9 Reasons Why Bitter Gourd is Healthier for Pregnant Women
Food cravings during pregnancy can frequently cause women to gorge on junk food which is unhealthy in the long run. But adding nutrient-dense foods to their diet, such as bitter gourd, can have several positive effects on the mother and the child’s health. Read the following reasons why bitter gourd is advantageous for especially pregnant mothers:
1. Reduce Food Cravings
Due to the high fibre content, bitter gourds reduce the cravings for junk food that are high in calories. Pregnant women can feel more satiated for longer periods and are less likely to snack on junk foods.
2. Prevents Hemorrhoids and Constipation
Digestion problems associated with pregnancy include constipation and haemorrhoids. The high fibre content of bitter gourd contributes to the promotion of peristalsis. This enhances the digestive system overall and helps control bowel motions, lowering the likelihood of digestive issues.
3. Combats Prenatal Diabetes
Nutrients such as polypeptide-P and charantin are abundant in bitter gourd, which if included in the pregnancy diet can reduce blood sugar. By controlling blood sugar levels, the management and prevention of gestational diabetes during pregnancy becomes easier.
4. Boosts Immune System
Vitamin C is abundant in bitter gourd. It boosts the immune system and helps fight pathogenic microorganisms. For a strong immune system during pregnancy and to protect the unborn child from diseases, it is critical to incorporate bitter gourd in the diet of a pregnant woman.
5. Packed with Vital Minerals and Vitamins
Bitter gourd contains phytochemicals that support the overall health of a pregnant woman. Bitter gourd also prevents anaemia through its rich Vitamin C content which facilitates better iron absorption in the body. The abundance of vitamins and minerals in bitter gourd is essential for a healthy pregnancy.
6. Controlling Sugar Levels
High blood glucose levels during pregnancy can increase the chances of a miscarriage link or that the baby will be born too early, weigh too much, or have breathing problems or low blood glucose right after birth. Pregnant women can benefit from bitter gourd as it contains unique properties that can stabilize blood sugar levels and protect mother and child.
7. Provides Folate for Fetal Development
Folate helps prevent neural tube abnormalities in the fetus, making it an essential nutrition for pregnant mothers. A significant portion of the daily folate needed for expectant mothers can be satisfied by bitter gourd, while promoting healthier fetal growth.
8. Supports Lung Development in the Fetus
Bitter gourd contains a vital nutrient, beta-carotene, which is essential for the development of the fetus’s lungs. Additionally, beta-carotene helps lower the danger of vitamin A intoxication, promoting healthy development in the unborn child.
9. Contains Vital Nutrients for Overall Growth
Bitter gourd is a superfood for being a rich source of iron, niacin, potassium, zinc, manganese, magnesium, pyridoxine, and pantothenic acid. Bitter gourd is a great option for pregnant mothers since it contains essential nutrients that support the healthy growth and development of the fetus.
Due to its high nutrient content, bitter gourd is the perfect vegetable to guarantee a healthy pregnancy. Bitter gourd is an essential food for expectant mothers to eat for both the health of the mother and the general growth of the unborn child. So, the next time you’re organizing your meals, consider incorporating this nutrient-dense vegetable into your diet. Take the next step in your health journey. Access exclusive content and support for women’s care.