The Health Benefits of Eating Ginger during Pregnancy includes preventing morning sickness, proper blood supply, regulating cholesterol levels, preventing cold and cough, controlling blood sugar level, preventing heart burn and relieving bloating. Other benefits includes treating inflammation, rejuvenating tired muscles, supporting immune system, relieving body pain, supplying nutrients to fetus, and helping digestion.
Expectant mothers need to consume diet loaded with plenty of nutrients regarding healthy fetus and their overall well-being throughout the pregnancy. The nourishing foods also help alleviate risks of congenital diseases in an unborn baby. According to nutritionists, ginger is one of the healthy foods recommended to pregnant women due to vitamins and minerals found in it that have potential to combat complications during the condition. You can sprinkle it to your foods, incorporate its paste to various recipes, and can make ginger tea as well.
Moreover, it is a superfood that is used in many cultures regarding culinary and therapeutic purposes for years. Ginger contains zesty flavor that is said to relieve urge of constant vomit and nausea; both health issues are common for expectant mothers. Although it is a powerhouse of many healthy properties, it is advised to consult with your primary care doctor in this regard.
Nutritional Value of Ginger
A piece of ginger contains following nutrients.
- Carbohydrates 77 g
- Calcium 00 mg
- Choline 8 mg
- Copper 226 mg
- Fiber 0 g
- Folate 00 mcg
- Iron 60 mg
- Magnesium 00 mg
- Manganese 229 mg
- Niacin 750 mg
- Pantothenic acid 203 mg
- Phosphorus 00 mg
- Potassium 00 mg
- Phytosterols 00 mg
- Protein           82 g
- Riboflavin 034 mg
- Selenium 7 mcg
- Sodium 00 g
- Sugar 70 g
- Thiamin 025 mg
- Zinc 34 mg
13 Benefits of Eating Ginger during Pregnancy
1. Prevents Morning Sickness
Morning sickness and dizziness are common in most cases specifically during the first trimester. You can relieve this stressing condition by consuming ginger. The latter functions as a soothing agent as it is abundant in the quality. Moreover, ginger is also a natural and safe source to prevent stomach issues during early months of pregnancy. You can incorporate ginger tea into your diet to combat morning sickness and nausea effectively.
2. Proper Blood Supply
Ginger is necessary when it comes to proper blood circulation. You can find plenty of medicines that can perform the function. Nutritionists recommend opting for a natural option in this regard. Moreover, adequate consumption of ginger also helps supply required amount of blood to the fetus for healthy development.
3. Regulates Cholesterol Levels
Experts suggest keeping balanced cholesterol levels during pregnancy to avoid further health problems. You should consider incorporating ginger into your diet as the nutrients found in them can work well in this regard. It cannot only regulate your cholesterol levels but alleviate the risks of high cholesterol throughout pregnancy.
4. Prevents Cough and Cold
Expectant mothers become vulnerable to minor health ailments such as cold, cough, fever, or nausea due to the sluggish functioning of the immune system. You can combat the problems by consuming ginger tea into your diet. The nutrients like folate, choline, or magnesium are necessary to boost immunity that aids in quick recovery as well. Ginger, being a powerhouse of the nutrients, can do the job for you effectively.
5. Controls Blood Sugar Levels
Pregnant women are prone to glucose spike due to sweet cravings. Studies have shown that ginger has potential to regulate glucose in the bloodstream. When consumed regularly, ginger helps maintain sugar levels that keep mother and the fetus healthy. It will also function to balance your energy levels preventing you from falling prey to exhaustion, fatigue, and dizziness. However, nutritionists also encourage not to intake excess processed and sugary food items to refrain from any adverse effects.
6. Prevents Heart Burn
Heartburn is one the common health problem for most women during pregnancy. Nutritionists recommend opting for a natural solution. You can treat constant heartburn by consuming a warm cup of tea made with fresh ginger and honey between your meals. Both ingredients contain healing and soothing qualities that can effectively ward off factors that contribute to heartburn.
7. Relieves Bloating
Most pregnant women encounter bloating issues frequently. It occurs when slow digestion prevents your unborn baby from nutrients absorption. The problem is serious as insufficient nutrients can contribute to congenital diseases in the fetus. However, ginger could be a safe source to alleviate digestion problems and neutralize bloating. Nutritionists suggest consuming ginger with honey if you are not comfortable with its taste.
8. Ginger Treats Inflammation
Inflammation and swelling are common factors that expectant mothers have to deal with throughout the pregnancy. You can effectively treat these problems by incorporating a moderate quantity of ginger. You can also consume ginger tea in this regard. However, in case of severe swelling or inflammation, it is suggested to consult with your primary care physician to avoid further health problems.
9. Excellent for Tired Muscles
Nutritionists have favored ginger as it can help relieve aching bones and muscles of the pregnant mother. It restores energy levels that contribute to sudden fatigue. Moreover, a cup of warm ginger tea can also relieve sore feet.
10. For Immune System
Ginger is a powerhouse of iron and antioxidants. You need plenty of both nutrients to improve the functioning of your immune system. When you incorporate adequate levels of ginger into your diet, the nutrients will function to strengthen the immune system of an unborn baby that is also necessary to ward off congenital diseases.
11. Relieves Body Pain
Various pain such as joints, lower back, or abdominal becomes common for expectant mothers. Consuming ginger in any form can be effective in this regard as it functions on a hormonal level. You will notice the low intensity of pains in a short time. Nutritionists suggest that regular consumption of the ginger can help alleviate factors that contribute to pain in your back and abdomen.
12. Supplies Nutrients to Fetus
The components found in the ginger are necessary to consume as they help transfer nutrients that you obtain from food to the fetus. It will also allow proper absorption of the nutrients in your body effectively.
13. Helps in Digestion
Ginger is a powerhouse of phenolic compounds that are essential to combat gastrointestinal irritation. The compounds also help stimulate bile and saliva production during pregnancy. Moreover, the component is said to curb gastric contractions as food travels through GI tract. Ginger also contains enzymes that help relieve constipation another problem that expectant mothers faced frequently.
Bottom Line
Experts suggest consuming a nutrient-filled diet during pregnancy as it helps strengthen your overall well-being and the fetus. Ginger could become a healthy option as well but don’t ignore the fact that everything – even natural foods functions best in moderation.
