Eating Plantains During Pregnancy – Is it Safe?

If you are pregnant, you obviously know that your diet should comprise of everything healthy there is. If you are looking for some healthy options, we suggest that you consider plantains. Plantains are a wonderful addition to your pregnancy diet if you are looking for something healthy and tasty. Plantains are a rich source of varied nutrients and can offer many health benefits to a woman who is expecting. To know more about the benefits of eating plantains during pregnancy, go ahead and read this article.

What Is a Plantain?

If you have never seen a plantain before, you can easily mistake it for a banana. Plantains look and smell like bananas, but if you ever bite into a raw plantain, you’ll understand that it is different. Plantains are bigger than bananas and harder to peel. Plantains should be cooked for consumption. Plantains are known as vegetable bananas and are very green counterparts of ripe and nutritious yellow bananas. These vegetable bananas differ from bananas even though they belong to the same family. In many tropical regions, people consider plantains as a staple food.

Can You Eat Plantains During Pregnancy?

Yes, you can definitely eat plantains while pregnant. Plantains are a rich source of dietary fibre, which helps prevent constipation and dietary problems during pregnancy. Vegetable bananas also contain a good amount of proteins, energy, minerals, and tissue-building elements. These essential minerals can keep you healthy during pregnancy. Plantains can be very beneficial for your health during pregnancy if you consume them in moderate amounts. Avoid eating them in excess or it could affect your pregnancy. Also avoid certain types of plantains like nightshades, since these contain a neurotoxin which might affect your pregnancy.

Benefits of Consuming Plantains While Pregnant

Plantains are low in fat and contain almost no cholesterol. They are high in carbohydrates and can provide you with essential minerals like magnesium, potassium, fibre, and Vitamin C. Here are some benefits of eating plantains during pregnancy.

1. Provides Relief From Nausea

One of the most common problems which most pregnant women suffer from is nausea. Plantains are an incredible remedy for this problem. This is because it does not have any smell. Plantains also effectively cure heartburn during pregnancy.

2. Promotes Heart Health

The high content of potassium in plantains ensures good heart health and makes sure that the body has healthy cells during pregnancy. Potassium is good for regulating the heart rate and blood pressure levels.

3. Helps Treat Constipation

As plantains are a good source of fibre, eating them can help smoothen the bowel movements. Constipation is a common problem in pregnancy but eating plantains can help. Therefore, consuming plantains regularly can assist in proper digestion, which is also very important during pregnancy.

4. May Help Treat Anaemia

Anaemia is another problem many pregnant women suffer from during pregnancy. Plantains, being a rich source of Vitamin B6, can help treat anaemia. So make them a part of your meals. Plantains are a great way to treat neuritis and prevent anaemia.

5. Strengthen the Bones

Plantains are rich in phosphorus, iron, and magnesium, which makes them an excellent food item for strengthening the bones. Eating plantains also makes sure that the foetus is growing and developing well.

6. Helps in the Proper Functioning of the Urinary System

Plantains have been found to contain diuretic properties which help make sure that the urinary system works well. The diuretic properties of plantains are good at averting any problems of kidneys and bladder when pregnant.

7. Promotes Healthy Development of the Foetus

Plantains have a high content of folate, which is very important for the healthy development and growth of the baby in the womb. These vegetable bananas also have a good amount of riboflavin and thiamine, which can help make sure that the foetus stays healthy.

8. Promotes Eye and Skin Health

The presence of Vitamin A in plantains can help improve the health of the eyes during pregnancy. It helps to improve the complexion of skin when you are expecting.

9. Strengthens the Immune System

The presence of vitamin A and Vitamin C in plantains can help strengthen the immune system and prevent free radicals from harming your body. Vitamin A helps in neutralising free radicals and acts as a strong antioxidant while preventing cell damage during pregnancy.

10. They Are a Rich Source of Antioxidants

Vegetable bananas are rich in Vitamin A. About sixty per cent of the required Vitamin A in the body is met with this. Plantains are also an amazing source of antioxidants and help in making sure that the health of the mucous membranes is stable. Plantains also help improve the complexion of skin as well.

Eating plantains can be very beneficial for your health during pregnancy if consumed in healthy proportions, of course. Start consuming plantains after checking with your doctor. You could also look for recipes that can make plantains to make them interesting!

Also Read:

Is it Safe to Eat Chips during Pregnancy?
Consuming Popcorn in Pregnancy
Healthy Snack Ideas for Pregnant Women
Is it Safe to Consume Noodles While Pregnant?

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