Beetroot is undoubtedly one of the best root vegetables that are widely used throughout the world and in different cuisines. Consumption of beetroot during pregnancy is also very beneficial. Read here to know how beetroot proves helpful to you and your child during pregnancy, the ways in which it can be consumed and also precautions that need to be taken to avoid any possible side-effects.
Is it Safe to Eat Beetroot During Pregnancy?
When consumed in moderation Beetroot is absolutely safe during pregnancy. In general, consumption of up to 2 beetroots in a day is considered to be safe. However, it is advised to take the opinion of your doctor for deciding the right quantity for you. When consumed in the proper manner beetroot definitely proves to be beneficial during pregnancy.
Nutritional Value of Beetroot During Pregnancy:
Nutrient Quantity
- Calories – 43Kcal
- Water – 87.58g
- Carbohydrates – 9.56g
- Sugar – 6.76g
- Protein – 1.61g
- Fibre – 2.8g
- Fat – 0.17g
- A Vitamin (Retinol) – 0.033mg
- C Vitamin (Ascorbic Acid) – 4.9mg
- E Vitamin (Alpha-Tocopherol) – 0.04mg
- K Vitamin (phylloquinone) – 0.2mcg
- B1 Vitamin (Thiamin) – 0.031mg
- B2 Vitamin (Riboflavin) – 0.04mg
- B3 Vitamin (Niacin) – 0.334mg
- B6 Vitamin (Pyridoxine) – 0.067mcg
- B9 Vitamin (Folic Acid) – 109mcg
- Potassium – 325mg
- Sodium – 78mg
- Calcium – 16mg
- Iron – 0.80mg
- Magnesium – 23mg
- Zinc – 0.35mg
- Phosphorous – 40mg
Where g=grams, mg=milligrams and mcg=micrograms
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Benefits of Beetroot During Pregnancy:
The following points will show how eating beetroot is good for pregnancy.
1). Reduces the risk of congenital disabilities :–
Beetroot is rich in folic acid that aids in the growth of the tissues and spinal cord of the fetus. Regular consumption of beetroot during pregnancy can significantly reduce the risk of birth anomalies.
2). Boosts Immunity :–
Beetroot is rich in various antioxidants that are required to increase the immunity of a person. A pregnant woman should have a strong immunity as she needs to protect herself as well as the little one growing in her and regular consumption of chukandar in pregnancy greatly helps in doing so.
3). Prevents Osteoporosis :–
Osteoporosis is a condition which reduces the density of the bone resulting in decalcification of bones and teeth, and a pregnant woman is highly prone to it. Regular consumption of beetroot will provide sufficient calcium to prevent Osteoporosis.
4). Regulates metabolism :–
Beetroot is rich in potassium which balances the electrolytes in the body and thereby regulates the metabolism considerably especially in the pregnant woman. Besides, it also aids in maintaining the blood pressure of a pregnant woman.
5). Blood purification naturally :–
Beetroot purifies the blood naturally thereby reducing the chances of infection to the fetus and increasing the stamina.
6). Prevents anaemia :–
One of the common complaints during pregnancy is the haemoglobin of the pregnant woman reduces considerably making her anaemic. One of the advantages of beetroot during pregnancy is maintaining the haemoglobin in the pregnant woman.
7). Healthy development of a fetus :–
Beetroot is rich in Vitamin A and C which aids in healthy development of the fetus.
8). Controls blood sugar :–
Beetroot’s glycemic index is shallow and thereby preventing the risk of gestational diabetes.
9). Improves digestion :–
One of the common complaints during pregnancy is that of constipation. Beetroot is rich in fibres that aid in digestion and supports a healthy bowel movement thereby reducing constipation.
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Side Effects of Beetroot During Pregnancy:
Though consuming is beetroot is so much beneficial, you might find your doctor disallowing you of consumption of beetroot. The following are the reasons behind it:
- Beetroot contains traces of betaine that might cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea during pregnancy.
- You may end up feeling exhausted and weak after the consumption of beetroot during pregnancy due to the nitrates present in it.
- Beetroot is capable enough to cause temporary paralyses of the vocal cord.
- Excess use of beetroot can cause beeturia, a condition that makes the stool and urine red.
- It may also lead to kidney stones.
How to Eat Beetroot During Pregnancy:
Once your morning sickness subsides, you can, and you should add the beetroot in your diet. Here are various manners in which you can include beetroot in your diet.
- Have it as a salad by slicing it.
- Eat a roasted form of it by baking it.
- Boiling it makes it easy to consume as a quick snack.
- Add it in your juice with other veggies such as carrots.
You will have to figure out what is the best method for your consumption. But remember you need to limit the intake to 2 beetroots per day to avoid the side effects.
Beetroot Juice During Pregnancy:
Beetroot juice has tons of benefits that makes it a must for consumption during pregnancy. However, the daily intake should be limited to ½ beetroot to 2 beetroots in a day. You may dilute the juice with water or mix it with other veggies such as carrot. This is how you can make the beetroot juice:
Ingredients:
- One beetroot
- 1 apple
- 1 carrot
Prepare:
- Blend all the ingredients for a smooth paste.
- Sieve it and relish.
- You can add seasoning such as salt or black pepper to enhance its taste.
This healthy tonic is one of the best juices to be consumed during pregnancy as it reduces the risk of anaemia, fights constipation and lowers the blood pressure thereby preventing various complications during pregnancy including premature delivery.
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Consuming beetroot during pregnancy is extremely beneficial. It increases haemoglobin, maintains the blood pressure, boosts the immunity and many more. However, it may cause nausea and vomiting because of the Betaine present in it. You can safely consume beetroot in pregnancy but only in moderation – Not more than 2 per day.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1). Can I eat beetroot directly during pregnancy?
Beetroot can be eaten directly during pregnancy. It is rich in potassium and hence drinking its juice or eating it directly during pregnancy, maintains the blood pressure balances the electrolytes and balances the electrolytes of the body.
2). Is beetroot good to eat during breastfeeding?
Consuming beetroot during breastfeeding is good for you as well as your baby’s health. However, if you eat it all day long, it might actually change the colour of your milk to pink and make it sweeter.
3). Is beetroot juice good for pregnant ladies?
Beetroot juice is extremely beneficial for pregnant ladies provided you drink it in moderation. An extract of a maximum of two beetroots can be consumed during the day. Add water to dilute it or mix it with other juices such as carrot juice.
