Eating Corn Flakes During Pregnancy: Benefits and Side Effects

Pregnancy calls upon precautionary measures at every step in a woman’s life. She finds herself thinking about what she must eat, how much and how often. One of the foods that are contemplated during pregnancy is corn flakes. Are corn flakes good for pregnancy? Are they safe to consume? There is no right answer because there are some health benefits a pregnant woman can gain by consuming corn flakes in limited quantities. If you are pregnant and have been craving for corn flakes, you will find this article helpful. Here, we shall discuss everything pertaining to eating corn flakes during pregnancy. Read on to know more.

Why Should You Eat Corn Flakes During Pregnancy?

Craving corn flakes during pregnancy is completely normal. Corn flakes help you feel rejuvenated throughout the day. This is because they are rich in carbohydrates and provide energy. They are also rich in riboflavin, thiamine, iron, dietary fibre and niacin that make it a wholesome food. Let’s take a look at the nutrition a bowl of corn flakes (100 grams) can provide.

Nutrition in Corn Flakes

Following is the nutritional value per 100 gms of cornflakes

Benefits of Eating Corn Flakes in Pregnancy

Corn flakes are a rich source of nutrients, and therefore, make for a healthy breakfast for pregnant women. Here are some advantages of eating cornflakes during pregnancy:

• The dietary fibre in corn flakes helps reduce blood pressure and provide relief from constipation. One average bowl of corn flakes contains about 25 grams of fibre, which can help you manage most constipation-related issues.
• Consuming one bowl of corn flakes daily can help reduce the risks of preeclampsia that is triggered by high blood pressure. Preeclampsia can cause severe developmental issues in the foetus.
• A bowl of cornflakes for breakfast can fill your stomach with the dietary fibre and satisfy your hunger as well.
• Consuming corn flakes also helps maintain your pregnancy weight.
• The iron content in corn flakes can help manage anaemia during pregnancy to a certain extent.
• Corn flakes are a good source of Vitamin D, Vitamin B-6, Vitamin C, and Vitamin A, which are highly essential for the mother-to-be and the developing foetus.

Adverse Effects of Eating Corn Flakes When Pregnant

Eating corn flakes in limited portions can be beneficial during pregnancy; however, excess consumption can cause some problems. Here are some adverse effects of eating corn flakes in excessive quantities during pregnancy:

• The commercially available corn flakes are rich in fat, salt and sugar. Its consumption in excess is unhealthy, especially during pregnancy.
• Cornflakes may result in health issues like flatulence, intestinal gas, abdominal pain and bloating. The capability of your body to absorb zinc, iron and minerals decreases when you eat corn flakes in excess.
• Cornflakes with grains are usually acidic; hence they cause an acidic state in the tissues and blood.
• Compared to sprouts, fruits and vegetables, it is harder to eat grains in corn flakes.
• Existing health conditions related to the digestive system may exacerbate further if you eat corn flakes.
• Consuming corn flakes with added artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives may increase the intake of potentially harmful chemicals, which could negatively impact both maternal and fetal health during pregnancy.

Now that you know the benefits and side effects of eating corn flakes, you can manage the quantities and frequency of consuming it during pregnancy. But, you must follow some tips to make the most of this nutritious breakfast item.

Tips to Keep in Mind When Eating Corn Flakes During Pregnancy

Follow these tips while eating corn flakes during pregnancy.

• If you love to eat corn flakes for breakfast, include them in your pregnancy diet too. Just make sure that you eat them in moderation.
• Avoid eating corn flakes that contain artificial sweeteners or artificially flavoured corns.
• You can add natural sweeteners such as strawberries or honey, to enhance the taste of your meal.
• Feel free to consult a nutritionist before you make any changes to your diet plan. Also, discuss your food habits and cravings.
• Always add warm milk to the cornflakes because dry corn flakes might make you feel nauseated.
• Try to have corn flakes only for breakfast and not during other meals.

