Chives during pregnancy: Benefits & Risks and Precautions

chives in pregnancy
chives in pregnancy

During pregnancy, the expectant mother must be cautious of what she eats to ensure a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby. Chives, a common ingredient in many dishes, are a member of the allium family, which includes onions, garlic, and leeks. In this article, we will explore the benefits, risks, and precautions of consuming chives during pregnancy.

The difference between onions and chives

Some people consider onion and scallion to be the same, while these two are different, although their taste is somewhat similar, the scallion is relatively milder. Chives have similarities with leeks and garlic. This plant contains antioxidants and useful antimicrobial elements.

Is it safe to eat chives while pregnant?

If chives are consumed in moderation, it is safe to include them in the diet during pregnancy. The folate in chives is very useful for pregnant women and strengthens cell synthesis and division. Vitamin B present in this plant is effective in preventing birth defects and the spinal cord. Vitamin C also improves the function of the immune system.

Sometimes consuming too many chives causes indigestion in people.

Freezing chives

To store frozen chives, you can chop them and put them in ice cubes along with water and freeze them, but this is not necessary because fresh chives are always available.

Garlic, shallots, leeks, parsley, or cilantro can be substituted for chives in dishes.

Onion extract or its puree can be used as a hair or face mask. People with dry skin can benefit from its unique properties by using chive puree.

Benefits of Chives During Pregnancy

1. High in Nutrients:

Chives are a good source of vitamins and minerals such as vitamins A, C, and K, folate, calcium, and iron.

2. Anti-inflammatory:

Chives contain compounds that have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce inflammation in the body.

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3. Immune Booster:

Chives contain allicin, which has been shown to boost the immune system.

4. Digestive Aid:

Chives can aid in digestion and help alleviate digestive issues such as bloating and constipation.

5. Low in Calories:

Chives are low in calories, making them a healthy addition to any meal.

6. It kills germs:

Chives protect the body against pathogens such as fungi, viruses, and bacteria. Onion fights pathogens, prevents the growth of viruses, and thus improves the function of the body’s immune system. Chives can also be very effective in eliminating fungal and viral infections in the body.

7. Fight against cancer:

A group of antioxidants in chives are flavonoids, the most important of which are lutein and zeaxanthin, which prevent oral and lung cancers. Allicin, another antioxidant found in chives, prevents cancer. Fiber also fights against colon cancer. Consuming scallion causes the production of syn-glutathione in the body, which is very effective in preventing cancer.

8. It is effective in modulating the symptoms of diabetes:

Chives contain flavonoids that play a role in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Chives also have a low glycemic index that helps balance blood sugar.

9. It plays an important role in the growth of hair

As mentioned earlier, chives kill germs, so it eventually destroys the head infection and accelerates the creation of new follicles. Also, chives increase the speed of blood supply, as a result of which its consumption leads to hair strengthening and growth.

10. It affects sleep, thus improving the mood

Chives are rich in choline, which is useful in having a good and comfortable sleep. Also, chive folic acid increases the production of serotonin and dopamine and improves mood.

11. Causes kidney stones to be removed

If you consume chives in boiled form, a crystal called calcium oxalate, which is a type of kidney stone, will be removed, and the ethyl acetate in chives is effective in treating inflammation and will lead to the destruction of calcium kidney stones.

12. Keeps heart healthy

An antioxidant called allicin is abundant in chives. This antioxidant causes nitric oxide to spread and the hardness of blood vessels to disappear and blood pressure will automatically decrease. Allicin is also effective in lowering cholesterol, and quercetin in chives reduces the risk of stroke.

13. It relieves the pain in the throat

It has already been said that chives cause inflammation to disappear, and once the inflammation is removed, the pain will subside. Chives juice extract is very effective in this case.

14. It is insect repellent

If chives are boiled in water after the water cools down, sprinkle it on vegetables and leaves, this will kill insects and mold.

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Risks of Consuming Chives During Pregnancy

1. Risk of Food Poisoning:

Chives can be contaminated with harmful bacteria such as Salmonella, which can cause food poisoning. Pregnant women are more susceptible to food poisoning and should take extra precautions when consuming chives.

2. Potential Allergies:

Some people may be allergic to chives, which can cause allergic reactions such as hives, itching, and difficulty breathing. If you have never consumed chives before, it is best to introduce them into your diet slowly and watch for any adverse reactions.

