Are Jalapenos Safe During Pregnancy?

What are Jalapenos?

Jalapenos are a variety of chili pepper added in spicy cuisines, especially in Mexican food. They are native to Mexico and Central America, although are now cultivated in many parts of Asia. These little peppers get their ‘hot nature’ from a natural plant compound called capsaicin, which offers several health benefits.

Is it Safe to Eat Jalapenos During Pregnancy?

Yes. It is not only safe to eat jalapenos in the course of pregnancy, but they also contain numerous health-benefiting compounds, which make them beneficial for an expecting mother. Therefore, there is no need to brush off your pregnancy craving for jalapenos.

What are the Benefits of Eating Jalapenos During Pregnancy?

Though small (two to four inches long), this pepper is fully packed with nutrients and vitamins. Following are some benefits of eating jalapenos during pregnancy:

1. Right Option for a Low-Calorie Diet

These hot peppers contain an irrelevant measure of calories. They additionally are very low in protein, fat, and carbohydrates. Therefore, it is the best choice (of ingredient) if the expecting mother is supposed to follow a low-calorie diet.

2. Help in Promoting Weight Loss

If you are in need of losing weight in the course of pregnancy, having jalapenos can help you. Jalapenos contain a  compound called capsaicin, which promotes the burning of extra fats and calories. Thus, eating jalapenos promote safe weight loss during pregnancy.

3. Other Beneficial Properties of Capsaicin

Other beneficial properties of capsaicin are its antibacterial, analgesic (painkiller), and anti-diabetic properties, which are highly beneficial in the course of pregnancy. Capsaicin also minimizes a headache and annoyance due to a migraine.

4. Assist in Minimizing the Pain of Arthritis

Capsaicin has anti-inflammatory properties. Thus, expecting mothers who are experiencing arthritis, if include jalapenos in their diet, can benefit as the pain will reduce.

5.  Jalapenos Contain Valuable Antioxidants

Jalapenos are blessed with powerful antioxidants such as vitamin A and flavonoids (water-soluble plant pigments) such as beta-carotene, lutein, alpha-carotene, and cryptoxanthin. Therefore, it helps in preventing or spreading cancer in the course of pregnancy.

The antioxidants also help in protecting the body from the harmful impacts of free radicals, created due to anxiety and ailment

6. Help in Clearing Sinuses

If the expecting mother is prone to sinusitis, eating jalapenos will help to clear the sinuses effectively. Sinus attack during pregnancy is quite annoying.

7. Help in Regulating Blood Pressure

Jalapenos are rich in flavonoids and a significant amount of Vitamin C and Vitamin A.  Therefore, eating jalapenos during pregnancy may help in regulating blood pressure.

8. Beneficial for the Heart

Capsaicin in jalapenos diminishes triglycerides, LDL cholesterol, and the gathering of platelets. Capsaicin, likewise, disintegrates fibrin (which helps with blood clotting) thereby reducing the chances of the formation of blood clots.

Therefore, if the expecting mother eats jalapenos on a regular basis, the chances of stroke and heart issues reduce significantly.  Bioflavonoids, Vitamin A, and Vitamin C help in reinforcing the blood vessels, thereby, regulating the blood pressure during pregnancy.

9. Preventing Fluid Retention

Fluid retention is not a favorable condition during pregnancy as it can lead to a strain on your heart, and harm it. Swollen lower legs, arms, and face are common symptoms of fluid retention.

Jalapenos help to prevent fluid retention during pregnancy. The pepper makes you sweat, thereby decreasing the chances of retaining excess fluid in the body. Read here to know the 5 Tips to minimize water retention during pregnancy.

10. Help in Preventing the Risk of Ulcer

Contracting peptic ulcers in the course of pregnancy is relatively uncommon. Even then, one can never rule out the possibility. Eating Jalapenos destroys bad bacteria in the abdomen and intestines in the course of pregnancy. This helps to prevent peptic ulcers.

How to Select, Store and Prepare Jalapenos?

Here are some tips for selecting, storing, and preparing jalapenos:

• Buy crisp, green, firm, uniform-sized peppers with smooth, glossy skin and flat ends.
• Avoid dry, withered, and cracked pods or those with damaged surfaces.
• If stored properly, they can be stored for up to a week.
• Wash them in cold water and mop them dry with a clean soft cloth.
• Store them in the vegetable compartment inside the fridge in relatively high humidity.
• Pickled jalapenos can be stored for a longer period by keeping them in the refrigerator.
• Discard the seeds and central white part to bring down the heat.

Eating jalapenos will not cause any harm to the expecting mother or the fetus. Nevertheless, limit it to a moderate level, as over-consumption, especially during the third trimester can result in heartburn. Still, think twice if you are going to have it for the first time as pregnancy is not a right time to experiment.

FAQ’s

1. Can Eating Jalapenos During Pregnancy Boost Both Me and my Baby’s Immunity?

The antioxidants in the jalapenos can reduce the effect of free radicals in your body. It can boost your immunity during pregnancy and otherwise. What you eat while pregnant can reach your baby too.

2. Can Jalapenos Help With Pregnancy-Related Hypertension?

Yes they can. They are known for their properties to reduce bad cholesterol. They are rich in vitamins A and C too.

3. Are Jalapenos Good for my Swollen Limbs During Pregnancy?

Yes they can. The heat generated from jalapenos can help with reducing water retention. However, eat jalapenos in moderation.

4. Which Jalapenos Should I opt for? The Red or the Green?

As the peppers age, they turn red from green. Red peppers have more capsaicin. This is what gives the jalapenos their spice.