Gongura During Pregnancy - Is it Safe to Eat, Top Benefits and Side Effects

Pregnancy brings about a long list of cravings, do’s and don’ts. Can you eat something just because it is tasty? Should you include something in your regular diet because it is very healthy? Well, yes to both. You can eat almost anything as long as your body doesn’t reject it. What about gongura during pregnancy?

What is Gongura?

Gongura is a plant known for its edible leaves. The leaves have a sour and sharp flavor. You can use them in multiple ways. It is very popular in many Indian states, especially Andhra Pradesh. People from different states cook or use this leaf in cooking a variety of dishes.

Both vegetarians and non-vegetarians like it for the flavor it lends to any dish you combine it with. Gongura leaves are small and full of essential nutrients. Gongura is rich in folate, iron, calcium, vitamins A & C, and antioxidants.

Is it Safe to Eat Gongura During Pregnancy?

Yes, you can eat gongura during pregnancy. Gongura is rich in iron and folate, both of which are very important for a healthy pregnancy. Folate helps in the healthy development of the fetus and prevents birth defects in the baby’s brain and spine.

While prenatal vitamins ensure pregnant women get all their nutrients, adding food sources that are naturally rich in essential nutrients can be more beneficial. Since you can make a variety of dishes using gongura at home, it can be a clean and safe food option during pregnancy.

Remember, pregnancy is a tricky phase where your body might suddenly react to something you eat. So, if your body is unable to digest gongura, you should scale back on your consumption. You can consume it once in a few days instead of every day.

Nutritional Benefits of Gongura

Gongura is rich in many nutrients. Regular consumption of gongura can be very beneficial whether you are pregnant or not. Some of the nutritional benefits of this healthy leaf are-

1. Good Skin

The gongura leaves help reduce acne, inflammation on the skin, and breakouts. The high vitamin and mineral content in these leaves can make your skin soft and radiate with health.

2. Healthy Liver

The hepatoprotective capabilities of gongura can prevent damage to the liver. It can purify the blood, and increase blood circulation in the body, thus increasing the count of healthy cells.

3. Immunity Booster

Gongura is rich in vitamin C, which helps fight against viruses, bacteria, and other infections. Pregnancy can be a strain on your immune system, leading to frequent infections. Gongura is also very good for eyesight and type 2 diabetes. It can cure wounds and regulate your sugar levels.

4. Ease Menstrual Cramps

Gongura is rich in iron and can stimulate proper blood flow. An improvement in the blood flow to the uterus can help ease cramps and reduce pain during menstruation.

5. Strengthen Bones

Gongura is rich in calcium, which is important for the bones. Gongura also improves your metabolism and helps your body burn calories quickly.

[Read : Calcium During Pregnancy]

6. Improves Digestion

Gongura has laxative effects which can help ease digestion. Many women suffer from constipation during pregnancy and adding gongura to your diet can help ease this discomfort.

How to Consume Gongura During Pregnancy?

When you are pregnant, you need to be extra careful when consuming green leafy vegetables. The leaves can contain pesticides, contaminants like E-coli or other bacteria. It is important to clean the leaves well before consumption.

Just washing it under running water will not suffice. You need to soak the leaves in a bowl of water mixed with rock salt. This solution will help kill all bacteria and viruses on the surface. After washing the leaves, you can dry them on a towel before putting them inside the refrigerator.

So, eat gongura only after cleaning them thoroughly. You can make a gongura pickle, pachadi, or chutney, and store it in a clean and dry box. You can consume this regularly with hot rice, dosa, or even chapatis. When pregnant, cooking dishes from scratch may not be feasible at all times. You need to stock up on something tasty and healthy for cravings or hunger pangs during pregnancy.

Amazing Top 4 Benefits of Gongura During Pregnancy

Gongura is rich in many essential nutrients. Some of the benefits of eating gongura during pregnancy are as follows-

1. Bone Health

Gongura is a good source of calcium. Calcium is very important for the formation of the baby’s bones, teeth, and other parts of the body. Pregnant women need more calcium than others, or else they might suffer calcium deficiency at a later stage.

2. Blood Flow

During pregnancy, your body needs to produce and circulate more blood. Pregnant women need to consume more iron to meet this increase in demand. Regular consumption of gongura can help meet the iron requirements.

3. Baby’s Health

Gongura is a very rich source of folate, which is the raw form of vitamin B9. Folate is very important for the formation of the neural tube, brain, and spine of the baby. A folate deficiency can cause abnormalities in the baby. Eating gongura can be very helpful in this regard.

4. Immunity

Gongura is also rich in vitamin C, which is important for the immune system. Pregnancy can weaken your immune system, making you prone to many infections. Since you cannot consume too many medicines while pregnant, consuming gongura regularly can help improve your immune system.

What Are the Risks of Eating Gongura During Pregnancy?

Gongura, known as sorrel in English, is very nutritious. However, eating gongura during pregnancy carries the following risks-

You might have an allergic reaction to it
It contains oxalate, which can interfere with the absorption of calcium
If the oxalate binds with the calcium in the body, it can lead to kidney stones

Side Effects of Gongura During Pregnancy

Just like any other food, eating too much gongura during pregnancy can have some side effects. Eating in moderation can be beneficial. However, when you eat too much gongura during pregnancy, your body might find it hard to digest it all properly. As a result, it can lead to kidney stones or blood clotting.

Gongura is an edible plant rich in many nutrients essential during pregnancy. Adding it to your regular diet can be beneficial as long as your body can digest it without any side effects. You can make your pregnancy diet interesting and tasty by using gongura in different ways in different recipes.

[Read : Blood Clots During Pregnancy]

FAQ’s

1. Does Gongura Contain Folic Acid?

Gongura is a very good source of folate and vitamin B6. It is also rich in vitamins A and C, antioxidants, calcium, iron, and zinc.

2. Can We Eat Gongura Daily During Pregnancy?

Gongura is rich in many nutrients and can be part of your daily diet. However, if it doesn’t suit you during pregnancy, you should reduce the consumption.

3. Can Gongura be Eaten Raw?

Yes, you can eat raw gongura as long as you clean the leaves properly. You can even consume it after minimal cooking.

Gongura During Pregnancy – Is it Safe to Eat, Top Benefits and Side Effects

What is Gongura?

Is it Safe to Eat Gongura During Pregnancy?