Pregnancy is a blissful phase for every expecting mother that they want to cherish. But, there are certain restrictions that every pregnant mommy has to face. These restrictions are imposed so that the pregnancy period can proceed smoothly. Many expecting women prefer to eat yams during pregnancy as it has numerous health benefits to offer.But is it safe to consume karunai kilangu (Yams) during pregnancy? Let’s find out
Yams not just render nutritional value but also help to energize women during this crucial period. Usually, women feel low during pregnancy, and hence, including yams in the diet can be of utmost benefit. However, it’s always advisable to connect with your healthcare provider before starting any new food items especially during pregnancy. This article will talk about the benefits, side effects, and risks involved, among other things. So scroll on to know everything about eating yams during pregnancy.
Video: Yams During Pregnancy
Is It Safe to Eat Yams During Pregnancy?
Eating yams is a safer option during pregnancy as they contain essential nutrients, including proteins, potassium, and fiber, which are necessary to intake during pregnancy. These ingredients not only help the baby to grow healthily but also protect the expecting mother from any kind of contact with germs. As yams are rich in antioxidants, it is an essential supplement that can be consumed during this crucial time of your life.
Nutritional Value of Yams
Yams are filled with nutritional values and we are going to discuss them in this blog post:
1. Energy
During pregnancy, it is likely that expecting mothers will feel low on energy and this is the main reason why mood swings happen. Eating yams is beneficial during pregnancy as it fulfills your body with energy and that’s how you can stay happy and composed.
2. Dietary Fibre
Pregnant women may likely feel bad due to an upset stomach. Bloating and constipation are the prime reasons for it. Yams are a great source of carbohydrates and hence keep your intestines unclogged.
Another main benefit of eating yams is that it flushes out the toxic compounds from the body ensuring a clean stomach regulating rise in the sugar levels.
3. Vitamin C
Vitamins are always needed in the body so that it functions healthily. Antioxidants present in yams help to heal the wounds if any and also boost the immunity level of both the fetus and the expecting mother. Vitamin C is also a good source to nurture bone health which is extremely important during pregnancy.
4. Vitamin A
Are you aware that intake of vitamin A is essential to maintain oral health? Well, if not, then know it now. Yams have natural ingredients present in them and one of them is vitamin A. It not just helps in oral growth but also helps the unborn baby from any kind of lung disease.
[Read : Is Cassava Roots (Tapioca) Safe During Pregnancy?]
Health Benefits of Eating Yams During Pregnancy
The growth of the fetus entirely depends upon how you take things. So, it is highly recommended to follow the diet pattern exactly the way your doctor recommended. Now let’s discuss some health benefits of eating yams for pregnant women:
1. Help You to Get Rid of Morning Sickness
Pregnant women usually feel lethargic during the daytime and that is the reason why women feel sick. As yams are enriched with a high amount of vitamin B6, it helps to control the feeling of vomiting. Hence, this is the main health benefit of yams for pregnant women.
2. Yams Prevent the Problem of Underweight Births
Sometimes, due to a lack of proper nutrients and vitamins, babies are born underweight. This is the reason why newborn babies are not healthy and take time to grow. Yams contain vitamin B6 which helps the baby to grow as they get enough nutrients by the intake of yams.
3. Yams are filled with ample antioxidants
There’s a high amount of Vitamin C present in yams and hence this makes yams rich in antioxidants. There are many common illnesses like cough, vomiting, cramps during pregnancy and consuming yams keeps these problems checked.
4. Reduces the Problem of Anemia in a Fetus
Well, problems related to anemia are common during pregnancy, and hence pregnant women are more prone to issues related to anemia. One good way to prevent anemia during pregnancy is with the help of consuming yams. How? As it contains zinc, copper, and iron. These are essential supplements when it comes to becoming anemia-free.
[Read: 12 Amazing Benefits Of Ginger During Pregnancy]
Side Effects of Eating Karunai Kilangu During Pregnancy
Pregnancy is not the time to take risks. Therefore, it is important to take all precautions. Yam, though, comes with many benefits, also has its side effects:
1. Can Cause Kidney Stones
It is highly recommended to consult your doctor before consuming yams as it is a tuber vegetable and hence can cause stones in the kidney.
2. Yams Can Lead to Gastric Problems
Well, gastric problems such as nausea, vomiting, and constipation can be triggered by yams, and hence, consuming yams can be risky if you are suffering from stomach issues.
Precautions to Take Before Eating Karunai Kilangu (Yams) During Pregnancy
Well, one thing you must always keep in mind is to only consume yams that are fresh and not stored in your refrigerator for a long while, as stored food can harbor bacteria. Stored food can cause acidity and even food poisoning, which is not safe during pregnancy.
Women have cravings for food to a great extent during pregnancy, and eating yams is an ultimate option. Why? Because it is healthy and doesn’t cause you to gain extra fat. However, it would be good if you could cook yams before eating, as raw yams can contain starch, which can cause your stomach to ache unnecessarily. Do you know that people often mistake yams with sweet potatoes, but both of these vegetables are entirely different?
Expectant mothers usually seem hungry as during this time, certain reasons influence the hormone levels of women. Consuming yams during pregnancy is an ideal option, as discussed above. As it is rich in vitamins and minerals, it helps you to have a healthy pregnancy and hence promotes your fetus’s growth. It is always okay to include yams in your diet during pregnancy.
[Read: Eating Turnips During Pregnancy – Is It Safe?]
FAQ’s
1. Do Yams Make You Gain Weight?
Yams are a high-calorie content, so yes they make you gain weight. Normally, yams are considered to be a health supplement to be consumed during pregnancy due to the excessive nutrients present in them.
2. How to Store and Eat Yams?
An ideal way of keeping yams healthy for a long time is by storing them in the refrigerator. By refrigerator, we don’t mean freezer. One useful tip here is that if you store cooked yams in the refrigerator, it will increase their longevity. Raw yams must not be stored as it gets spoiled faster.
3. Does Yam Increase Estrogen?
No, yams don’t increase estrogen.
4. Does Yam Increase Blood Sugar During Pregnancy?
Yams are of course a great supplement for a pregnant lady as it is high on fibers and essential vitamins. However, yams don’t cause an increase in blood sugar levels during pregnancy.
5. Is It Safe To Eat Karunai Kilangu During Pregnancy?
It’s generally safe to eat sweet potatoes (kilangu) during pregnancy. They’re a good source of nutrients like iron, vitamins, and fiber, which can help support the health of the mother and fetus. However, you should consult your doctor before adding sweet potatoes to your diet.
Read Also : How Safe Are Eggplants During Pregnancy?
