Pregnancy brings about a long list of cravings, do’s and don’ts. Can you eat something just because it is tasty? Should you include something in your regular diet because it is very healthy? Well, yes to both. You can eat almost anything as long as your body doesn’t reject it. What about gongura during pregnancy?
Many women may not know what gongura is, and if it is safe for consumption during pregnancy. It is important to first find out if eating something during pregnancy is safe or not. Eating something unsafe just because it is tasty or has great reviews, is definitely not advisable during pregnancy. Read on to know if gongura makes the cut.
What is Gongura?
Gongura is a plant known for its edible leaves. The leaves have a sour and sharp flavor. You can use them in multiple ways. It is very popular in many Indian states, especially Andhra Pradesh. Gongura is usually enjoyed as a hot dish, commonly cooked and added to stews or curries. However, it can also be served cold as a side dish, such as chutney or salad, and is often consumed as a pickle during pregnancy.
Both vegetarians and non-vegetarians like it for the flavor it lends to any dish you combine it with. Gongura leaves are small and full of essential nutrients. Gongura is rich in folate, iron, calcium, vitamins A & C, and antioxidants.
Is it Safe to Eat Gongura During Pregnancy?
Yes, you can eat gongura during pregnancy. Gongura is rich in iron and folate, both of which are very important for a healthy pregnancy. Folate helps in the healthy development of the fetus and prevents birth defects in the baby’s brain and spine.
While prenatal vitamins ensure pregnant women get all their nutrients, adding food sources that are naturally rich in essential nutrients can be more beneficial. Since you can make a variety of dishes using gongura at home, it can be a clean and safe food option during pregnancy.
Remember, pregnancy is a tricky phase where your body might suddenly react to something you eat. So, if your body is unable to digest gongura, you should scale back on your consumption. You can consume it once in a few days instead of every day.
Is Gongura Hot or Cold During Pregnancy?
Gongura is considered a “hot” food in traditional Indian dietary systems like Ayurveda. That means it can increase internal body heat and stimulate digestion. This property of Gongura can offer both benefits and potential risks during pregnancy, depending on the timing and manner of its consumption. It’s important to approach its use thoughtfully to maximize its advantages while minimizing any concerns.
Is Gongura Good For Early Pregnancy?
In the first trimester of pregnancy, it is best to limit or avoid foods that generate heat. Please be cautious when consuming Gongura during the first trimester of pregnancy. If you have acid reflux, a history of miscarriage, or any bleeding, it’s safer not to eat it. While having Gongura during pregnancy, Make sure it’s well-cooked and eaten in moderation.
How to Consume Gongura During Pregnancy?
When you are pregnant, you need to be extra careful when consuming green leafy vegetables. The leaves can contain pesticides, contaminants like E. coli or other bacteria. It is important to clean the leaves well before consumption. Thus, Just rinsing Gongura under running water is not enough. Thus,
- Soak the leaves in a bowl of water mixed with rock salt to help remove bacteria and viruses.
- After soaking, rinse again and dry the leaves on a clean towel.
- Once dry, store them in the refrigerator in an airtight container.
During pregnancy, cooking from scratch may not always be possible—having ready-made, healthy options like Gongura dishes can help manage cravings and hunger pangs.
- You can make Gongura pickle, pachadi, or chutney and store it in a clean, dry container.
- These can be eaten with hot rice, dosa, or chapatis.
- Combine it with other nutrient-rich foods such as brown rice or lentils to create a nutritious meal.
Amazing Top 5 Benefits of Gongura During Pregnancy
Gongura is rich in many essential nutrients. Some of the benefits of eating gongura during pregnancy are as follows-
1. Bone Health
Gongura is a good source of calcium. Calcium is very important for the formation of the baby’s bones, teeth, and other parts of the body. Pregnant women need more calcium than others, or else they might suffer calcium deficiency at a later stage.
[Read: Calcium During Pregnancy]
2. Blood Flow
During pregnancy, your body needs to produce and circulate more blood. Pregnant women need to consume more iron to meet this increased demand. Regular consumption of gongura can help meet the iron requirements.
3. Baby’s Health
Gongura is a very rich source of folate, which is the raw form of vitamin B9. Folate is very important for the formation of the neural tube, brain, and spine of the baby. A folate deficiency can cause abnormalities in the baby. (1). Eating gongura can be very helpful in this regard.
4. Immunity
Gongura is also rich in vitamin C, which is important for the immune system. (2). Pregnancy can weaken your immune system, making you prone to many infections. Since you cannot consume too many medicines while pregnant, consuming gongura regularly can help improve your immune system.
5. Improves Digestion
Gongura has laxative effects, which can help ease digestion. Many women suffer from constipation during pregnancy, and adding gongura to your diet can help ease this discomfort.
What Are the Risks of Eating Gongura During Pregnancy?
Gongura, known as sorrel in English, is very nutritious. However, eating gongura during pregnancy carries the following risks-
- You might have an allergic reaction to it
- It contains oxalate, which can interfere with the absorption of calcium
- If the oxalate binds with the calcium in the body, it can lead to kidney stones
Side Effects of Gongura During Pregnancy
Consuming gongura, like any other food, should be done with caution during pregnancy. Eating excessive amounts of gongura can potentially lead to unwanted side effects, which may impact both the mother and the developing baby.
- Overeating Gongura can make it hard to digest, especially during pregnancy.
- May increase the risk of kidney stones due to its natural oxalate content.
- In rare cases, it could affect blood clotting if consumed in large amounts over time.
- If you have existing health conditions like diabetes or hypertension, it is advisable to avoid gongura, as it may worsen your symptoms.
- It’s best to eat Gongura only if your body tolerates it well and no digestive issues arise.
[Read: Blood Clots During Pregnancy]
When gongura is included in a balanced diet and consumed in moderation, it can provide several health benefits during pregnancy. However, expectant mothers should consult with healthcare professionals before adding gongura to their diet to ensure it meets their individual health needs and dietary guidelines.
FAQ’s
1. Does Gongura Contain Folic Acid?
Gongura is a very good source of folate and vitamin B6. It is also rich in vitamins A and C, antioxidants, calcium, iron, and zinc.
2. Can We Eat Gongura Daily During Pregnancy?
Gongura is rich in many nutrients and can be part of your daily diet. However, if it doesn’t suit you during pregnancy, you should reduce the consumption.
3. Can Gongura be Eaten Raw?
Yes, you can eat raw gongura as long as you clean the leaves properly. You can even consume it after minimal cooking.
Read Also: Is Sorrel (Pulicha Keerai) Safe During Pregnancy?
Reference
- Butterworth CE Jr, Bendich A. Folic acid and the prevention of birth defects- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8839920/
- Mishra, Subhrajyoti & D.K, Dash. (2018). South Indian leafy vegetable Gongura (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) as an important medicinal herb: a review. 7 – https://www.researchgate.net/publication/325362131
