Best Foods to Eat During Pregnancy
The best foods to eat during pregnancy include fish, carrots, oranges, spinach, mangoes, avocados, edamame, chicken, popcorn, and many more.
Pregnancy is a time of strange cravings and seemingly endless hunger for a good reason as you are eating for two people. However, despite how easy it seems to reach for more ice cream, snacks, junk food, and carbohydrates, the normal requirements of your body are still in place, but they are doubly important because you are helping shape the development of your baby, as well.
High levels of iron, magnesium, vitamin A, folic acid, potassium, protein, calcium, copper, iodine, and omega-3 fatty acids are just some of these essential dietary needs during pregnancy.
List of Foods to Eat During Pregnancy
Eggs
Eggs always provide our body with a low-calorie, high protein, and versatile food source, but when pregnant, the certain types of omega-3 fatty acids, particularly DHA, is particularly beneficial.It is known to boost brain development and the formation of healthy eyes. Egg whites are an even healthier option.
Dairy Products
Calcium is one of the key elements of a pregnancy diet, and the best type of foods for consistent and direct calcium supply is dairy products. Furthermore, the high content of vitamin D, vitamin A, and protein found in everything from milk to certain types of cheese is just as important for the development of your newborn.Hence dairy products make it to the list of foods to eat during pregnancy.
Avocados
These fruits are wonderful during pregnancy, as they offer a variety of benefits. The folic acid content ensures proper neural tube development in the baby, the vitamin C stimulates the development of a healthy immune system, while other B vitamins do everything from preventing morning sickness to improving tissue development of your unborn child. Also, avocados are very high in healthy fats, so they can help you boost your weight and feel full if you’re craving food.
Sea Salt
Although most people tend to stay away from salt to improve their health, increase circulation, and lower blood pressure, sea salt has one very important element for proper fetal development – iodine.As most pregnant women are told to stay away from sushi (and the seaweed packed with iodine that is involved in that Japanese dish) sea salt is often the best method of adding this essential hormone-balancing nutrient to your pregnancy diet.
Carrots
Vitamin A is an essential part of a pregnancy diet, as it guarantees the proper formation of skin, eyes, teeth, and bones for your baby. Furthermore, the vitamin C and vitamin B have their own functions, while the high fiber content keeps your bowels moving regularly, preventing pregnancy constipation that can be irritating.
Yogurt
While this technically falls under the category of dairy products, yogurt has some unique characteristics that make it a separate dietary item, including that all-important folic acid and vitamin D. Furthermore, yogurt contains gut microflora prebiotics that can improve nutrient absorption in your stomach and ensure the efficient uptake of essential vitamins and minerals to you and your baby.
Mangos
This delicious and exotic fruit is a wonderful source of potassium, vitamin A, and vitamin C, which spurs fetal development and improves your blood pressure and immune system while pregnant, both of which are notorious victims of pregnancy stress on the body. Also, mangos are good for settling the stomach and reducing morning sickness.
Oatmeal
Oatmeal and other types of grains are packed with minerals, like iron and copper, as well as a major dose of fiber. Fiber helps to boost your heart health, which takes a serious beating sometimes during pregnancy, while also regulating your bowels, reducing cramping, nausea, and other gastrointestinal issues that so often plague pregnant mothers.
Popcorn
This doesn’t make it on too many healthy food lists, but popcorn is surprisingly healthy; it is the loads of salt and butter that most people include that makes this snack less than an idea. However, popcorn has a significant level of fiber, vitamin E, selenium, and even some antioxidant compounds (phytonutrients) that can protect the development and strength of your baby’s cell membranes.
Edamame
This popular Japanese snack is actually nothing more than cooked soybeans. They also pack a powerful punch for pregnancy and can replace beans in the diet (while also reducing flatulence). Edamame is a great source of protein, folic acid, vitamin A, B vitamins, and calcium, all of which are important for proper fetal development.
