It is very important to use foods that provide nutrients and essential substances to the body during pregnancy and that taste good because it affects the health of the fetus. What foods we can replace pasta, potatoes or rice is important because food variety during pregnancy is important to provide all kinds of substances necessary for the growth of the fetus and the health and vitality of the mother.
What is couscous?
Couscous is made from buckwheat and semolina, which does not need to be boiled and can be boiled. Because couscous is often made from wheat, millet, or barley, it is not recommended for people who are gluten intolerant, but they can use corn couscous.
The best way to prepare couscous is to buy from supermarkets that are organic and do not use preservatives.
Is it safe to eat couscous during pregnancy?
- In general, couscous consumption is safe during pregnancy, only pregnant women who have gluten intolerance should use couscous made from corn. Couscous can estimate the materials needed to provide energy for mother and child because couscous is a rich source of carbohydrates that provides glucose necessary for brain metabolism and maintaining brain function.
- In addition to carbohydrates, couscous contains B group vitamins, protein, and folate, which are effective in the growth of the child’s tissue and organs, especially the brain tissue. Couscous can help the blood supply to the child and strengthen the growth of the uterus during pregnancy.
- Eating couscous can be a good source of iron needed during pregnancy to support the brain and muscle development of the fetus. The iron in couscous is very effective in helping to make hemoglobin in red blood cells and facilitating oxygen delivery to tissues and preventing iron deficiency anemia.
- Since couscous is a rich source of calcium, it can reduce the consequences of preeclampsia in the second half of pregnancy.
What are the Benefits of Eating Couscous During Pregnancy?
Every 100 grams of couscous can provide the body with 70 grams of carbohydrates, so this food can be a very good source of energy, which also has the following benefits:
strengthening the cardiovascular system
A healthy heart for pregnant women is very important. Selenium is one of the nutrients that is very rare. Selenium in couscous acts as a strong antioxidant that can prevent the formation of plaque in blood vessels and is a good protector against heart attacks and strokes.
Plenty of potassium
Potassium can reduce blood vessel contractions and is effective in controlling blood pressure and heart health.
Preventing cancer
Selenium in couscous can prevent cancer in the mother and child.
Strengthening the immune system
Vitamin C in couscous can be effective in reducing free radicals in the blood, which helps to strengthen the immune system.
Increase energy
Pregnancy takes a lot of energy from pregnant women, and if the necessary energy is provided, pregnant women suffer from constant fatigue. Due to the presence of carbohydrates, couscous can provide the necessary energy for body cells and minimize weakness and lethargy.
Coping with diseases
The high protein content in couscous can help improve metabolism and fight diseases.
Helping the digestive system
Since digestive problems are very common during pregnancy, the fiber in couscous
It can help to improve food digestion, and constipation, clean blood vessels, and eliminate bad cholesterol.
Adjustment of liquid balances
Potassium in couscous can help regulate body fluids during pregnancy so that the blood pressure of pregnant mothers can be well controlled. Regulating blood pressure can help reduce the risk of heart problems, strokes, and hardening of the arteries, and help eliminate toxins and regulate excretory functions.
Improve metabolism
The protein in couscous regulates metabolic activities and is effective in the growth and development of the fetus and its body organs.
Dealing with bacteria
Infectious diseases are common among pregnant women, so it is very important to take care to control and reduce bacterial contamination. Couscous can protect pregnant women against herpes, tumor, shingles, and allergies.
Couscous Contraindications During Pregnancy
Before consuming couscous, you must make sure that the packaging is healthy because colonization of bacteria is very common in damaged packages. Pregnant women should avoid consuming pre-prepared couscous salads because there is a high possibility of contamination with germs.
Having diabetes in pregnant women is not a contraindication to couscous consumption. It is true that couscous has high carbohydrates, but because couscous is made from durum wheat, it is safe to consume during pregnancy. Carbohydrates in couscous can keep a person full for longer and prevent rapid increase in blood sugar.
Conclusion
Couscous made from wheat, barley or millet is very suitable for providing the energy needed during pregnancy. Couscous can not only provide the energy needed by pregnant mothers, but it can also provide many vitamins and substances necessary for the development of the fetus. There is no problem with couscous consumption for pregnant women and there is no problem with diabetes.
