Is Eating Raw Food Good for a Baby in the Womb

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• What Are Raw Vegetables?
• Can You Eat Raw Vegetables When Pregnant?
• Benefits of Consuming Raw Vegetables in Pregnancy
• Raw Vegetables That Are Safe to Eat During Pregnancy
• Raw Vegetables to Avoid Eating When Pregnant
• Precautions to Take While Consuming Raw Veggies
• Some Wonderful Ways to Eat Raw Vegetables for Moms-to-Be

Last Updated on February 12, 2021

Pregnancy is a blissful and joyous phase in a woman's life. It is filled with excitement and pampering, but more importantly, it is accompanied by food cravings of different kinds! Fulfilling these cravings can be a roller-coaster ride for a pregnant woman, due to the number of things that you are advised to avoid during pregnancy. One such speculative item on the list is raw vegetables. Here, we discuss whether it is prudent for pregnant women to consume raw vegetables.

What Are Raw Vegetables?

Raw vegetables comprise uncooked vegetables that contain edible seeds and roots. Raw veggies are a staple in the diet of vegans and vegetarians, and also herbivorous animals. Certain vegetables, when consumed raw, have numerous health benefits. Maximum nutrition can be absorbed when the dietary source is unprocessed, as with raw vegetables. Let's look at the benefits of indulging in a raw diet during pregnancy.

Can You Eat Raw Vegetables When Pregnant?

Deciding to eat raw vegetables during your pregnancy can be a healthy and nourishing choice for your foetus. Research proves that eating raw vegetables helps to take in more proteins and minerals. It is important, however, to understand the safety concerns and risks linked to the consumption of uncooked vegetables.

Benefits of Consuming Raw Vegetables in Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a delicate phase of life, during which you have to weigh the pros and cons of your choices, especially dietary, before deciding to do anything. Here are the benefits of eating raw vegetables during pregnancy:

1. Plenty of Fibre Intake

Raw vegetables are a rich source of dietary fibre. This comes in handy during pregnancy, as a majority of women face issues of constipation and bloating during pregnancy. A diet that is high in fibre facilitates easy digestion.

2. Calcium

Calcium is a vital nutrient during pregnancy, and can be easily sourced through raw greens like spinach, collard greens, and kale. It helps in bone formation and skeletal mineralisation of the foetus.

3. Vitamin C

Raw vegetables are also a good source of Vitamin C, which is important for teeth, bone, and collagen formation.

4. Beta Carotene

Beta carotene is very important for the proper development of tissues, immunity, and vision of the foetus. This is available in plenty of raw vegetables like carrot and sweet potato.

5. Potassium

This is another essential mineral that is essential in aiding regulation of blood pressure in pregnant women.

6. Folate

For proper formation of your baby's brain and spine, you must take sufficient amount of folate, through folic acid or folacin. Vegetables like broccoli, peas, asparagus, and cabbage are high in folate.

7. Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Raw vegetables are an extremely rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, which aid in the neurological development of the foetus. Good sources include cauliflower, squashes, and Brussels sprouts.

8. Controlled Weight Gain

Unhealthy weight gain during pregnancy can be controlled by eating raw vegetables. As they are high in dietary fibres, they help to improve energy levels and regulate weight gain.

Raw Vegetables That Are Safe to Eat During Pregnancy

Not all raw vegetables can be consumed during pregnancy. Following a raw diet during pregnancy requires some care. Detailed below is a list of vegetables that are safe for pregnant women:

1. Carrots

Carrots are a storehouse of nutrients that can work wonders on a pregnant woman. It also helps in improving the immunity and eye development of the foetus.

2. Broccoli

Broccoli is a vegetable that is rich in calcium and vitamin C. When cooked, the water absorbs these vitamins, and makes them unavailable to the body for absorption.

3. Green Peas

Green peas are a healthy, tasty, and sweet option for women craving raw vegetables during pregnancy.

4. Sweet Potato

Sweet potatoes are a great source of vitamins A, B, and C. Make sure to get some of this nutrient-rich vegetable while you are pregnant!

5. Bell Peppers

Rich in dietary fibres as well as vitamins, bell peppers can be very beneficial to pregnant women when eaten raw.

6. Tomato

Rich in vitamin K and C, as well as biotin, tomatoes are delicious to eat in raw form.

7. Asparagus

Asparagus is very rich in folate, and is essential for brain development of the foetus. When consumed in raw form, the body gets a good quantity of folate from asparagus.

Raw Vegetables to Avoid Eating When Pregnant

It is better to avoid certain vegetables in raw form during pregnancy. Here are some mentioned below:

1. Cauliflower

Although cauliflower is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, it also contains sulphur compounds, which cause bloating and gas formation.

2. Okra

Eating okra, or lady's finger, in raw form can increase the risk of gastritis, and should be avoided during pregnancy.

Precautions to Take While Consuming Raw Veggies

• Wash vegetables thoroughly to avoid the toxoplasma parasite that could be present in the peel or outer rind of vegetables.
• Cut away damaged and bruised sections of vegetables, as they tend to have bacteria.
• Wash your knife and chopping board with soap and hot water before chopping vegetables.
• Soak your vegetables in salt water for a while before eating, to kill any germs present on them.

Some Wonderful Ways to Eat Raw Vegetables for Moms-to-Be

• You can prepare coleslaw with shredded white cabbage and carrots.
• Grated carrots mixed with raisins and nuts can be tossed in a delicious salad dressing.
• Mix in some paneer or soya chunks with your bell peppers or leafy vegetables to get your daily dose of proteins.
• Eat raw carrot and asparagus sticks with a cheesy or sour cream dip. Hummus is also a good side to have with vegetable sticks.

Being pregnant comes with its fair share of perks and problems. Make sure you understand the implications of your choices on your growing baby, and make informed decisions. Eat right, and take care of your gorgeous self to have a healthy little cherub!

Also Read:Consuming Triphala While Pregnant

Is Eating Raw Food Good for a Baby in the Womb

Source: https://parenting.firstcry.com/articles/eating-raw-vegetables-during-pregnancy-is-it-safe/

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