Pregnancy is one of the most sensitive periods of women’s lives, in which they should pay more attention to their nutrition and health. During this period, many women may show more interest in foods such as ice cream. Ice cream is appreciated not only for its pleasant taste but also for the cool feeling it creates. But can this delicious food be useful during pregnancy or not? In this article, we will examine the properties of ice cream during pregnancy, its positive points and considerations so that you can make a better choice.
Properties of ice cream in pregnancy
Supplying calcium needed by the body during pregnancy
One of the most important nutrients in the body during pregnancy It needs calcium. Calcium is necessary for the formation of bones and teeth of the fetus ice creamespecially if it is prepared with natural milk, it is considered a good source of this mineral. Eating ice cream can provide part of the daily calcium requirement of the mother’s body and help maintain the health of her bones. This point is very important because during pregnancy, the mother’s body uses its calcium resources for the growth of the fetus.
Helping to relieve pregnancy cramps with ice cream
Pregnancy syndrome is one of the common challenges in this period, which may cause desire or reluctance to certain foods. Ice cream, with its varied flavors and soft texture, can be an attractive option to reduce cravings. Many women feel more relaxed when consuming ice cream, and their desire for other foods also increases. In addition, the coolness of the ice cream can condition nausea reduce and create a sense of freshness.
Ice cream and providing the energy needed by the body
Ice cream contains sugar and fat that can provide the energy needed by the body. During pregnancy, the body needs more energy to perform daily activities and the growth of the fetus. Eating the right amount of ice cream can be an instant source of energy, especially on days when you feel tired. Of course, you should be careful that consuming too much of it may cause unnecessary weight gain.
Create a sense of happiness and reduce stress
Pregnancy can be associated with hormonal changes and stress. One of the properties of ice cream is that its consumption causes the release of happy hormones such as serotonin in the brain. This feature can help mothers feel better and reduce the stress of pregnancy. The sweet and pleasant taste of ice cream along with its cooling sensation can boost your mood.
Is any type of ice cream suitable during pregnancy?
Although ice cream has many benefits, you should also pay attention to its quality. Ice creams that are not made with pasteurized milk may contain harmful bacteria such as listeria, which is dangerous for pregnant women. Also, industrial ice creams that contain a lot of artificial additives and preservatives can be harmful to the health of the mother and fetus. It is better to use homemade ice creams or products made from high quality and safe ingredients.
Ice cream and weight control during pregnancy
One of the concerns of women during pregnancy is Weight control is Although ice cream can be a good source of energy, consuming too much of it may cause unnecessary weight gain. This can lead to problems such as gestational diabetes or high blood pressure. Therefore, it is better to consume ice cream in moderation and take advantage of its low-fat and low-sugar varieties.
The best time to eat ice cream during pregnancy
The time of consuming ice cream is also important. It is better to consume ice cream as a snack and avoid eating it immediately after a meal, as it may cause indigestion. Also, eating ice cream on hot days can increase the feeling of coolness and relaxation. Try to eat ice cream slowly and with pleasure to get more benefit from its taste and properties.
Ice cream can be indigestion
Some types of ice cream that contain probiotics can help improve the health of the digestive system. Probiotics help the growth of beneficial gut bacteria and can help with problems such as: constipationwhich is common during pregnancy. When choosing probiotic ice creams, pay attention to the ingredients label and get high quality products.
Harms of ice cream during pregnancy
Infection with Listeria bacteria
One of the most important risks of consuming ice cream during pregnancy is the possibility of contamination with Listeria bacteria. Listeria can grow in unpasteurized dairy products or products that have not been stored properly. This bacterium carries serious risks such as miscarriage, premature birth or infection in the newborn baby. Pregnant women should avoid using homemade ice cream or products that are not known to be made from pasteurized milk. Also, open ice creams that are not kept in proper sanitary conditions can be a source of contamination.
High calories and unnecessary weight gain
Ice cream contains significant amounts of sugar and fat, which continuous and excessive consumption can cause unnecessary weight gain. Weight gain during pregnancy should be controlled, as excess weight can increase the risk of gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, and birth problems. Instead of consuming ice cream excessively, pregnant women should use healthier and low-fat options and pay attention to their daily calorie intake.
The possibility of gestational diabetes
Gestational diabetes is one of the common problems during this period, which can be caused by the high consumption of sugary substances and carbohydrates. Ice cream, especially the industrial and flavored varieties, contains a lot of added sugars, which frequent consumption may raise blood sugar levels. Although enjoying ice cream in moderation is not a problem, pregnant women who are at risk of gestational diabetes should avoid eating large amounts and follow the advice of their doctor.
Digestive problems caused by lactose
Some women may develop lactose intolerance during pregnancy. Ice cream can cause digestive problems for these people due to the presence of milk and lactose. These problems include bloating, diarrhea, and abdominal pain, which can be an unpleasant experience for pregnant women. In such a situation, using lactose-free ice creams or ice creams made from vegetable milk would be a better option.
The danger of using additives and preservatives
Many industrial ice creams contain additives, artificial colors and chemical preservatives. These substances may be harmful to the fetus and interfere with its normal development. Long-term use of these types of products can bring risks such as allergies, respiratory problems or hormonal disorders. Choosing organic ice cream or making homemade ice cream with natural ingredients can prevent these risks.
Decreased appetite control
Eating ice cream can stimulate appetite for unhealthy foods. Due to its high sugar content, ice cream may increase cravings for sweets and other desserts, which in itself can lead to weight gain and unhealthy nutrient intake. This inappropriate eating habit may negatively affect the health of the mother and the fetus in the long run.
Risks of allergies
Some women may be allergic to ice cream ingredients, such as nuts, chocolate, or certain additives. Allergies during pregnancy can appear in many ways, including hives, swelling or breathing problems. If you have a history of allergies to certain foods, you should avoid ice creams that contain these ingredients and read the product label carefully.
Negative effects on dental health
Continuous consumption of ice cream may increase the risk of tooth decay due to its high sugar content. During pregnancy, hormonal changes can make gum tissue more sensitive, and high sugar consumption exacerbates this problem. To reduce this risk, it is better to wash your mouth after eating ice cream and pay special attention to oral and dental hygiene.
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