Pregnancy is one of the most sensitive and important periods of every woman’s life, which requires special attention to nutrition and choosing the right foods. During this time, every food choice can have a great impact on the health of the mother and fetus. One of the foods that can be useful in this period is beans. Due to its many properties, this green seed can help provide vitamins, minerals, proteins and other nutritional needs of a pregnant mother. In this article, we will examine the properties of beans during pregnancy and how to consume them during this period.
Properties of beans in pregnancy
Rich source of vegetable protein
beans It is one of the rich sources of vegetable proteins that can be a suitable substitute for animal protein sources during pregnancy be Proteins are essential for fetal growth and development. Vegetable proteins in beans are easily digested and can help to create different tissues and organs of the fetus. In addition, consuming protein during pregnancy improves cell function and builds new proteins in the body.
supply of iron needed by the body
One of the main concerns during pregnancy is iron deficiency. Beans contain a significant amount of iron, which can help prevent anemia in the mother and fetus. Iron helps in the production of hemoglobin in the body, and as a result, oxygen supply to the cells is improved. Considering that the body’s need for iron increases during pregnancy, consuming beans can naturally meet this need and prevent problems caused by iron deficiency.
Rich source of folate (folic acid)
Folate or folic acid is one of the most important vitamins during pregnancy, which is vital for preventing neural tube defects in the fetus. Beans naturally contain good amounts of folate, which can help the proper development of the brain and spinal cord of the fetus. Adequate consumption of folate in early pregnancy, especially in the first trimester, can prevent birth defects and ensure the health of the fetus.
Strengthen the immune system
One of the worries of expectant mothers during pregnancy is the weakness of the body’s immune system. During this period, the body undergoes many changes and because of this, it becomes more sensitive to infections and diseases. Beans can help strengthen the body’s immune system due to its natural antioxidants. These antioxidants help fight free radicals that damage cells and protect the health of the mother and fetus.
Improve digestive health
Another property of beans during pregnancy is to improve the function of the digestive system. Many pregnant mothers in this era with digestive problems such as constipation are faced Beans contain high amounts of fiber that can help improve digestion and prevent constipation. Consuming enough fiber during pregnancy helps to improve bowel movements and facilitate the elimination of waste from the body and prevents digestive problems.
Providing calcium for bone health
Calcium is one of the vital minerals that is necessary for the health of bones and teeth of mother and fetus. Beans also have good amounts of calcium that can help provide this mineral during pregnancy. Consuming calcium helps strengthen bones and teeth and prevents bone problems in pregnant mothers. Also, calcium helps the growth and strength of fetal bones.
Rich source of B group vitamins
Beans also contain B vitamins such as Vitamin B1 (thiamine) and B6 which are especially effective in the growth and development of the brain of the fetus during pregnancy. These vitamins help to produce energy in the body and also play an important role in strengthening the nervous system and its proper functioning. Vitamin B6 in beans can decrease nausea And vomiting during pregnancy can also help.
Suitable for blood sugar control
During pregnancy, many women face the problem of high blood sugar levels or gestational diabetes. Due to its low glycemic index, beans can help control blood sugar levels. This feature makes beans known as a suitable food for diabetic pregnant mothers. Eating beans can help regulate blood sugar and prevent sugar fluctuations in the body.
Prevention of high blood pressure
Beans can be reduced due to potassium content blood pressure and effective prevention of high blood pressure during pregnancy. High blood pressure is one of the common problems during pregnancy that can cause risks for the mother and fetus. Due to its high potassium content, the consumption of beans can help control blood pressure and prevent cardiovascular problems during pregnancy.
Tips for consuming beans during pregnancy
Although beans have many benefits, their consumption during pregnancy should be done with caution. Some mothers may be allergic to the proteins in beans, and as a result, consuming them may cause digestive problems. Also, beans should be fully cooked to avoid any possible infection or damage. It is recommended that you consult your doctor or nutritionist before adding beans to your diet during pregnancy.
Harms of beans in pregnancy
Allergic sensitivities
One of the most important risks of consuming beans is the occurrence of allergic sensitivities. Some people are allergic to the proteins in beans and may experience itching, swelling, hives, or even breathing problems. These sensitivities are especially observed in people who have a history of allergy to legumes. Therefore, it is recommended to consult a doctor before consuming beans during pregnancy in case of any history of allergy to beans or similar problems.
