Pregnancy is the most precious moment in a woman’s life. While you are moving forward in the pregnancy stages, you need to be more conscious about your well-being and keep a close eye on your food habits. Garlic is one such root vegetable that should be consumed during pregnancy.
Garlic is widely used in many Indian cuisines and has numerous health benefits. However, is it safe to eat garlic during pregnancy?
A Closer Look at the Nutritional Profile of Garlic
Garlic isn't a flavor enhancer but is also regarded as a nutritional vegetable. It is filled with essential nutrients that play a vital role in the health and development of both the mother and fetus. Let's take a glimpse of its nutritional profile.
- Garlic is loaded with Vitamins B6 and C, which are important for the development of a baby's nervous system and immune function.
- Vitamin C in garlic aids in the absorption of iron and prevents anemia during pregnancy.
- Garlic contains manganese, selenium, and fiber, contributing to overall health and well-being.
- Garlic’s most notable phytochemical is Allicin, which has antimicrobial properties and serves as a natural ally to the immune system.
Benefits of Garlic During Pregnancy
When it comes to healthy pregnancy tips on diet, there will be a sense of excitement as well as confusion about what to eat and what to avoid. Let's understand the garlic benefits when you add it to your prenatal diet.
- Boost baby’s weight:
Adding garlic to your pregnancy diet lowers the risk of preterm pregnancy or delivery of an underweight baby. It also reduces the risk of birth complications by reducing the growth of excessive placenta cells.
- Reduce risk of preeclampsia:
Preeclampsia or high blood pressure is a harmful condition that affects most pregnant women. Consumption of garlic cuts down the risk of hypertension.
- Manage fatigue:
Feeling fatigued during pregnancy is a common symptom. Eating garlic can help boost your energy, enhance your performance, and reduce fatigue. It also aids in alleviating nausea and dizziness during the first trimester of pregnancy.
- Promotes heart health:
Garlic has natural medicinal properties that aid in the management of heart-related issues. It narrows blood vessels by producing nitric oxide, thereby reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases in women.
- Reduce hair loss:
Garlic is rich in allicin, a compound based on sulfur. Sulfur is known to prevent hair loss and promote the growth of new hair in pregnant women.
- Prevent gestational diabetes:
Gestational diabetes can develop during pregnancy, causing a sudden spike in sugar levels. Research suggests that garlic might positively impact the blood sugar level and reduce the risk of gestational diabetes.
Summing Up!
Simply put, garlic is safe and healthy for pregnant women when consumed in moderation. You can consume two to four cloves of fresh garlic every day; however, avoid excessive consumption. It is a natural blood thinner which can lead to increased bleeding during labor. Also, it reduces the ability to absorb iodine, leading to hypothyroidism.
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