What Are Some Best Corn Flakes Flavour for Pregnant Women?

During pregnancy, choosing the right flavor of corn flakes can add variety to your diet while ensuring nutritional balance. Here are some of the best corn flakes flavors for pregnant women:

• Honey Corn Flakes provides a natural sweetness without added sugars, making it a healthier option during pregnancy.
• Fruit Corn Flakes contains dried fruits like raisins, bananas, or strawberries, adding natural sweetness and additional nutrients like fiber and vitamins.
• Almond Corn Flakes offer a crunchy texture and nutty flavor, providing essential fats, protein, and minerals like calcium and magnesium.
• Chocolate Corn Flakes provides a hint of indulgence without excessive sugar, satisfying cravings while still offering some nutritional benefits.
• Vanilla Corn Flakes offers a subtle and pleasant flavor, perfect for those who prefer a milder taste without added sugars or artificial flavors.

Healthy Alternatives for Corn Flakes During Pregnancy

You can try wheat flakes, rice flakes, or fortified cereals instead of cornflakes for a healthier option. Add some nuts for protein, which can help keep your blood sugar levels steady. Also, toss in some berries, apples, or bananas for extra flavor and nutrients.

FAQs

1. Can eating corn flakes during pregnancy cause weight gain?

Consuming corn flakes during pregnancy, especially those with high sugar content, can contribute to weight gain if consumed in excess. It’s important to monitor portion sizes and opt for healthier varieties with lower sugar content to manage weight effectively.

2. Can eating corn flakes during pregnancy affect blood sugar levels?

Corn flakes, particularly those with added sugars, can cause rapid spikes in blood sugar levels due to their high glycemic index. Pregnant women should opt for whole grain or low-sugar alternatives and balance their meals with protein and fiber to help stabilize blood sugar levels.

3. Can eating corn flakes during pregnancy lead to digestive issues?

Consuming corn flakes while pregnant, especially those with added sugars or artificial additives, may lead to digestive discomfort such as bloating, gas, or constipation for some pregnant women. It’s essential to monitor how your body reacts to corn flakes and consider switching to alternatives if digestive issues arise.

This was all about corn flakes for pregnant ladies and the benefits of corn flakes with milk during pregnancy. Eating cornflakes will do you no harm in pregnancy if you eat it in moderation. Cornflakes without any artificial ingredient can be healthy to consume during pregnancy. But, don’t forget to follow the tips if you are going to add them to your pregnancy diet. If you are still unsure about eating corn flakes, we recommend you consult your nutritionist and include it in your pregnancy diet accordingly.

References/Resources:

1. Corn Flakes; Food Data Central; U.S. Department of Agriculture; https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/383344/nutrients

2. What can I eat with gestational diabetes?; Diabetes UK; https://www.diabetes.org.uk/guide-to-diabetes/enjoy-food/eating-with-diabetes/gestational-diabetes

3. Nutrition Facts: Cereals ready-to-eat, KELLOGG, KELLOGG’S Corn Flakes, 1 cup (1 NLEA serving); University of Rochester Medical Center; https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?contenttypeid=76&contentid=08020-1

4. Breakfast Cereal; Nutritionfacts.org; https://nutritionfacts.org/topics/breakfast-cereal/

5. Diet During Pregnancy; American Pregnancy Association; https://americanpregnancy.org/healthy-pregnancy/pregnancy-health-wellness/diet-during-pregnancy/

6. Cereals and wholegrain foods; Better Health Channel; https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/cereals-and-wholegrain-foods

7. Smith. A; Cornflakes, Well-being and Cognition; https://www.researchgate.net/publication/328072906_CORNFLAKES_WELL-BEING_AND_COGNITION

Also Read:

Eating Oats during Pregnancy
Consuming Bread while Pregnancy
Eating Chickpeas (Chana) in Pregnancy
Flattened Rice Flakes (Poha) when Pregnant

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