3. Blood Thinners:

Chives contain compounds that can act as blood thinners, which can increase the risk of bleeding. If you are taking blood-thinning medication, it is important to consult with your healthcare provider before consuming chives.

4. It causes gas and bloating:

The fructan carbohydrate in chives produces gas, and the digestion time is disturbed, and intestinal bacteria eat this fructan, so the gas produced will accumulate in the intestine, but if you cook the chives a little, this problem will be less.

5. Intestinal disorders:

Reactive oxidants released from chives will cause diarrhea and acid reflux.

6. It aggravates gastritis:

Fructan present in scallions causes acid reflux, which worsens the symptoms of gastritis, and the acidity of scallions plays an important role in worsening the condition of gastritis.

7. Metal and metalloid accumulation in the body:

If chives are consumed more than moderation, large amounts of selenium and cadmium accumulate in the body and cause problems in the kidney, brain, and liver.

Precautions When Consuming Chives During Pregnancy

  1. Wash Thoroughly: Before consuming chives, make sure to wash them thoroughly to remove any bacteria or dirt.
  2. Cook Thoroughly: Pregnant women should ensure that chives are cooked thoroughly to reduce the risk of food poisoning.
  3. Introduce Slowly: If you have never consumed chives before, it is best to introduce them into your diet slowly and watch for any adverse reactions.
  4. Consult with Your Healthcare Provider: If you have any concerns about consuming chives during pregnancy, it is important to consult with your healthcare provider.
  5. If a person has a problem of not being able to tolerate allium, he should not consume chives, if such a person consumes this plant, he will experience gas, acid reflux, and bloating.
  6. Onion may be allergenic in some people.
  7. If you have an allergy to garlic or onion, consult your doctor before consuming chives.
  8. Despite the balance that you should have in the consumption of chives during pregnancy and breastfeeding, there is a possibility of transmitting soil pathogens to the body by eating raw chives.
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Different types of chives

  1. Common chives (Allium schoenoprasum) are a type of herb that belongs to the onion family (Alliaceae). They are native to Europe, Asia, and North America and are widely cultivated for their edible leaves and flowers.
  2. Garlic chives (Allium tuberosum), also known as Chinese chives or Chinese leeks, are a type of herb in the Allium family. They are native to China and have been cultivated and used in Chinese cuisine for thousands of years. Garlic chives are a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as minerals such as calcium and iron. They are also low in calories and high in fiber, making them a healthy addition to any diet.
  3. Siberian chives (Allium ledebourianum), are a type of herb that is native to Asia and is widely cultivated throughout the world. They are part of the Allium family, which also includes garlic, onions, and leeks. Siberian chives are easy to grow and are well-suited to cooler climates. They can be grown from seed or propagated from existing plants, and they prefer well-drained soil and full sun. They are relatively low-maintenance and can be harvested throughout the growing season.

FAQs

Is it safe to eat chives during pregnancy?

Yes, it is generally safe to consume chives during pregnancy. However, pregnant women should take precautions when consuming chives to reduce the risk of food poisoning and potential allergic reactions.

Are chives a good source of nutrients during pregnancy?

Yes, chives are a good source of vitamins and minerals such as vitamins A, C, and K, folate, calcium, and iron.

Can chives cause food poisoning during pregnancy?

Chives can be contaminated with harmful bacteria such as Salmonella, which can cause food poisoning. Pregnant women are more susceptible to food poisoning and should take extra precautions when consuming chives.

Can chives cause allergies during pregnancy?

Some people may be allergic to chives, which can cause allergic reactions such as hives, itching, and difficulty breathing. Pregnant women should introduce chives into their diet slowly and watch for any adverse reactions.

Can chives interact with medication during pregnancy?

Chives contain compounds that can act as blood thinners, which can increase the risk of bleeding. Pregnant women who are taking blood-thinning medication should consult with their healthcare provider before consuming chives.

Conclusion

Chives can be a healthy addition to any diet during pregnancy, as they are a good source of nutrients and have anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties. However, pregnant women should take precautions when consuming chives to reduce the risk of food poisoning and potential allergic reactions. As with any dietary change during pregnancy, it is important to consult with your healthcare provider.

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