
Written by Editorial Team
Broccoli during pregnancy is indeed a superfood. Its benefits are not confined to nutrition, where it scores very high. Thanks to its high vitamin, mineral, and antioxidant content. Broccoli also has many medicinal and health benefits, including cancer prevention.
So, now that you are pregnant, are you wondering how broccoli can help? Read on to understand the 10 amazing benefits of eating broccoli during pregnancy.
Broccoli is relatively less in carb, hence this vegetable is an excellent choice for weight watchers. Other nutritional values include:
Eating broccoli in moderation is not only safe but highly beneficial during pregnancy. Broccoli is loaded with minerals and vitamins and plant compounds with strong antioxidant properties. However, it is better to ask the doctor about including this in your diet if you are experiencing thyroid issues.
Three to five portions of broccoli per day are considered safe during pregnancy. Please keep in mind that one serving equals half a cup of cooked or chopped veggie.
You can reap the following health benefits of broccoli by including it in your pregnancy diet:
Constipation is one thing that bothers most pregnant women. The iron supplements, hormonal changes, and metabolism changes – all of these can slow down and impact bowel movements.
Broccoli is full of fiber, both soluble and insoluble. It can retain water, trigger bowel movements and hence help avoid constipation.
Broccoli is a great source of iron and folic acid. That is right, you take supplements for them. If you are adding a lot of broccoli in your diet, ask your gynecologist whether you need to take the tablets.
Gestational diabetes is another major problem among pregnant women. This happens because your body does not produce enough insulin to break down the sugar that you are consuming. Did you know that broccoli has the ability to regulate the sugar content in your body and thereby spare the use of insulin?
Broccoli is great for the skin. It has many vitamins that are known to be great for the skin, such as vitamin A, E, B, and K. So having broccoli can brighten your pregnancy glow. And what is more, it is also known to protect the skin from the harmful effects of UV radiation.
Pregnant women are susceptible to bone-related problems such as osteoporosis during pregnancy. Broccoli has calcium, magnesium, zinc, and phosphorous – all of which help make bones healthy and strong.
You do not want to catch any infections while you are pregnant. Especially the ones that can compromise the development of the baby in the womb.
The vitamins and minerals present in broccoli, such as beta-carotene and selenium, can boost your immunity. Thus, eating broccoli during pregnancy may help keep you and your fetus away from unwanted infections.
The beta-carotene that helps improve immunity is also great for your vision. Vitamin A, which is also abundant in broccoli, is also amazing for ensuring good eye health. So, eating broccoli can keep eye ailments at bay during pregnancy.
This might sound incredible, but the phytochemicals that are abundant in broccoli are known to have anti-cancer properties. If your diet is rich in broccoli, it might ensure that you and your baby are protected from cancer, not just during pregnancy, but throughout life.
The vitamin C present in broccoli has allergy-relieving properties. It is known to clear various allergy symptoms, including clearing out sinuses that are blocked.
However, be aware that broccoli can cause allergic reactions in a few. If you notice a rash or any other kind of discomfort after eating broccoli, it is better to keep it off your plates.
Overall, broccoli helps eliminate many of the problems pregnant women face, such as diabetes, osteoporosis, anemia, and so on. In addition, it is a great source of vital minerals and vitamins. The vegetable is also a great source of folate that can help prevent many neurological problems in your baby.
Irrespective of all its health benefits, if you cross the limit of consumption, broccoli can bring about some side effects. Most of the time the side effects will not be serious.
It is very important that you eat fresh vegetables during pregnancy. Buying broccoli can be really tricky. Simply follow these tips which will help you select fresh and healthy broccoli:
There are many recipes in which you can use broccoli. Some of the interesting ways to eat broccoli are:
Discover a few delicious broccoli recipes that make for a more festive pregnancy
Carries the benefits of feta cheese and broccoli. This not only curbs your hunger but also provides all the essential nutrients.
Salmon is highly beneficial during pregnancy. Mixing it with broccoli doubles its nutritional value.
Opt for whole-grain pasta. This dish is highly nutritious. You can have it for lunch or dinner.
Bright and green broccoli is as good to look at as it is to eat. It is one of the healthiest vegetables available in the market today. You need to be very careful what you eat during your pregnancy. There are many food items that you should consciously include in your diet. Read about the best energy foods to have during pregnancy here. and Many food items that you should consciously avoid. To know the 8 Indian foods that are dangerous during pregnancy Read here.
Yes it can. It is rich in fiber. This can irritate your bowels or even cause gas.
It is not recommended to eat broccoli when you are on certain medications. The vitamins can interfere with the effectiveness of the medicines. Consult your doctor before you add broccoli to your regular pregnancy diet.
The green variety is always a healthier choice. Broccolis change color as they mature. So, the yellow ones are not as fresh as the green ones.
No, please don’t. Always clean the broccoli well and eat only after steaming or cooking them. This will kill all the harmful pesticides and worms in them.
Read Also: Top 8 Ways To Deal With Food Cravings During Pregnancy
With a rich experience in pregnancy and parenting, our team of experts create insightful, well-curated, and easy-to-read content for our to-be-parents and parents at all stages of parenting.Read more.
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