It is important to eat well during the phase of pregnancy as eating and drinking are the main sources of nourishment for both the mother and the baby. One leafy vegetable that you can have during pregnancy is sorrel. Let’s see whether sorrel is safe during pregnancy.
Sorrel offers benefits for the health consisting of a healthy digestive system, regulation of blood pressure levels, good vision, energy supply, boosting the blood circulation, developing immunity system, enhancing the skin health, enriching the bone development, regulating diabetes, preventing cancer symptoms, etc. Let us have a look at what sorrel is, the nutritional intake, its health benefits, side effects, the right method to use sorrel leaves in pregnancy and precautions to be taken while consuming sorrel, etc.
Video of Sorrel Leaves During Pregnancy
What is Sorrel?
Sorrel is a bushy plant in appearance and an annual herb that can be found in different weathers, climates, and regions all over the world. Sorrel is also famous for its health as well as medicinal uses. It is widely used for conventional cooking as well. It is more beneficial if consumed in smaller quantities and the leaves are the most significant part of this plant. Sorrel leaves have a sharp, sour taste with a slightly tangy lemon flavor.
What is the Nutritional Value of Sorrel?
Sorrel is enriched with fiber and is an ideal antioxidant and is quite beneficial for one’s well-being. It is the oxalic acid in the leaves that brings about the sour taste. The nutrient composition of sorrel leaves can be seen as under:
- Vitamins: Sorrel is an excellent source of vitamin C, A, and B9.
- Minerals: Sorrel is a powerhouse of minerals like calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium, and sodium.
- Organic Nutrients: Flavonoids, polyphenolic acids, etc. are found in surplus in sorrel as it has very low calories.
- Other Nutrients: Fibers, proteins, and other nutrients are found in sorrel that makes it a low-calorie food but with good nutritional value.
[Read: Gongura During Pregnancy – Is it Safe to Eat, Top Benefits and Side Effects]
12 Amazing Health Benefits of Eating Sorrel During Pregnancy?
Getting nutrition is the best intake that one gets from the green and leafy vegetables. Due to the unique flavor, the sorrel leaves are different in taste. Here are 12 amazing health benefits of eating sorrel during pregnancy:
1. Enhances Eyesight
During pregnancy, your eyesight can be affected temporarily. In case the expecting mother has any vision problems, consuming the sorrel leaves will help as it is rich in vitamin A that helps in improving the eyesight.
2. It Helps in Reducing Weight
In case one is looking to lose weight, consumption of sorrel leaves is a big help as it is rich with many nutrients. The vegetable has an almost negligible fat content and is low in calorie content.
3. Helps With Detoxification of the Body
Sorrel also has flavonoids and antioxidant properties. Its leaves are diuretic and are a good laxative. Therefore, the intake of sorrel leaves helps in flushing the toxins from the body.
4. Helps in Reducing Blood Pressure Levels
Sorrel leaves are rich in potassium and magnesium. It is rich in antioxidants that help in lowering the level of bad cholesterol. Intake of sorrel leaves, therefore, helps in reducing pregnancy-induced- hypertension and regulating blood pressure.
5. Helps to Alleviate Common Respiratory Issues
Sorrel leaves are rich in Vitamin A and Vitamin C. It has strong anti-inflammatory properties. Taking sorrel leaf soup is excellent in treating nose and throat inflammation during pregnancy.
6. Helps to Prevent Breast Cancer
The oxalic acid, which gives a sore taste to sorrel leaves, is well-known for its capacity to prevent cancers and tumors (however, excessive oxalic acid can be harmful). The chlorophyll and carotenoids in sorrel leave together with the vital vitamins and mineral aids in preventing, combatting, and treating breast cancer.
7. Helps to Combat Insomnia
Insomnia is another issue faced by many expecting mothers. Many expecting mothers experience a drop in their quality of sleep during any stage of pregnancy. Including sorrel leaves in your diet will help to solve this issue to some extent.
8. Combats Constipation and Hemorrhoids
Sorrel leaves have a strong laxative property. They are rich in fibers. Therefore, it is very efficient in combating constipation and hemorrhoids during pregnancy.
9. Offers Strong Bone Development
The sorrel leaves are enriched with calcium and are ideal for pregnancy. This is because maintaining bone density during this time is very important to bring down the chances of osteoporosis in the future.
10. Helps in Treating Anemia
Being anemic during pregnancy is a common issue. Intake of iron is the only way to combat anemia. 100 g of sorrel leaves hold 2.4 g of Iron, which is around 13.3% of the recommended daily intake. Sorrel leaves are blessed with a significant amount of Vitamin C, which helps the body to absorb iron and helps in producing more RBC.
