A lot of things change during pregnancy and eating habits is no exception. When you are pregnant, whatever you eat counts. This is the reason you should know what you should eat and what you stay away from when you are pregnant. The bottom line is to make sure you maintain a balanced diet.
Bitter Gourd is not a popular food among people especially women. Women usually don’t like it because of the bitter taste it leaves on your tongue. There are women who enjoy it too. Do not let the bitter taste of this nutritious vegetable keep you away from it. If cooked well, it can taste great too. In case you don’t like bitter gourd, you should give it a second thought as it is full health benefits.
Here are some of the benefits to expect from this green vegetable:
1. Boosts Immunity
Being inflicted by even the smallest of illnesses can cause a lot of problems during pregnancy. Just a simple flu, cold or cough can have really bad effects on your body. You really need to pump up your immune system and bitter gourd contains ample amount of vitamin C. Vitamin C is well known for its antioxidant qualities. This quality will let you combat common illnesses.
2. Prevents Constipation And Hemorrhoids
Constipation and hemorrhoids happen to be two common problems that pregnant women are commonly hit by. Bitter gourd contains high fiber content which helps to prevent issues like hemorrhoids and constipation. All you have to do is add a bit of bitter gourd to your diet and taste the sweetness of pregnancy by avoiding such nasty problems.
3. Helps You Gain Healthy Weight
Everyone gains weight during pregnancy and you need to gain weight. Gaining weight doesn’t mean you dump yourself with all the junk food. You actually need to gain healthy weight. Bitter gourd is highly rich in fiber which helps to keep you full and supplies your body with essential nutrients. It will make you feel full. You don’t have you don’t have to eat high calorie food to increase weight.
4. Combats And Prevents Gestational Diabetes
It is commonly heard that women tend to develop gestational diabetes during pregnancy. Luckily, bitter gourd can help you not only prevent but also treat this problem. It consists of nutrients such as polypeptide-P and charantin that helps to control blood sugar levels.
5. Rich Source Of Folates
It is no secret that folic acid or folate is needed during pregnancy. Folates are required to ward off neural defects in the unborn baby. Bitter gourd is a rich source of folic acid and can fulfill one fourth of your daily requirement.
6. Keeps Away Digestion Issues
Going through digestive problems is also a common issue during pregnancy. The extreme fluctuations in hormones and expansion of uterus cause issues like flatulence, gas and bloating. The high content of fiber in bitter gourd helps to get rid of such digestive problems.
7. Great Source Of Nutrients
You and your baby both need extra nutrients during the pregnancy phase. Bitter gourd is packed with minerals and vitamins like zinc, magnesium, niacin, iron, potassium, pyridoxine, manganese and pantothenic acid. These nutrients contribute to the healthy development of your baby.
