When a lady has conceived or is expecting, there are few foods that should be on her diet while few others that she must avoid. Few foods are beneficial for the mother and the baby, but few can even have a negative impact on their health. Having healthy and nutrient-dense foods must be on the priority list. Lotus seeds are high nutrient value but low-calorie food as well. Let us learn whether lotus seeds during pregnancy are beneficial and how you can consume them.
Lotus seeds are rich in calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium etc. These seeds are used for medicinal uses and popular in Asia. They are good for nursing mothers as well. Lotus seeds are fluffy foods that grow inside water and are tasteless. These can even be consumed in a raw state or even after cooking them. They are a dietary supplement that the doctor recommends as it has essential micronutrients, beneficial for the body.
In This Article
- Nutritional Value of Lotus Seeds During Pregnancy
- How Safe is it to Eat Lotus Seeds (Makhana) During Pregnancy?
- Top 5 Benefits of Eating Lotus Seeds During Pregnancy
- What Are the Side Effects Of Eating Lotus Seeds During Pregnancy?
- How Much Makhana Can One Eat in a Day?
- FAQ’s
Nutritional Value of Lotus Seeds During Pregnancy
The high nutritional composition in makhana seeds is good for the expectant mother and the baby. These lotus seeds are devoid of gluten and are fiber-rich that promoting digestion. They are low in fats, cholesterol, sodium, etc that making them a beneficial snack. These seeds are mostly consumed in Southeast Asia.
Some of the nutrients present in lotus seeds are
- Iron
- Calcium
- Phosphorous
- Manganese
- Potassium
- Antioxidants
- Amino Acids
- Thiamine
- Vitamin B
The fiber content in lotus seeds helps in the maintenance of the digestive tract, and spleen health and keeps the cholesterol level in control. Potassium content in the lotus seeds reduces the risk of heart strokes and high BP and flushes out excess sodium and water from the body. The thiamine content of the lotus seeds helps in sustaining the healthy cognitive function of the nerves.
How Safe is it to Eat Lotus Seeds(Makhana) During Pregnancy?
Consuming lotus seeds during pregnancy is safe for the pregnant woman and the fetus. Makhanas have rich nutritional content. They have nutrients like iron, calcium, manganese, phosphorus, amino acids, etc. These nutrients are beneficial for expecting mothers who have a greater risk of gestational diabetes or hypertension. They are also good for fetal development.
The nutritional content of lotus seeds has ample benefits when they are consumed during pregnancy. One of the best health benefits is to get a night of better sleep during pregnancy. Lotus seeds have alkaloids that enhance the functioning of the intestines. They even reduce problems like diarrhea, which are common at the time of pregnancy.
Top 5 Benefits of Eating Lotus Seeds During Pregnancy
Lotus seeds have amazing health benefits for pregnant women. Most pregnant women show dry and flaky skin due to a lack of hydration. This can be combatted with the consumption of lotus seeds. There are many other health benefits of consuming lotus seeds during pregnancy like overcoming infertility, preventing urinary tract infections, relieving bleeding of the gums, etc.
Some of the other benefits are given as under:
1. Treating Insomnia
Lotus seeds or makhana are good for treating insomnia. Insomnia can be a result of food habits, stress, and lifestyle changes. Consuming makhana seeds help in treating insomnia as it has isoquinoline that calms the body and induces sleep. The vitamins and antioxidants present in it help in regulating the functioning of the body so that the person starts feeling sleepy at bedtime.
[Read : Insomnia During Pregnancy]
2. Preventing Diarrhoea
Lotus seeds also help in preventing diarrhea. This is a common problem during pregnancy as the hormonal balance keeps changing. Consuming lotus seeds help in strengthening the digestive system and even ensure that there is proper digestion of food and reduces the occurrence of diarrhea.
3. Blood Pressure Control
Pregnant women can regulate blood pressure levels by consuming lotus seeds. Lotus seeds have an embryo in the middle that contains vitamins that help cool the body. Isoquinoline is an additional bitter component that regulates blood flow and keeps veins dilated. The lotus seeds even have high magnesium, plenty of potassium, and low sodium that enhance the blood flow and even lower the blood pressure.
4. Enhancing The Development of the Fetus
As the lotus seeds have a high level of protein, it helps in the development of the fetus. The vital nutrients enhance the central nervous system of the fetus. The vitamins help the baby is absorbing the nutrients from the food.
[Read : Know Everything About Your Baby’s Brain and Nervous System]
5. Control Weight
It is common to gain some weight during pregnancy, but it is indeed difficult to regulate the weight. Lotus seeds during pregnancy are good as they are more filling and have a low glycemic index, they even control sugar levels as they are low in calories, while vitamin B and fiber help to burn calories.
What Are the Side Effects of Eating Lotus Seeds During Pregnancy?
While lotus seeds have many benefits for pregnant women, some may experience side effects too, especially when consumed in excess.
Some of the side effects of eating excess lots seeds during pregnancy include
- Excess consumption of lotus seeds can result in constipation, bloating, and flatulence.
- The consumption of seeds can lead to a reduction in blood sugar levels. Lotus seeds are not advisable for pregnant women who have gestational diabetes.
- Some women, especially when pregnant, may develop an allergy to these seeds. If you feel uncomfortable or develop an allergic reaction after eating these seeds, you must stop having them immediately.
- Side effects of consuming lotus seeds during pregnancy are gastrointestinal issues or a spike in insulin levels.
- For pregnant women with heart ailments or hypertension, it is better to consult a doctor before consuming the lotus seeds as they are anti-arrhythmic, which means they can suppress the abnormal rhythm of the heart and even interfere with the heart medication.
[Read : Gestational Hypertension During Pregnancy]
How Much Makhana Can One Eat in a Day?
A pregnant woman should not consume more than two to three handfuls of lotus seeds to avail the benefits of lotus seeds. Excess consumption can result in unwanted side effects.
As it is rich in protein, lotus seeds ensure that the foetus is developing in the right manner and keeps the mother full. Other nutrients present in lotus seeds help the baby and the mother with proper nourishment. The seeds can be consumed in many ways depending on how one wants to make them. Some ways in which they are consumed are curries, soups, or fried, snacks etc.
FAQ’s
1. Is Makhana Hot or Cold?
Makhana has a Tri-dosic component. The seeds of the makhana help in balancing the pitta and vata dosha as they make the tissues moist, showing it has cold potency. Since makhana is rich in calcium, it even calms the body and helps in reducing insomnia and restlessness.
2. Is Makhana Good In Pregnancy First Trimester?
If makhanas are consumed in the right amount, they are safe and even beneficial during pregnancy. Since they are rich in nutrients like iron, calcium, phosphorus, manganese, potassium and vitamin B, antioxidants, amino acids, etc, they help with the proper fetal development.
3. Is Makhana Good For Gestational Diabetes?
Makhana has a low glycemic index making it an excellent snacking option for pregnant women who have the potential risk of getting gestational diabetes or hypertension. The high calcium content is beneficial for fetal development.
Read Also: Sunflower Seeds During Pregnancy – Are They Safe to Eat?
