Pregnancy is a very vulnerable stage for any woman. During pregnancy, it is very important to have good nutrition for many reasons. Not only doctors but even dadi-nani nuskhas suggest that women should intake proper nutrition to support a healthy pregnancy and for the baby’s development. It is always advisable to include fruits, vegetables, protein foods, and whole grains in the diet while curbing the intake of saturated fats, added sugars, and sodium. Let us have a look at the healthy foods one should have during pregnancy.
Eggs
High in protein, eggs are a very important source of nutrition that helps a lot during pregnancy. Eggs contain over a dozen of vitamins and minerals including choline mostly present in the yolk part. This helps in the proper development of the baby’s brain and spinal cord and thus, prevents birth defects. One can consume eggs with anything as it is always beneficial.
Beans
Legumes including lentils, beans, peas, and peanuts are high in protein and thus recommended during pregnancy. Beans are an excellent source of potassium, magnesium, folate, and iron and these nutrients are vital for the pregnancy period. Moreover, they are a great source of fiber which helps in preventing constipation and hemorrhoids.
Walnuts
Walnuts have so many health benefits that one cannot even count. They are one of the richest sources of omega 3s and also are packed with protein, fiber, and magnesium. Expecting mothers are advised to have walnuts in a limited quantity and not too much. Other nuts like almonds are also beneficial during pregnancy.
Whole grains
Rich in fiber and many nutrients, whole grains are something even doctors recommend for pregnancy. They are rich in iron, magnesium, vitamin B, vitamin E, and other essential nutrients. Besides, whole grains also contain phytonutrients, the plant compound which protects cells.
Leafy green vegetables
Leafy green vegetables like spinach are loaded with minerals and nutrients like vitamin A, vitamin K, vitamin C, iron, calcium, and folate. They are packed with antioxidants and fiber which prevents constipation. Broccoli is also equally essential and can curb a lot of health issues during the pregnancy period.
Avocados
This superfruit is beneficial in so many ways. Avocados are high in fatty acids which help in building baby’s brain and skin. Also, because of having packed with vitamin K, folate, and antioxidants, they help prevent birth defects. Not only do they deliver a creamy texture and a lot of flavours, but they also provide much-wanted nutrition to the body.
Colourful fruits and veggies
During pregnancy, the body requires many nutrients and the perfect solution for this is eating plenty of colourful fruits and vegetables. Many of us might not know but each colour group provides a different set of minerals and vitamins. For instance, bell peppers are high in vitamin C while berries are packed with antioxidants. They could be beneficial in many ways.
Greek Yogurt
This sort of yogurt has twice the proteins as compared to regular yogurt. Moreover, it has vitamin B, calcium, phosphorus, and probiotics. Calcium is considered very beneficial during pregnancy as it keeps the bones of the mother strong and promotes the healthy development of the baby’s skeleton. Drinking milk is another good way to intake calcium during this period.
Believe me, these healthy foods when included in the diet, can do wonders. Let us know what worked best for you.