11. It Helps in the Treatment of Urinary Tract Infections
Another common problem during pregnancy is that of urinary tract infection also referred to as UTI. Sorrel leaves have a strong diuretic property due to the presence of a significant amount of potassium in them. Therefore, including sorrel leaves in the pregnancy diet will help to keep UTI at bay to some extent.
12. Helps to Boost the Energy Levels
Tiredness and fatigue are very common for pregnant women and consumption of sorrel leaves will help in replenishing the energy lost as it is enriched with iron. This increases the production of red blood cells, offering more oxygen supply to the body parts.
[Read: Eating Spinach During Pregnancy: Benefits and Concerns]
4 Side Effects of Eating Sorrel During Pregnancy
Sorrel is a powerhouse of nutrients and offers far-reaching health benefits. Its leaves are sour in taste and even used for medicinal uses. However, it also has some side effects which are stated as under:
1. Kidney Issues
Consuming excess sorrel is toxic in nature and has a negative effect on the kidneys as it is enriched with oxalic acid. This can result in kidney stones or even failure.
2. Blood Clotting
Sorrel has a good amount of vitamin K that can aggravate blood clotting.
3. Chances of Miscarriage
Due to the excess consumption of sorrel, pregnant women can experience stomach issues and that can lead to increased chances of miscarriage.
4. Chances of Birth Deformities
Since sorrel is high in oxalic acid, it can result in birth deformities as well.
How to Select and Store Sorrel Leaves?
There are some factors to consider while selecting and storing these nutritious leaves.
Selecting
Select sorrel with tender, smaller leaves. Avoid discolored (yellowish or brownish) leaves with holes in them.
Storing
It is recommended to consume the sorrel leaves within 1-2 days after harvesting to get all its benefits. It tastes best when you eat it as soon as it is picked. Anyway, you can store it in the refrigerator for a couple of days.
How to Incorporate Sorrel Leaves in Pregnancy Diet?
Sorrel can be used in sandwiches, salads, pasta, rice, beans, and other dishes and even as toppings for pizzas, and pastries.
These can be stewed well and can be taken in combination with boiled eggs, salads and can be even given in the form of juice, but this should always be taken in moderation since it is enriched with oxalic acid.
What are the Points to Remember While Using Sorrel During Pregnancy?
The following are important points to remember while incorporating sorrel into your pregnancy diet:
- While having sorrel, one can have it in raw form, but since it is greatly loaded with oxalic acid, which can be dangerous for the kidney, it is ideal to cook it or boil it before having it.
- Overcooking the leaves can also take vitamin C content so it is advisable to blanch, stew, or fry the same.
Sorrel is an important part of conventional cooking and it encompasses a plethora of nutrients that include vitamins, minerals, organic ingredients, oxalic acid, fibers, and proteins which qualify it to the section of not only rich food but having medicinal value as well.
FAQ’s
1. What Happens When You Eat Too Much Sorrel?
Eating too much sorrel increases the risk of developing kidney stones. It can also worsen heartburn in pregnant women. Because of its diuretic property, eating an excessive amount of sorrel leaves increases the risk of dehydration in pregnant women.
2. When Should You Eat Sorrel?
You can have sorrel anytime. You can have it in the form of soup for lunch or for dinner. Sorrel salad is also good to eat during pregnancy. It can be used in curries. As a part of a normal diet, you can eat sorrel at any time. However, don’t go overboard.
3. Is Sorrel Rich in Iron?
Yes, sorrel is rich in iron. Therefore, it helps to prevent iron deficiency anemia. Pregnancy is a period women are more in need of iron. Hence, you can include these magic leaves in your pregnancy diet.
4. Can Sorrel Leaves Help a Pregnant Woman Sleep Better?
Pregnancy can cause many sleepless nights, as the pregnancy progresses. Sorrel leaves are believed to help improve sleep quality. Check with your doctor and add this to your regular diet.
5. How Can I Satiate my Sorrel Pregnancy Cravings?
Sorrel leaves have a distinct smell and a bitter taste. You can shred these leaves and add it to any salad. If you are worried about raw foods, you can make a soup from these leaves.
6. Is Sorrel Recommended When Pregnant?
Sorrel has anti-inflammatory properties which can help with joint pains. It can also help with pregnancy constipation. However, limit your intake.
7. If I Eat Sorrel Leaves During Pregnancy, Will it Harm my Unborn Child?
Excessive consumption of Sorrel leaves is believed cause birth defects. They can cause stomach related issues. This can result in miscarriage, though this is not common.
Read Also: Importance Of Vitamin C During Pregnancy
