healthy. Vitamin C helps synthesize collagen, which keeps your bones strong, and Vitamin K helps maintain your bone density.
9. Lowers Blood Sugar Levels
Spring onions contain sulfur compounds, due to which your body's ability to produce insulin tends to increase. Hence it lowers your blood sugar levels and helps to prevent gestational diabetes.
10. Healthy Weight Gain
They're low in calories and high in fiber content. As a result, they keep you full for a longer time and help to satiate your hunger pangs, helping you gain a healthy weight during pregnancy.
(Also read: Eating Apples During Pregnancy)
11. Prevent Gastrointestinal Issues
Spring Onions are a natural remedy to treat gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhea or other stomach-related complications. In addition, the high fiber content of spring onions helps to keep constipation at bay and helps your digestive system to function correctly.
12. Rich in B-complex vitamins
They're a rich source of B-complex vitamins such as niacin, pyridoxine, folic Acid, riboflavin, and thiamin. All of these B-complex vitamins play several essential roles in the body. For example, folic Acid helps to form a neural tube during early pregnancy and to prevent congenital disabilities, including serious neural tube defects such as spina bifida, anencephaly, or encephalocele (rarely). It is also essential for DNA synthesis and cell division. A pregnant woman requires at least 600 mcg of folic Acid daily. 100 g of fresh green leaves provide about 64 µg of folates.
Nutritional Facts of Spring Onions
Spring Onions are low in calories and high in fiber. This veggie contains numerous essential nutrients such as vitamins C and A, minerals, and antioxidants. They're also a great source of iron, potassium, phosphorus, and magnesium. All these nutrients are vital for the healthy growth and development of the fetus.
Nutrient Value of Green Onions per 100 g
| Principle | Nutrient Value |
|---|---|
| Energy | 32 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 7.34 g |
| Protein | 1.83 g |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.6 g |
| Fat | 0.30 g |
| Vitamins | |
| Vitamin A | 997 IU |
| Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) | 0.055 mg |
| Vitamin B2 (Riboflavine) | 0.080 mg |
| Vitamin B3 (Niacin) | 0.525 mg |
| Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid) | 0.075 mg |
| Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) | 0.61 mg |
| Vitamin B9 (Folates) | 64 µg |
| Vitamin C | 18.8 mg |
| Vitamin E | 0.55 mg |
| Vitamin K | 207 µg |
| Minerals | |
| Calcium | 72 mg |
| Iron | 1.48 mg |
| Copper | 0.083 mg |
| Phosphorus | 37 mg |
| Magnesium | 20 mg |
| Manganese | 0.160 mg |
| Selenium | 0.6 µg |
| Zinc | 0.39 mg |
| Electrolytes | |
| Sodium | 16 mg |
| Potassium | 276 mg |
| Phyto-nutrients | |
| Carotene-ß | 598 µg |
| Crypto-xanthin-ß | 0 µg |
| Lutein-zeaxanthin | 1137 µg |
Side Effects of Spring Onions in pregnancy
Green onions are good to consume during pregnancy due to their high nutritional value. They provide you with several benefits if you eat them in limited quantities. Eating them in excess can lead to some health complications as well. Some possible side effects due to overconsumption of spring onions in pregnancy are:
(Also read: Eating Peanuts (Groundnuts) During Pregnancy)
Ways to include Spring Onions in the pregnancy diet
Here are some of the simple and easy ways to include spring onions in your pregnancy diet:
-> Use freshly chopped green onions as a garnish in your raw salads.
-> Spring Onions can also be used in soups, stuffings, stir-fries, noodles, fried rice, etc.
-> Green onions are also used in pancakes, pasta, dumplings, marinades, and noodles.
-> They are one of the most common ingredients in stews and stir-fries. They can also be mixed with other vegetables such as cabbage, cauliflower, potatoes, carrot, etc.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can you eat green onions while pregnant?
Green onions are safe and healthy to consume while pregnant. You can include them in your daily diet as they're highly nutritious and provide a unique flavor to the dishes.
(Also read: 10 Benefits Of Drinking Water During Pregnancy)
2. Is spring onions safe to consume during pregnancy?
Yes, spring onions are safe for consumption during pregnancy as well. They're a good source of many essential nutrients that are crucial in maintaining maternal health and promoting overall fetal development.
3. Are green onions safe during pregnancy?
Green onions are safe to eat when pregnant. They're a rich source of iron, folate, vitamin C, fiber, calcium, magnesium, and many more. All these nutrients play a crucial role in a healthy pregnancy.
4. Can I eat spring onion when pregnant?
Yes, you can have spring onions while pregnant but remember to take them in limited quantities. Excess amounts can cause health issues.
(Also read: Complications Of Twin Pregnancy)
5. Is it safe to eat capsicum and spring onion during pregnancy?
Capsicum and Spring Onion are both safe to consume during pregnancy. You can enjoy both of them at any stage of your pregnancy. In addition, they provide you with many health benefits if you take them in moderation.
Spring Onions are flavorful herbs that are highly nutritious and offer you numerous vital nutrients that your body requires to nourish your baby during your pregnancy period. In addition, they contain several essential antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, fiber, and flavonoids that are good for your health while pregnant. So, go ahead and include them in your pregnancy diet, but if you've any concerns regarding allergic reactions, it's advisable to consult your healthcare provider.
Whatever you eat in your pregnancy, have it in moderation, as an excess of anything can harm you or your growing baby during this delicate phase of your life.
Enjoy this excellent phase of your life. Have a happy, healthy, and safe pregnancy.
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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 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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