How Does Beetroot Help in Pregnancy? What are the Benefits?
Beetroot in pregnancy is considered very useful. It has a lot of nutrients that keep the mother and baby healthy. Beetroot fruit protects the expecting mother and the fetus from diseases and acts as a blood purifier. It can be consumed raw, cooked, or in a liquid form. This article discusses the benefits and some yummy recipes for eating beetroot.
Beetroot Benefits During Pregnancy
Some of the widely known beetroot benefits during pregnancy are summarised below:
Beetroot Boosts Immunity:
Pregnant women are more susceptible to infections and sickness since their body is continuously going through hormonal and physical changes. Beetroots have antioxidants that help in increasing immunity.
Beetroot Reduces Risk of Anaemia:
Anaemia is one of the most common diseases affecting pregnant women. Eating raw beetroot during pregnancy helps generate more blood since this vegetable is rich in iron.
Beetroot is a Rich Source of Vitamin C:
Vitamin C is another vital element that pregnant women need in abundance. It helps the body absorb iron, thus reducing the risk of Anaemia. Beetroot is a storehouse of vitamin C.
Beetroot Helps in Maintaining Blood Sugar Level:
Beetroot tastes sweet, but it is a low glycemic food. It takes more time to convert into glucose. Hence its consumption won't result in an instant increase in blood sugar level.
Beetroot Controls Blood Pressure:
Most pregnant women suffer from hypertension, stress, and anxiety. This leads to an increase in blood pressure. Beetroot is a rich source of inorganic nitrates. It dilates the blood vessels by speeding up the manufacturing of nitric oxide. Thus, eating raw beetroot benefits pregnant women by maintaining normal blood pressure.
Beetroot Maintains Bone Density:
Silica and magnesium are found in abundance in beetroot. They help the body in utilizing calcium. Thus beetroot maintains the bone density of pregnant women and reduces osteoporosis risk.
Delicious Beetroot Recipes for Pregnant Women
Two popular recipes for eating beetroot during pregnancy are described in detail below:
Beetroot Soup Recipe for Pregnant Women
Beetroot soup benefits pregnant women the same as raw or uncooked beetroot. It can be made in half an hour and doesn't require many ingredients.
Ingredients for beetroot soup:
- 1-2 raw or boiled beetroots cut into small pieces
- An inch of grated ginger
- One tablespoon of lemon juice
- Water as required
Method for beetroot soup:
- Add beetroot, grated ginger, and some water in a blender, and blend till it forms a smooth paste.
- Empty this paste into a glass or bowl
- Add lemon juice and mix with a spoon
- It's ready to serve and enjoy
Beetroot Salad Recipe for Pregnant women
A salad is the best possible recipe for eating raw beetroot during pregnancy. They are also easy to make and take less time to make.
Ingredients for beetroot salad:
- 1-2 beetroots, peeled and cut into small cubes
- ½ tablespoon of mustard seeds
- 1 cup of paneer cubes or curd
- One tablespoon edible oil
- 4-5 curry leaves
- Black pepper and salt as per taste
Method for beetroot salad:
- Mix paneer cubes or curd and beetroot cubes in a bowl.
- Add salt and black pepper.
- Mix all the ingredients.
- Heat one tablespoon of oil in a pan.
- Add mustard seeds and curry leaves.
- After 10-15 seconds, transfer this tempering to the mixture prepared in step 3.
- Cover the bowl with a plate or lid.
- Remove the lid after a few minutes and mix well.
- Serve and enjoy
However, overeating beetroot has side effects during pregnancy, like kidney damage. Hence, pregnant women should limit their consumption to once or twice a day.
FAQs
Is beetroot good for my baby?
Beetroots have vitamin B, vitamin C, folate, copper, and many other minerals. These nutrients increase the body's iron absorption rate, thus keeping babies healthy.
Is beetroot and carrot juice good for pregnancy?
Yes, beetroots contain minerals and vitamins like folic acid, iron, etc. Carrot juice has beta-carotenes. Both of them boost immunity and reduce the risk of high blood pressure, hyperglycemia, Anaemia, and osteoporosis in pregnant women.
What vegetables should be avoided during pregnancy?
Pregnant women should avoid eating brinjal, pineapple, and fenugreek seeds. Alfalfa, mung beans, radish, clover, and other undercooked/raw sprouts should also be avoided during pregnancy.
Is beetroot good for the uterus?
Yes. Beetroot is rich in nitric oxide that helps in dilating blood vessels. Thus, it ensures an abundant supply of nutrient-rich, oxygenated blood flow to the uterus.
Which juice is not suitable for pregnancy?
Apple cider and orange juice should be avoided during pregnancy, as they are unpasteurized and can harbor harmful bacteria.
Can a pregnant lady eat carrots?
Yes, a pregnant lady can eat carrots. They are a rich source of vitamin A which is good for the baby's growth at the embryonic stage.
Which juice is best for a pregnant lady?
Almost all vegetable and fruit juices are rich in vitamins and minerals. Avocado juice, beetroot juice, carrot juice, pomegranate juice, pear juice, and tomato juice are considered best for pregnant ladies.