Green vegetables are a good source of nutrition and the most common ones consumed during pregnancy are dark green leafy vegetables like coriander, spinach, celery, etc. Just like other green vegetables, water spinach is nutrient-dense and beneficial for the skin, brain as well as body. Pregnancy is a time when the body needs adequate nutrition, which is a necessity for the growth and development of the baby. In this article, we detail the top health benefits of eating water spinach during pregnancy.
Water spinach has ample quantities of water, vitamins, iron, and other nutrients, and it can be eaten in raw or cooked form. It is majorly used in the preparation of salads and other dishes to increase nutrient quality. The water spinach juice is an extremely healthy option. It is widely used in the preparation of medicines as well. Before adding water spinach to the diet, it is important to know its nutritional intake, health benefits, side effects, and its safety during pregnancy, etc.
In This Article
- What is Water Spinach?
- Nutritional Value of Water Spinach
- Is Water Spinach Safe to Eat During Pregnancy?
- What are the 10 Benefits of Water Spinach During Pregnancy?
- Does Eating Water Spinach Cause Varicose Vein During Pregnancy?
- What is the Recommended Intake of Water Spinach During Pregnancy?
- What are the Guideline to Use Water Spinach During Pregnancy?
- FAQ’s
What is Water Spinach?
Water Spinach is a tropical plant and semiaquatic in nature. It is a vegetable known for its delicate leaves and stems. It has slender and hollow stems which have long, flat, and arrow-shaped leaves. The flavor of water spinach is similar to spinach, but it has a mild and nutty texture, the leaves are delicate and sweet in taste. It is a nutritious vegetable and has many benefits for the health of the mother and the baby.
Nutritional Value of Water Spinach
The leaves of water spinach are full of nutrition and are enriched with vitamins and minerals. This green is also rich in dietary fiber, calcium, protein, iron, and vitamins. The leaves are full of vitamins and are even enriched with antioxidants and minerals. The water spinach has the following nutrients as stated below:
- Energy
- Protein
- Carbohydrates
- Fiber
- Calcium
- Phosphorus
- Vitamin A
- Iron
- Vitamin B1
- Vitamin C
- Water
[Read: Is It Safe To Eat Cabbage During Pregnancy?]
Is Water Spinach Safe to Eat During Pregnancy?
Water spinach is an excellent source of folic acid. For this reason, having water spinach in the first trimester is very important and even safe, as it can help in the prevention of neural deformities or birth defects related to the spine and brain. It has a good nutritional base and is safe for expecting mothers. It also helps in reducing blood sugar levels and reduces hypertension, which is a common symptom during pregnancy.
What are the 10 Benefits of Water Spinach During Pregnancy?
Water spinach is a powerhouse of nutrition and has far-reaching health benefits for both the mother and the baby. Its regular consumption can help both as it can cure different types of diseases and illnesses. Consumption is good for a healthy body and development. Some great health benefits for pregnant women are as follows:
1. Helps in Prevention of Birth Defects
Spinach is enriched with folate that helps in protecting the fetus against all birth deformities.
2. Reduces the Chances of Premature Delivery
The folate content in water spinach helps in reducing the chances of premature birth of babies and also prevents miscarriages.
3. Helps in Preventing Anaemia
Intake of water spinach helps in ensuring a healthy supply of folate as well as iron, and also assists in preventing anemic conditions.
4. Rich in Folic Acid
Since spinach is high in folic acid it helps in preventing gingivitis, loss of appetite, irritation, and monotony which happens due to the deficiency of folate.
5. Assists With Lung Development
The beta-carotene present in spinach is helpful for the developing baby’s lungs and also helps with weight gain.
6. Alleviate Constipation and Haemorrhoids
The fiber content present in spinach is good for a bowel movements and also reduces constipation and minimize the occurrence of hemorrhoids.
7. Offers Pain Relief
Pregnancy is a time when the whole body goes haywire due to hormonal changes and increasing weight. Aches and pain are common during pregnancy. Spinach is high in glycolipids, which have anti-inflammatory properties and offer relief from such pains.
8. Helps in Strengthening the Bones
Calcium is essential for the healthy and strong bones of both the mother and the baby. This vital nutrient present in spinach offers strength for the bones and teeth.
9. Boosts Immunity
Due to the rich content of calcium in spinach, the immune system becomes stronger, and the body is able to fight infections.
10. Nourishment For the Eyes
Due to the rich content of vitamin A, it is good for eye health and helps in reducing the signs of cataracts.
[Read: Is It Safe To Eat Lettuce During Pregnancy?]
Does Eating Water Spinach Cause Varicose Vein During Pregnancy?
Varicose veins are a common symptom during pregnancy as the increasing weight of the uterus exerts pressure, which leads to increased pressure on the veins of the leg. This problem increases when pregnant women experience more pressure or are carrying twins or multiples. It also aggravates when you stand for a long time. Water spinach reduces the occurrence of varicose veins in pregnant women.
What is the Recommended Intake of Water Spinach During Pregnancy?
Water spinach is a vital source of vitamin A that is crucial for healthy skin, hair, and even eyes. It is recommended that pregnant women should consume about two or three servings of vegetables- one from leafy vegetables. A 100 grams consumption of water spinach is about 6300 IU, which is close to about 200% of the daily dose recommended by the doctors. In simple terms, 45 grams of cooked water spinach offers good nutrient value for the mother and the baby.
What Are the Guidelines to Use Water Spinach During Pregnancy?
Water spinach is a nutritious food and excellent for a pregnant woman as well as her baby. It is also used for medicinal purposes. Regular consumption of water spinach also safeguards the mother from diabetes as well as offers strength for bone development.
Water spinach is beneficial if taken in the right manner, so let us have a look at the tips that should be used to consume water spinach during pregnancy, and these are mentioned as under:
- For a healthy crunchy snack, simply fry the hollow stems of water spinach with garlic and temper with butter.
- Boil the water spinach leaves, extract the juice, and have it for relief from constipation. You can chew on the leaves to increase your fiber intake as well.
- Water spinach, when taken with other vegetables, offers sufficient calcium and iron for the growth and development of the fetus.
To sum up, water spinach is an extremely nutrient green leafy vegetable. It is a healthy addition to the diet of a pregnant woman. The high folic content is one of the crucial reasons you must consume this regularly throughout your pregnancy.
[Read: Eating Parsley in Pregnancy]
FAQ’s
1. Can Pregnant Women Eat Spinach?
Of course! It is loaded with many nutrients. These can benefit both mother and baby.
2. Will Eating Spinach During Pregnancy Help With Anemia?
Yes, it can. These are rich in iron. A good source of iron is important to combat anemia.
3. Is Water Spinach Good For Fetal Development?
Yes, it is. It is a good source of folic acid. This is very essential for the neurological development of babies.
4. How Can Water Spinach Help Pregnant Women?
It can boost immunity, which is weak during pregnancy. Water spinach helps to alleviate pain and inflammations. It also helps in strengthening bones and eyesight.
Read Also: Eating Spinach During Pregnancy: Benefits and Concerns
