Can asparagus be eaten while breastfeeding and how to cook it properly

Asparagus is becoming more and more popular in our country. This has been the result of the modern propaganda of proper nutrition and a healthy lifestyle. Just a few years ago, few people ordered dishes with asparagus in a restaurant or cooked it at home.

As the product has become so popular, more and more expectant or breastfeeding mothers are wondering: is it okay to eat asparagus while breastfeeding? Let's take a look at the pros and cons of eating it during pregnancy and when breastfeeding.

Asparagus for breastfeeding and pregnancy

Plant foods are part of a healthy person's diet. Pregnant and lactating women should eat fiber, which is rich in a variety of vitamins, and asparagus is no exception. It contains many minerals.

When breastfeeding, asparagus is a healthy product that will provide mother and baby with phosphorus, magnesium, zinc and iron. Its use during pregnancy helps to strengthen the skeletal system of the fetus, affects the process of blood formation and the formation of connective tissues.

Almost all pregnant women experience edema by the end of this wonderful period. Asparagus helps to get rid of them because it has a diuretic effect. Due to the high content of asparagus acid and potassium salts in the composition, it helps with kidney and heart diseases.

It fights fatigue perfectly because it contains magnesium. Reduces blood pressure, relieves inflammation and removes toxins. The B vitamins that it contains help the fetus to form properly and have a positive effect on the liver.

Returning to the question of whether it is possible for a nursing mother and a pregnant woman to eat asparagus, the unequivocal answer is: yes, it is possible and even necessary! Another great tip for moms: make a decoction from her roots. Such a remedy has an analgesic effect. For mothers on HB and pregnant women, this is very important, because the use of most painkillers during these periods is prohibited.

A couple more pleasant moments for women: asparagus rejuvenates skin and strengthens hair and nails. And of course it helps save figure in great shape even during pregnancy.

Note. A decoction from the roots of this plant is widely used in medicine. Scientifically proven to have analgesic, anti-inflammatory, sedative and diuretic effects.

Asparagus during HB and pregnancy normalizes sleep and appetite, improves mood and memory.

Useful properties and chemical composition

In addition to fiber, potassium, phosphorus and magnesium, this vegetable contains many vitamins (A, B1, B2, B3, E), ascorbic and folic acids. The powerful chemical composition makes the product essential for a young mother.

The daily rate of potassium during pregnancy is about 2 g, and during feeding time - 2.5 g. 100 g of asparagus contains approximately 200 mg of potassium. A lack of it in the body leads to heart problems, low blood pressure and dizziness. Therefore, pregnant women and young mothers definitely need to replenish the reserves of potassium in the body.

Folic acid is also very important for the female body. It restores hormones during pregnancy. Its deficiency can lead to fetal development disorders and other unpleasant consequences.

Council. Be sure to supplement your folate and other supplements with natural vitamins found in asparagus and other vegetables and fruits.

Asparagus is a low-calorie vegetable. 100 g of raw product contains 21 kcal. Just imagine how useful it is not only for health, but also for the figure.

Note. Asparagus is a natural aphrodisiac. In ancient Greece, wreaths were made from it and the newlyweds were decorated with them, and in France, according to tradition, the newlyweds were served three dishes of this vegetable.

Contraindications and possible harm

This vegetable is so healthy that a natural question arises: is it possible for pregnant women to eat asparagus every day in unlimited quantities? As with any product, everything is good in moderation.

Pregnant women should not eat too much of it, because:

1. Can provoke an allergic reaction. Before including asparagus in your diet, check for allergies.
2. You should not eat it if you have problems with the gastrointestinal tract. This can make the situation worse.
3. Diabetes mellitus is a direct contraindication to the use of the product.

Make sure you don't have these problems during pregnancy. If there are no contraindications, feel free to include this useful product in your diet.

Young mothers also ask themselves: can lactating women eat asparagus daily? First of all, you need to make sure if there are any allergic reactions to this product or individual intolerance.