Food poisoning if consumed uncooked
Beans should be cooked completely and properly. If beans are not cooked properly, they can contain toxins that are harmful to the body. These toxins can cause food poisoning and severe digestive problems such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain. Consuming uncooked or half-cooked beans can bring serious risks to the health of the mother and fetus. Therefore, it is very important that the beans are fully cooked to avoid any risk of poisoning.
Increased gas and bloating
Beans contain fiber and complex carbohydrates, which can increase the production of gas in the digestive system in some people. This can cause bloating and abdominal discomfort. Especially during pregnancy, when the digestive system is affected by hormones and physiological changes, consumption of legumes such as beans may aggravate these problems. Therefore, if a pregnant mother already suffers from gas and bloating, she should limit the consumption of beans and consult a doctor immediately if digestive problems occur.
Constipation in case of overdose
Although beans are good for improving digestion due to their high fiber content, consuming too much of them can cause constipation. Too much fiber may slow down bowel movements and cause constipation. This problem can be aggravated during pregnancy, when the possibility of constipation is higher due to hormonal and physical changes. To prevent such a problem, it is necessary to consume beans in moderation.
Increased risk of high blood pressure
During pregnancy, high blood pressure is one of the common problems. Due to its high potassium content, beans may cause electrolyte imbalance in some people and therefore, may have effects on blood pressure. High consumption of beans may reduce sodium levels in the body, which eventually leads to abnormal changes in blood pressure. Therefore, mothers who suffer from high blood pressure should be careful in consuming beans and consult their doctor.
Digestive disorders and diarrhea
In some people, high consumption of beans can cause digestive disorders and diarrhea. This is due to the presence of indigestible sugars in beans that ferment in the intestines and can cause digestive problems such as bloating, diarrhea or abdominal pain. If the pregnant mother is already sensitive to digestive problems, it is better to avoid excessive consumption of beans.
Risk of gout
Beans contain significant amounts of purine, which is one of the chemicals that converts to uric acid. If the level of uric acid in the body increases, it may lead to gout. If the pregnant mother has a history of gout or similar problems, she should limit the consumption of beans and avoid eating them in large quantities.
Absorption defects of some minerals
High consumption of beans can interfere with the absorption of some minerals such as calcium and iron. Beans contain compounds called phytates that may reduce the absorption of these minerals. During pregnancy, when the need for these minerals is greater than any other time, excessive consumption of beans should be avoided in order to maintain the absorption level of the body’s essential substances.
Risk of respiratory problems
Beans may cause respiratory problems in people who are sensitive to plant proteins in it. These problems can include shortness of breath, wheezing, or other breathing problems. If the pregnant mother has a history of respiratory diseases such as asthma, she should use beans more cautiously and consult a doctor immediately in case of any respiratory problems.
Some problems
If the pregnant mother takes certain medications such as anti-hypertensive drugs or anti-diabetic drugs, the consumption of beans can cause drug interactions. These interactions may increase or decrease the effect of drugs. Therefore, the pregnant mother should consult her doctor before consuming beans to avoid drug problems.
Disadvantages for those who
Beans contain a lot of potassium, which may be problematic for those with kidney disease. The kidneys in these people are not able to remove a large amount of potassium from the body and this can lead to an increase in blood potassium levels and serious problems such as cardiac arrhythmia. Therefore, people suffering from kidney diseases should limit the consumption of beans.
Harm to the fetus if used incorrectly
While beans have many properties, their improper consumption during pregnancy can be dangerous for the fetus. Especially if beans are not cooked properly or consumed in large quantities, it may have negative effects on the growth and development of the fetus. To reduce these risks, beans should be consumed in a balanced way and in proper health conditions.
Deficiency in nutritional balance
If beans are consumed as the only source of vegetable protein in the diet, it may cause nutritional imbalance. Excessive consumption of beans without combining them with other food sources may lead to a lack of other vitamins and minerals that are necessary for the health of the mother and fetus. Therefore, the pregnant mother’s diet should be varied and balanced to meet all nutritional needs.
Risks arising from
In some people, especially those who have a genetic disorder called “Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Hyperactivity”, consumption of beans can lead to serious problems in the body. This genetic disorder can cause destruction of red blood cells after consuming beans. This issue can lead to anemia and other serious problems in the body. Therefore, if there is any family history of these genetic disorders, consumption of beans should be limited or stopped.
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