Artichoke During Pregnancy – Is it Safe, Benefits and Side Effects

Can Pregnant Women Eat Artichoke?

Artichokes are hailed as super-food many times and consuming them during pregnancy is considered safe. The vegetable provides enormous health benefits to alleviate morning sickness, nausea and even constipation. However, care should be taken when incorporating them. It is ideally not to consume raw form as it potentially harbors a dangerous toxin which can affect the immune system. Hence, it is advisable to consult health experts regarding the consumption of artichoke during pregnancy.

5 Benefits of Eating Artichoke During Pregnancy

During pregnancy, many questions and doubts hammers in the brain. From what to eat to the nutritional value, upcoming mothers prefer a diet of diverse range that provides optimum nutrition. One vegetable to definitely consider incorporating during pregnancy is artichokes. They offer several health benefits for both mother and fetus, but they are also loaded with fiber, phenolic compounds and other nutrients [2]. Some of them includes:

1. Treats and Maintains Digestive Health

Artichoke is rich in insoluble fiber and inulin that supports gut microflora fending off unwanted microbes. This in a way, regulates digestion, controls nausea and vomiting [3] and metabolic processes. Individuals prone with Irritable Bowel Syndrome, artichoke can be a wise choice since it regulates stool frequency, consistency as well as transit time [4].

2. Heals Hepatic Problems

One of the clinical challenges seen during pregnancy is hepatic diseases like hepatitis or jaundice. This condition can be drug-induced or certain factors and interestingly artichoke shows hepatoprotective properties. Moreover, artichoke helps in ease movement of bile thereby reducing the incidence of gallbladder issues [5].

3. Treats Anaemia

Nutritional status during pregnancy greatly influences the brain of the fetus. Nutrients such as folate and choline crucially play a role in neural tube development [6].The presence of folic acid and choline in artichoke is essential for adequate fetal and placental development and reduces congenital malformations.

4. Controls Diabetes and Dyslipidemia

With increased insulin resistance and higher estrogen levels, fluctuations are commonly observed leading to metabolic disturbances  [7]. Artichoke shows promising choice in controlling the incidence of gestational diabetes with dyslipidemia.

5. Strengthens Immunity

Decreased immune system is a frequent condition seen during pregnancy. This however can be rectified by supplementing Vitamin C and phytonutrients through a balanced diet. Artichoke is one such vegetable that provides these essential nutrients.

Side Effects of Artichoke During Pregnancy

Eating well during pregnancy is very important for nourishment depending on the changes in the body. One should be really cautious regarding food choices. Before artichoke consumption, pregnant mothers are expected to undergo an allergy test since it contains toxins. Again, since artichoke has inulin whose excess consumption may cause bowel syndrome. Hence, it’s important to understand the portions and consult with health experts before consuming.

Different ways to Eat Artichoke During Pregnancy

There are multiple ways to include artichoke during pregnancy but the best way to consume is by steaming it. Artichokes in boiled or grilled form seasoned with herbs are also accepted. Recipes for preparing artichokes can be customized as per requirement. It is always preferred to buy fresh artichoke and prepare the recipe.

Artichoke is recommended as one wise component of diet during pregnancy. This nutritious food is super packed with essential nutrients and antioxidants crucially required for the development of the fetal brain. However, it is important to note for allergies or any complications if any

FAQ’s

1. Who Should Not Take Artichoke?

Individuals prone to conditions such as kidney diseases, liver diseases or any form of allergy are not advised to consume artichoke.

2. Do Artichokes Have Folic Acid?

As per USDA guidelines, one medium artichoke provides around 100mg folic acid essential for performing several physiological functions and treats anaemia.

3. Is It Safe To Consume Artichoke Daily?

Artichokes can be consumed everyday keeping in mind the consumption limits. It is recommended to take advice from the health professionals before consuming.

References –

1. Globe artichoke: A functional food and source of nutraceutical ingredients
   [https://www.researchgate.net/publication/228074463_Globe_artichoke_A_functional_food_and_source_of_nutraceutical_ingredients#pfd]

2. MikromaniʼS Artichoke (Cynara Cardunculus Var. Scolymus) – A Mediterranean Nutraceutical
   [http://www.foodandnutritionjournal.org/volume4number1/mikromani%CA%BCs-artichoke-cynara-cardunculus-var-scolymus-a-mediterranean-nutraceutical/]

3. The Effect of Ginger (Zingiber officinalis) and Artichoke (Cynara cardunculus) Extract Supplementation on Functional Dyspepsia: A Randomised, Double-Blind, and Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial
   [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4411465/]
4. Artichoke leaf extract reduces symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome in a post-marketing surveillance study
   [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11180525/]
5. Hepatoprotective effects of artichoke (Cynara scolymus)
   [https://www.researchgate.net/publication/268517529_Hepatoprotective_effects_of_artichoke_Cynara_scolymus]
6. Prenatal Folate and Choline Levels and Brain and Cognitive Development in Children: A Critical Narrative Review
   [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8778665/]
7. Association of maternal lipid profile and gestational diabetes mellitus: A systematic review and meta-analysis of 292 studies and 97,880 women
   [https://www.thelancet.com/journals/eclinm/article/PIIS2589-5370(21)00110-3/fulltext#]