Another very important point: it should be used very carefully by women who have thick blood. The potassium in this product has the ability to thicken the blood, which can lead to blood clots.

When breastfed, all foods are introduced gradually. Try just a little at first to make sure that you and your baby are free of allergic reactions and gastrointestinal problems. If you notice rashes, bloating, poor sleep in your child after eating asparagus, remove it from the diet for a month, and then try to introduce it again.

Effects of asparagus on the mother and child

Another important point to keep in mind for breastfeeding moms is that if you eat a lot of asparagus, milk can change its taste. This is facilitated by the sulfur analogue of alcohol that it contains. Be careful that this does not lead to the abandonment of the baby's breast milk.

Also, frequent consumption of asparagus can provoke a change in the color and smell of urine in a baby. If this happens, reduce the amount of product consumed.

A nursing mother is advised to eat this vegetable no more than 1-2 times a week. Then there will be no problem.

Recipes for breastfeeding women

First, let's figure out how to choose the right asparagus in the store:

• the stems should be juicy and soft (if the cut of the stem is dry, then the vegetable is not fresh enough and should not be bought);
• the surface should be shiny and smooth;
• there are no cracks, spots and an unpleasant odor (a stem with white spots is a sure sign of overripening);
• choose an average stem thickness.

The vegetable is stored in the refrigerator. Wrap it in a paper towel and keep it for no more than 3-4 days. This is a perishable product, so it is better for nursing mothers to consume it immediately after purchase. Keep in mind that the asparagus has been on the shelf for a while. Check this point with the seller to make sure the product is fresh.

For long-term storage, the asparagus is frozen. Many recommend boiling it before freezing - this way it will better preserve its beneficial properties and will not lose color during further cooking.

Remove the bottom tip of the asparagus before cooking. It is used for food only if the vegetable is young. The same situation is with peeling: young asparagus does not need to be peeled like potatoes or carrots. After boiling, pour boiling water over it - this way it will retain its bright color.

It is interesting!The Germans love asparagus so much that they even put it in ice cream.

We present you some useful recipes using this vegetable.

Asparagus puree soup

You will need:

• 450 g asparagus;
• 400 ml of vegetable broth;
• 300 g green peas;
• 2 cloves of garlic;
• 2 tablespoons of vinegar.

Preparation:

1. Boil the asparagus.
2. Chop it up and chop it in a blender.
3. Bring the vegetable stock to a boil and add the garlic and peas. Cook for about 10 minutes.
4. Add the broth to the blender to the chopped asparagus, beat until smooth.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Light salad

You will need:

• 300 g chicken fillet;
• 200 g asparagus;
• 100 g canned pineapple;
• 200 g of natural yoghurt.
• cherry tomatoes for decoration.

Preparation:

1. Boil chicken and asparagus until tender.
2. Cut all the ingredients into small pieces.
3. Mix everything, salt, pepper and season with yogurt.

Asparagus is great as a side dish for any meat or fish dish. Just boil it and fill it with your favorite sauce - it will be delicious.

Another tip: fry it with eggs and sprinkle with your favorite cheese. There will be an excellent balanced breakfast.

Note. If the product is overcooked, you cannot eat it, it is spoiled. Fresh asparagus is cooked for about 10 minutes. Readiness is checked simply: if pierced with a fork, it should be soft. The younger the vegetable, the less time it takes to cook.

Conclusion

Asparagus is a source of beneficial minerals and vitamins. Eating the right foods during pregnancy and lactation is very important for both mom and baby. This vegetable is an excellent substitute for familiar foods that get bored from time to time. The main thing is to remember: the younger and fresher the asparagus is, the more benefits and taste it will bring.

Asparagus is very beneficial for pregnant women and nursing mothers. But it is worth remembering: you cannot often eat it, 1-2 times a week is enough for nutrients to help the body work properly and support the mother and baby.