Not many people are fond of eating cabbage owing to the unpleasant odour that it carries. However, this vegetable has an impressive list of nutrients. That makes it vital to be included in the diet. Especially when you are pregnant. In this article, we will tell how cabbage (patta ghobi) benefits in pregnancy. And, the precaution that one needs to take while consuming the same. Read in here to clarify all your doubts and misconceptions about consuming cabbage during pregnancy.
Nutritional Value of cabbage in pregnancy:
As per the USDA, the following are the nutrients and its quantum present in 100gms of raw cabbage.
Nutrient Quantity
Calories 25Kcal
Carbohydrates 5.8g
Protein 1.28g
Fibre 2.5g
Fat 0.1g
A Vitamin 0.061mg
C Vitamin 36.6mg
K Vitamin 76mcg
Folic Acid 43mcg
Pyridoxine 0.124mcg
Niacin 0.234mg
Riboflavin 0.04mg
Thiamin 0.037mg
Potassium 170mg
Sodium 18mg
Calcium 40mg
Iron 0.47mg
Magnesium 12mg
Zinc 0.18mg
Phosphorous 26mg
* Where g=grams, mg=milligrams and mcg=micrograms
Consuming red cabbage during pregnancy. Is a great alternative to white cabbage. As it is all the more nutritious and tasty.
Is it safe to eat cabbage during pregnancy?
Cabbage is a rich source of various nutrients. Cabbage in itself doesn’t cause any harm. Even if you consume it during pregnancy. However uncooked or raw cabbage may not be a safe way for consumption during pregnancy. As it can easily get contaminated by various bacteria and fungus. And, also cause food borne illness. Such as listeria which may prove dangerous for pregnancy. The following are the safe ways of consuming patta ghobi during pregnancy.
- Wash cabbage properly and steam, boil or roast it before consumption.
- Go for organic cabbage as it is less prone to Listeria.
- Consume it immediately after cooking. As keeping it cooked for a long time may alter its nutritional values.
See More: beetroot juice during pregnancy
Precautions to take while eating cabbage during pregnancy:
The food borne illness called Listeria which otherwise doesn’t have any effect on a person may cause several issues during pregnancy. Such as miscarriage, stillbirth and preterm labor. Hence it is imperative to take certain precautions while consuming cabbage during pregnancy:
- Never buy cut or shredded cabbage. As the content of Vitamin C gets reduced to a great extent once cut.
- Don’t overcook cabbage as it might alter or diminish. Its nutrition value to a great extent.
- Wash cabbage thoroughly to make sure. It is free from any microbes or toxins.
Is Cabbage Good for Pregnancy?
A healthy expecting mother should never compromise on her diet plan. Can a pregnant woman eat cabbage? To have the perfect solution to this recurring question and to understand. How this green veggie provides the required nutritious components. Let us have a look at its various benefits:
Benefits of cabbage for pregnancy:
The cabbage is rich in various vital nutrients. Eating cabbage while pregnant will make sure that you reap all the nutrients inherent in it. The following points will prove that cabbage benefits in pregnancy.
1. Improves digestion:
Cabbage is rich in dietary fibre. That aids in regulating the bowel movement and thus improves digestion. Constipation, one of the most common complaints during pregnancy. Can be resolved quickly by regular inclusion of cabbage in the daily diet.
2. Improvement in DNA health:
Cabbage is rich in folic acid. Which is known to be vital for building up the fetal DNA. It, therefore, aids in protecting your little one from neural tube congenital deformities.
3. Low-calorie food:
Cabbage is a low-calorie food. Thus consuming cabbage also helps in managing the weight. Which is a huge concern during pregnancy.
See More: is biltong safe during pregnancy
4. Prevents gestational diabetes:
Cabbage is high in dietary fibres. That aids in managing the blood sugar and reduces the risk of gestational diabetes.
5. Fights cancer:
Purple cabbage possess an anti-cancerous agent namely anthocyanins. Regular consumption of purple cabbage thus aids in preventing cancer.
6. Improves immunity and bone health:
Cabbage contains a notable amount of Vitamin C and Vitamin K. While Vitamin C improves bone health, Vitamin K increases the immunity considerably.
7. Regulates blood pressure:
Cabbage is rich in various minerals as well as electrolytes. Such as iron, calcium, potassium, magnesium and phosphorous. That play an important role in regulating the blood pressure and heart rate.
8. Reduces the risk of pregnancy anaemia:
Deficiency of iron makes a person anaemic. Cabbage is rich in iron, and thus it reduces the risk of pregnancy anaemia.
9. Reducing pregnancy edema:
Cabbage leaves are capable of drawing out excess liquid from the body. It, therefore, aids in reducing swelling which is most common to occur during pregnancy. Just wrap the leaves on the swollen area, and it will ease the pain and discomfort and also reduces the swelling. Change the leaves when they get wet. Repeating it twice a day will reduce edema considerably.
So now it is evident that cabbages are a must include in the diet plan of a pregnant woman. But, as an expecting mother, you need to be extra careful while consuming any food.
Side-effects of eating cabbage during pregnancy:
The following are the possible side effects of having cabbage during pregnancy:
- Food poisoning can be caused if raw cabbage is eaten.
- When allergic to cabbage. It can cause more damage than good.
- If you only have a thyroid problem. Eating cabbage can aggravate that as the iodine absorption is further reduced.
See More: cauliflower during pregnancy
How to include cabbage in your diet:
The following are the various ways in which cabbage can be included in your diet:
- Cook the cabbage by stir frying.
- Make a cabbage paratha. By dry roasting cabbage and adding seasoning as per taste.
- You can even add cabbage to a vegetable au gratin to enhance its flavor.
The bottom line is the consumption of cabbage during pregnancy. Is not only safe but also famous owing to its medicinal properties. It is very healthy during pregnancy. And, there are various ways in which it can be infused to your diet. However, eating raw cabbage during pregnancy can be dangerous. As it might cause food poisoning. So avoid it eating as a salad.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q1. What are the varieties of cabbage and which type is best for consumption during pregnancy?
Ans: There are more than 400 varieties of cabbage available across the world. However white and red cabbage are considered as best for consumption. As they are rich in various minerals and nutrients.
Q2. Can you eat cabbage while breastfeeding?
Ans: Cabbage is highly used to reduce breast engorgement. No side effect has been reported in the child. Who fed on the cabbage applied breast. Besides the biggest concern of causing colic in infants. While consuming cabbage during breastfeeding has also proved to be baseless as no correlation. Could be established between the two. Hence it is safe to consume cabbage while breastfeeding.
Q3. Is cabbage juice safe during pregnancy?
Ans: Cabbage juice is prepared from raw cabbage. And, consuming raw cabbage is not at all advisable during pregnancy. This is because raw cabbage is prone to microbes and bacteria. And, can also lead to food poisoning. Which can prove fatal for the pregnancy. By causing severe complications such as miscarriage, stillbirth and others.
