The phase of pregnancy requires keeping a check on every minute detail, especially the diet. From the onset of pregnancy, the whole attention will be on following the right eating habits and getting all the required nutrients. There is a list of products that should not be consumed at all as they may hamper the development of the baby. So it is important to be aware of what food is being consumed as the food has a vital role in the growth and development of the baby. Now let us find out how safe is sabudana during pregnancy.
Sabudana is nutrient-dense and should be added to the pregnancy diet as it has a plethora of benefits. It is not even healthy but can be made in many ways to give it a delicious twist. Let us have a look below and find out what Sabudana is, its nutritional value, how safe it is for the pregnancy, its health benefits and some yummy bites made from it.
In This Article
- What is Sabudana or Sago?
- Is Sabudana Safe During Pregnancy?
- What is the Nutritional Value of Sabudana?
- What are the Health Benefits of Sabudana During Pregnancy?
- Easy and Healthy Sabudana Recipes for the Expecting Mothers
- FAQ’s
What is Sabudana or Sago?
Sabudana, also known as Sago, is rich in carbohydrates and an excellent source of energy. You get sabudana from the core of sago palm stems in starch form. It is sometimes even called tapioca pearls. Sago is a nourishing food due to its high carbohydrate content. It is often an additive in Indian dishes such as puddings, soups, khichdi, Upma etc., dishes. It is also used for the preparation of many drinks to offer spontaneous energy without the use of artificial sweeteners or chemicals. Some home bakers add sabudana flour as a thickening agent to their baked dishes.
Is Sabudana Safe During Pregnancy?
When you are pregnant, you must take care of eating healthy and meeting all the nutritional requirements of your body. In the Indian context, Sabudana is among the healthier options when looking for filling foods. The high-carb content ensures that you stay energetic and feel fuller for longer. Fatigue is common among pregnant women, and sabudana provides your energy fill. In addition, the nutritional content of sabudana is also beneficial for the baby growing in your womb.
What is the Nutritional Value of Sabudana?
Sabudana has numerous health benefits for pregnancy. It is rich in protein, fibre, carbs, and calories. Additionally, it also has minerals such as calcium, iron, and magnesium. With so much nutritional goodness, sabudana is a must-add ingredient to your pregnancy diet.
What Are the Health Benefits of Sabudana During Pregnancy?
Sabudana holds numerous health benefits. Most of these benefits is highly beneficial for the healthy progression of the pregnancy. Following are some of the top health benefits one can reap from eating sabudana during pregnancy.
1. Fights Constipation
When you are pregnant, your digestive system slows down, and you tend to face many digestion-related issues. Due to its high fiber content, sabudana aids in digestion and helps in fighting constipation problems.
2. Provides a Cooling Effect to the Digestive System
In case you have a burning sensation in your stomach, consuming Sabudana can offer a relaxing as well as a cooling effect on the digestive system.
3. Boosts the Energy Level
Consuming sago gives zeal and energy for the rest of the day. Sabudana is high in carbs and provides an excellent source of energy.
4. Enhances Muscle Growth
Sabudana is also a great source of protein that helps with muscle growth during the pregnancy phase.
5. Enhances Bone Strength
Enriched with calcium, it helps in strengthening the bones. Pregnancy is a time when bones should be strong enough to be able to carry the baby, and hence consuming sabudana can be beneficial.
6. Good Source of Protein
Sago has high protein content, which is essential for both the expecting mother and the fetus growing inside.
7. Helps to Prevent Birth Defects
Sabudana is loaded with Vitamin B as well as folic acid that can help in avoiding any birth defects and also assist with the development of the baby.
[Read : Folic acid the Friend From Day One]
8. Facilitate Healthy Weight Gain
Since Sago is enriched with carbohydrates, it is also an ideal source for gaining weight.
9. Helps in the Formation of RBC
Sabudana is not only rich in carbohydrates, but iron as well, and also helps with improving the production of healthy red blood cells.
10. Helps to Bring Down Pregnancy Induced Blood Pressure
Sabudana helps to regulate blood pressure levels. The presence of potassium assists with blood circulation and helps regulate blood pressure.
Easy and Healthy Sabudana Recipes For the Expecting Mothers
Following are healthy and nutritious sabudana recipes to try during pregnancy. These are easy to prepare and has no strong or sharp taste or odour.
1. Sabudana Khichdi
Made with potatoes and peanuts, this sabudana dish is excellent to curb hunger pangs during pregnancy. This can be eaten as a midday snack or even as a main meal. You can have this with a side of curd or green chutney for a better taste.
2. Sabudana Kheer
Craving for a dessert? Sabudana kheer is an excellent way to satisfy your sweet tooth during pregnancy. It carries the goodness of sabudana, milk, and ghee. It is a guilt-free treat and tastes delicious hot and cold.
3. Sabudana Upma
This makes an excellent breakfast dish. It is easy to make and helps to start your day with an energy boost. To enhance its taste and flavor, you can squeeze in some lemon juice and add some coriander leaves for garnishing. This dish should be served hot.
The pregnancy phase requires a healthy diet not only for the mother, but for the baby as well. This is the time when you must eat well and include healthy foods. Sabudana, a traditional Indian ingredient, has all the nutritional benefits for pregnant women. You can safely include this in your diet and enjoy the full benefits.
[Read : Is Cassava Roots (Tapioca) Safe During Pregnancy?]
FAQ’s
1. Can I Eat Sago During Pregnancy if I Have a Gluten Allergy?
Yes, you can. Some women develop gluten allergy when pregnant. Sago is naturally gluten free and a great option.
2. Will Eating Sago During Pregnancy Promote Hair Growth?
It might. Sago is rich in protein. Hair growth is generally very good during pregnancy. A combination of these two can definitely cause those tresses to grow out.
3. How Does Sago Help Against Birth Defects?
Sago is rich in folic acid. This is an essential nutrient for the neural development of the baby. Making sago a part of your pregnancy diet can indeed help your child.
4. Will I Gain Weight if I Eat Sago While Pregnant?
It depends on your body. Sago is rich in carbohydrates and can add some weight. However, many women gain a lot of weight during pregnancy. So it can be the sago or just pregnancy.
Read Also: Is It Safe To Take Suji/ Semolina During Pregnancy?
