Controlling sweet cravings is one of the important issues that must be taken care of during pregnancy. Eating different fruits and vegetables instead can help control this craving to some extent. For example, consuming Beetroot can eliminate the craving for sweets and prevent eating high-calorie foods with a lot of sugar, such as sweets and cakes.
Beetroot at a glance
- Winter vegetable
- Contains fiber and nutrients
- Contains vitamins and iron
- Help control blood pressure
- Strengthening the immune system
Note: beets can cause kidney stones, so people with metabolic disorders should be careful.
Eating Beets During Pregnancy
Consumption of beets during pregnancy is highly recommended. This vegetable is a healthy snack for pregnant women and their children. Beetroot can be used raw or cooked or as juice.
Beetroot has the properties of purifying the blood, detoxifying and revitalizing the body.
What are the Benefits of Beets for Pregnant Women?
Prevention of congenital and neurological defects
Beetroot has a high amount of folic acid, which can help the growth of the neural tube of the fetus and prevent Spanish bifida.
Helping the mother’s immune system
Beetroot contains useful antioxidants that help the mother’s immune system to prevent infections.
Decalcification of Teeth
Beetroot contains silica, which helps the body to use magnesium and copper, and calcium and magnesium in beetroot help to decalcify teeth.
Metabolism
Beetroot potassium helps in electrolyte balance.
Joint Pain and Swelling
Betaine in beets is an excellent anti-inflammatory for joint pain and swelling.
Blood purification
Beets contain betaine, which is important for liver function and detoxification.
Blood pressure control
can also help to reduce the risk of high blood pressure and preeclampsia.
Aids in digestion
The fiber in beets helps the digestive system to digest food and manage constipation.
Beets are a good source of vitamins and minerals
- Vitamin C
- Folate
- Manganese
- Potassium
- Fiber and antioxidants.
Strengthening cell growth
potassium, phosphorus and zinc reduce harmful free radicals and help cell growth.
Side Effects and Risks of Eating Beetroots During Pregnancy
Beetroot is generally safe to eat during pregnancy, but there are a few potential side effects to be aware of.
- Some of the compounds in beetroots can act as stimulants, so eating too many may lead to an increase in heart rate and blood pressure.
- Beetroot can also cause nausea and vomiting.
- Beetroots are also a source of nitrates, which can be converted into nitrites in the body. In large amounts, nitrites can be harmful, but the levels found in beetroots are not a concern.
- red or pink urine and feces, which can be a sign of iron deficiency.
- Finally, beetroots can cause digestive issues in some people, such as gas and bloating. If you experience any discomfort after eating beetroots, it’s best to avoid them.
If you have any concerns about eating beetroot during pregnancy, talk to your doctor or midwife.
Best Time to Eat Beets During Pregnancy
Since pregnant women need 400 to 800 micrograms of folic acid daily in the first trimester of pregnancy, and a medium-sized beet contains 100 to 150 micrograms of folic acid, it can help to provide the folic acid needed by mothers to some extent.
Also, consuming this vegetable in the second trimester can provide essential nutrients for the pregnant mother.
How to Eat Beets During Pregnancy?
- Preparation of salad: using beets with other vegetables
- Food preparation: Boil beets and season with salt and pepper
- Preparation of drink: beet juice
- Eat beets in moderation.
- Avoid eating raw or undercooked beets.
- Cook beets thoroughly before eating them.
- Choose fresh, organic beets whenever possible.
- Wash beets thoroughly before cooking or eating them.
Conclusion
Beetroot is one of the foods that can help control the sweet cravings of pregnant women. Also, this vegetable has many properties, including providing folic acid and nutrients, blood purification, helping the immune system and digestive system, which can be useful for pregnant women. However, eating in moderation is always recommended as it can cause nausea and vomiting, fatigue and change in urine color.
