Is It Safe To Eat Radish During Pregnancy?

Nutritional Value of Radish

While radishes are not the most popular vegetable, they are among the healthiest.

• Radishes contain about 12 calories per 1/2 cup serving. There are almost no fats in them.
• The vitamin C content of this root vegetable is quite high. About half a cup provides 14 percent of your daily vitamin C needs.
• Radishes are a good source of fiber and contain 1 gram per 1/2 cup
• They also contain decent amounts of potassium along with traces of iron, magnesium, calcium, manganese, and selenium.

Is it Safe To Eat Radish During Pregnancy?

There is no problem with you eating them and reaping their benefits as long as you follow certain precautions. Radish consumption during pregnancy is, however, associated with indirect risks. Radishes and other foods are grown under the ground can cause food poisoning if not washed properly before eating them. There are bacteria in radish sprouts that can’t be removed by washing. Therefore, radish sprouts should be avoided altogether during pregnancy.

Health Benefits of Radish During Pregnancy

One serving of radish is a source of several vitamins and minerals that are very essential for a mother-to-be and her baby. It is also a source of calcium that aids the development of your baby’s bones, teeth, and muscles. Besides, it contains folic acid that prevents birth defects. Radish is also known to provide vitamin C, potassium, and iron, which can be extremely beneficial for pregnant women. Other benefits of eating radish during pregnancy are:

• Radish detoxifies and purifies the blood
• It soothes the digestive system
• Eating radish is good for the kidney, liver, and stomach
• It treats colds and general allergies
• Radish is also a good appetizer
• It improves blood circulation and increases immunity
• Lastly, it regularizes metabolism

With so many health benefits that this crunchy vegetable brings in, isn’t it natural that pregnant women can safely consume it? The answer is Yes and No.

[Read: Eating Turnips During Pregnancy ]

Risks of Eating Radish During Pregnancy

When you are pregnant you are more careful to include those foods that induce your baby’s growth and development. The biggest risk that comes from radish despite its benefits is the place where it comes from. Foods that are grown underground, especially in contaminated soil, may contain bacteria that can cause toxoplasmosis. This is a parasitic infection that is passed through cat feces. Under normal circumstances, this is not harmful to humans.

But during pregnancy, your immune system is low and therefore doesn’t protect you from certain infections. If you do not wash the radish properly before eating, you may risk passing the infection to your fetus. Because your immune system is not protecting you, you may be prone to Salmonella and E. Coli infections as well. These infections can cause fever and symptoms of dehydration, which can have harmful effects on your baby too. In extreme yet rare cases, this could even lead to pre-term delivery, and very rarely miscarriage/death of the fetus.

[Read: Benefits Of Beetroot During Pregnancy]

Safety Measures to Follow While Consuming Radish During Pregnancy

If you are a pregnant woman reading this, this information is not meant to scare you, but to caution you against any possible danger. Radish in itself is healthy and is not at all harmful when consumed by a pregnant woman. The only thing to make a note of is to observe some safety measures when you decide to include radish in your diet. Let’s look at these:

• Whether it is radish or any other vegetable that grows underground, make sure you never consume it without washing thoroughly. Any traces of visible dirt must be scrubbed off.
• It is always advisable to steam or cook radish to ensure that all those pathogens that cause infections are totally eliminated in the process.
• You can sauté them before adding them to your soups.
• After cutting radish, rinse the cutting board thoroughly with water and soap. This is to avoid contaminating the food that you cut next. Make sure to wash your hands too.
• If you are using radish leaves, wash them and cook them well because they could be home to germs causing infections too.

How to Include Radish in Your Pregnancy Diet?

If you can ensure that the radish you are going to consume is clean, then you can go ahead and include it in your salads. Alternatively, you can add some slices to garnish your soups. It can also be paired with low-fat salad dressing to make a healthy snack. Sauté it and add it to your pasta or stew to add a different taste and pack it with nutrients.

Remember, taking a few precautions can go a long way in averting infections. So, why wait? Go ahead and try some healthy radish recipes.
Pregnancy is a phase to be alert and stay healthy; always consult your doctor if you have any questions. Almost all foods can be taken, barring a select few, provided you exercise caution and eat in moderation.

Enjoy the phase while it lasts. This is the only time when you can eat without feeling guilty and be pampered by all those around you. If you love munching on a juicy and crunchy radish during your pregnancy, don’t forget to share your experience in the comment section below.

[Read: Is It Safe To Eat Cabbage During Pregnancy?]

FAQ’s

1. Can Excess Radish Consumption Affect Pregnant Women?

Yes, it can. though it is good for you, you cannot overeat it. It can interfere with thyroid levels.

2. Can Radish Help With Constipation in Pregnancy?

Yes, it has a lot of fiber. It is a good appetizer too. It can help improve digestion.

3. Can Radish Cause Food Poisoning During Pregnancy?

Radish is a root vegetable. It can carry contaminated soil. It is important to wash it thoroughly before consumption.

4. Can Radish Infect the Fetus?

Unfortunately, it can. if not washed properly, it can carry E.Coli and salmonella. These can get passed to the baby too.

Read Also: Carrots During Pregnancy: Benefits & Risks