During pregnancy, women need to take great care of eating for better health of themselves and the baby. It is a known fact that the child derives nutrition from the mother’s diet. During this period, it is common for expecting mothers to suffer anaemia. Apart from taking the required supplements and prenatal, spinach intake can help prevent iron deficiency anaemia. Following are some essential dietary benefits of including spinach in the diet of pregnant women. It is not just beneficial for the mother but the baby as well.
Prevents Anemia
Spinach is the best source of folic acid and iron. There is a possibility of anaemia due to its deficiency in the body. Also, it is common for pregnant women to get several deficiencies during this time, anaemia being one of them. In this case, the iron-rich spinach diet is essential for women. Spinach intake helps in regulating the weight of the baby essentials for normal delivery. Ensure that you are washing and boiling the vegetable properly to get rid of dust and other harmful components commonly found in green leafy vegetables.
Also Read: 7 Foods That Cause Heartburn During Pregnancy
Helps Control Blood Sugar
If you are pregnant, you need to manage blood pressure regularly. High blood pressure during pregnancy can harm you and the baby to a great extent. Spinach contains nitrates, which can help keep blood pressure under control. Just one cup of this wonder vegetable makes up for 6 per cent of your daily magnesium intake. It also helps in preventing a dip in the magnesium levels in the body.
Prevents Folate Deficiency
Folic acid deficiency, gingivitis, loss of appetite, diarrhoea, irritability, and mental disturbance can occur during pregnancy. You can avoid these problems by including spinach in your diet as it helps in fulfilling several deficiencies in the body. The reason behind this is that women who are pregnant or just delivered a baby require a higher amount of folate for breastfeeding. Green leafy vegetables like spinach are an excellent natural source to fulfil the requirement.
Also Read: Ladies, Include Folic Acid In Your Diet Before Pregnancy
Aids in Lung Development In The Child
Spinach is rich in beta-carotene. It is converted into beta-carotene, vitamin A, which helps in the development of the child’s lungs. The vitamin also helps your child gain enough weight, and boost your metabolism for post-pregnancy weight loss.
Prevents Constipation
Constipation is a common problem faced by women during pregnancy. Due to hormonal changes occurring in the body of a pregnant woman, constipation strikes even if taking a healthy diet. If a pregnant woman consumes spinach daily, it can relieve her from digestive problems and constipation. Spinach is rich in fibre and helps in maintaining the metabolic process.
Builds Immunity
During pregnancy, it is common for women to fall prey to several diseases and ailments due to a weak immune system. Spinach contains a sufficient amount of vitamin C, which is an antioxidant. Vitamin C helps protect your immune system and prevent diseases. This can help keep pregnant ladies safe from cold, cough, sore throat, viral infections, etc.
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