Eating healthy when you are pregnant is very important. During pregnancy, the body ultimately needs more nutrients and vitamins. Eating unhealthy foods when pregnant can have adverse effects on both the mother and the child most especially.
If you also eat foods that can make you gain weight, it can affect the child’s development negatively. Five foods to eat when you are pregnant are listed below.
1. Dairy products
During pregnancy, the fetus expands and grows beyond the normal size, so you need to eat extra protein and calcium to meet up with the needs of the fetus. Two types of protein can be found in dairy products. Casein and whey which are high quality protein can be found in dairy products.
Dairy is also one of the best sources of calcium and it provides phosphorus, magnesium and zinc in high quantities. With this regard, yogurt is very beneficial for pregnant women.
2. Eggs
Eggs are very useful for pregnant women because of what they contain. An average egg contains up to 70 calories as well as many minerals and vitamins. Eggs are also a good source of choline which is needed for brain development and health. Low choline intake during pregnancy is likely to increase the risk of reduced or impaired brain function.
3. Berries
Berries contain healthy carbs as well as vitamin C and fiber. Berries also contain a lot of water which is good for the brain and the vitamin C is also good for the skin and immune function. Berries also provide a lot of flavor and nutrition, but with relatively few calories.
4. Whole grains
Eating whole grains may help meet the calorie requirement that comes with pregnancy. Whole grains are better than refined grains, because during the refining process some of the nutrients are being lost. Whole grains are packed with fiber, vitamins and healthy plant compound, which are ultimately good for the body. In addition to these, whole grains are also a very good source of B-vitamins and magnesium which are healthy and good to be eaten.
5. Avocados
Avocados is a fruit packed with monounsaturated fatty acids. Avocados are also rich in vitamin-B, vitamin K, potassium, copper, vitamin E and C. The healthy fats contained in avocado’s help build the skin, brain and tissues of the fetus.
Eating the right thing and eating the right way when pregnant is very good for the health of both the child and the mother.
Image Courtesy of: eatthis.com.
