Pregnant women need to be careful about what they eat. You will have to cut down on salt, sugar, fat, and most importantly additives in your meals. Anything that you eat must also be rich in nutrients and vitamins. Chickpeas are a great source of protein, Vitamin C, copper, and iron. They are also low in sodium and carbohydrates. So, if you’re pregnant or planning to get pregnant soon, chickpeas can be a great addition to your diet.
Benefits of chickpeas during pregnancy
Chickpeas are a good source of protein, iron, and calcium. They are also high in fiber, which is important for pregnant women to get in order to avoid constipation. Fiber helps to keep the digestive system moving, which can help prevent nausea and morning sickness. Chickpeas are also low in fat, making them a healthy choice for those trying to eat healthily during pregnancy. One study showed that eating chickpeas during pregnancy reduced the risk of gestational diabetes by 40%. Chickpeas are also thought to help with a variety of other health issues during pregnancy including:
- Constipation
- Digestive problems
- Heartburn
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Weight gain
They are also beneficial for a baby’s development. A high-fiber diet is important early in pregnancy because it helps prevent constipation, which could lead to fetal distress. They are also rich in folate and B vitamins, which both play an important role in the development of a baby’s nervous system.
In general, chickpeas are a safe food during pregnancy, but they should be cooked well and consumed in moderation.
How do chickpeas help pregnant women and fetuses?
- Prevention of birth defects due to having folate
- Diabetes control
- Protection against asthma due to high fiber
- Treatment of constipation
- Help in fetal growth due to high protein
- Reducing the risk of anemia due to having iron
- Supporting the development of the child’s brain by the choline in chickpeas
- An increase in dopamine, especially during lactation, increases milk production and breast growth
- Increased energy
Can eating peas be harmful to pregnant women?
Consuming too many chickpeas, especially raw chickpeas, can cause stomach bloating, and women who are allergic to soy can also be allergic to chickpeas, which causes allergic symptoms such as itching, breathing problems, headaches, acne, and fatigue.
If a woman has diarrhea during pregnancy, she should not eat foods containing a lot of fiber, such as peas. But in general, not all women experience these side effects, so chickpeas can be used as food.
Chickpeas’ Side Effects During pregnancy
- Chickpeas are generally considered safe to eat during pregnancy, but there are a few potential side effects to be aware of.
- Chickpeas are a good source of fiber, but eating too many can cause gas and bloat.
- Chickpeas are also a good source of protein, but eating too many can cause constipation.
- If you have a history of kidney stones, you should avoid eating too many chickpeas, as they contain oxalates, which can worsen kidney stones.
How to use chickpeas?
If dry chickpeas are prepared, they must be soaked the night before and cooked for at least 90 minutes so as not to cause digestive problems. Also, to increase the absorption of chickpea iron, it is better to add lemon juice or orange juice to it while cooking.
How many peas can be used per day?
You should not use more than 2 bowls of chickpeas per day because consuming more than moderation can cause digestive problems.
Conclusion
Chickpeas during pregnancy can be a good source of important nutrients such as iron, folate, potassium, protein, and fiber and may also prevent maternal and fetal complications such as anemia, gestational diabetes, and neural tube defects. Chickpeas can be added to salads, stews, curries, or dips such as hummus, but they should always be consumed in moderation.
