While some detest broccoli because of its bitter taste, some might be fond of it, enjoying the green florets in their soups and salads. Whether you like it or not, it might be a valuable addition to your diet during pregnancy for the sake of your baby and yours.
Is broccoli good to eat while pregnant?
Since it is high in essential nutrients such as folate and calcium, broccoli is one of the most beneficial food choices during pregnancy in its steamed, boiled, or cooked form.
Can you eat raw broccoli while pregnant?
Avoid eating broccoli raw in slaws and salads, as well as its sprouts, since they might lead to bacterial infections.
4 Benefits of broccoli during pregnancy
1. Good source of folate
Studies have shown that folate is active in preventing neural tube defects and other birth deformities like cleft palate, heart defects, and cleft lip. Certain findings have also highlighted the role of folate in lessening the chances of preeclampsia. As a cup of cooked and chopped broccoli contains 42% of the daily value of folate, including it in the diet alongside other folate-rich food and supplements from early pregnancy would benefit the mother-to-be.
2. High in calcium
Besides lessening the risks of hypertension and preeclampsia during pregnancy, calcium also accounts for proper fetal development by helping the heart, muscles, nerves, bone, and teeth grow. Since a cup of cooked broccoli has 62.40 mg of minerals, it falls on the list of calcium-rich foods for pregnant women.
3. Storehouse of vitamins
Besides folate, broccoli also contains a substantial amount of other vitamins like A, B1, B2, B3, B6, C, E, and K, which puts it on the list of foods eaten to maintain overall health. Vitamins A and C boost the body’s immunity. The B vitamins, on the other hand, foster brain development in the baby (B1), also helping expectant mothers to maintain healthy eyes and skin (B2) as well as a sound digestive system (B3). B6 is significant in easing morning sickness and managing glucose levels.
4. Rich in fiber
Constipation is a common problem during pregnancy as the increase in progesterone relaxes the muscles in the intestinal tract and the entire body, slowing the passage of food. Since broccoli is one of the fiber-rich foods, adding it to your curry or soup regularly may be one of the measures you can take to combat constipation.
Ways to add broccoli to your diet
- Sautéed with baby corn, cauliflower, and carrots and used in curries or salads.
- Prepared as soup with stilton cheese, peas, and vegetable stock.
- Juice, beets, carrots, or other fruits and vegetables.
Can broccoli be bad during pregnancy?
Even though it is a pregnancy superfood, giving in to your broccoli cravings might not be a good idea. Eating too much in one go or having it in large amounts daily may lead to side effects like gas or other stomach ailments.
If you are troubled by an allergic reaction, bloating, or other gastrointestinal problems after having it, talk to your doctor at the earliest.
Dr. Mashiach has completed his MD at the Sackler School of Medicine, TAU; specialization in gynecology at the Lis Maternity and Women’s Hospital, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center; fellowship in Endoscopy at the Polyclinique de I’Hotel-Dieu, Universite d’Auvergne, Clermont, France.
He is a Senior Physician, Director of the Department of Gynecology, which provides routine and preventative care services to its patients and a full range of gynecological surgical procedures for adequately managing its patients with benign gynecologic disorders.
He offers advanced care in all gynecological subspecialties such as Urogynecology, Colposcopy, Fetal Loss Clinic, and Post Menopausal Clinic.
