Why during pregnancy pulls potatoes and is it possible to eat it

The gastronomic tastes of a pregnant woman are a favorite topic for jokes on this topic. However, few people think that with unusual desires the body signals the need for vitamins or microelements. Many expectant mothers complain that during the period of bearing a child, they noted a special craving for potato dishes. Let's see why during pregnancy want raw potatoes is it a useful product and can it harm the health of a woman and an unborn child.

Description, characteristics and nutritional value of potatoes

Potato bush differs in erect stems from 30 to 150 cm long. Its fibrous root system does not penetrate deep into the ground. The stem is glabrous, ribbed. Several parts of it are in the ground, projecting long lateral processes. It is on them that thickened shoots are formed - tubers, which are used for food.

Vitamins and minerals

100 g of raw product contains the following vitamins (in mg):

• carotene - 0.02;
• retin - 0.003;
• E - 0.1;
• B1 - 0.12;
• B2 - 0.07;
• B9 - 10;
• PP - 1.3;
• C - 20.

Useful minerals per 100 g of raw product (in mg):

• sodium - 5;
• potassium - 568;
• calcium - 10;
• magnesium - 23;
• phosphorus - 58;
• iron - 0.9.

Nutritional value (in%):

• protein - 2;
• fat - 0.4;
• NLC - 0.1;
• carbohydrates - 16.3;
• mono- and disaccharides - 1.3;
• starch - 15;
• water - 78.6;
• dietary fiber - 1.4;
• organic acids - 0.2;
• ash - 1.1.

Energy value per 100 g - 76 kcal.

Beneficial features

The rich chemical composition allows us to note the main beneficial qualities of this vegetable:

• has a tonic effect;
• relieves inflammation;
• enhances immunity;
• normalizes bowel function, kidney and cardiovascular system;
• prevents the development of anemia;
• saturates the body with oxygen (promotes the synthesis of hemoglobin);
• used to treat colds and bronchitis;
• raw potato juice is used in the treatment of gastritis and ulcers, it relieves inflammation and normalizes acidity in the stomach.

Features of beneficial properties for pregnant women

Potatoes are good for pregnancy due to their high content of vitamin B9 (folic acid)... The substance reduces the risk of fetal neural tube defects. B9 must constantly enter the body, since it is not able to accumulate in the body - the kidneys and liver quickly remove its excess.

Reference. Avocado is another rich source of folate.

Combination of vitamins A, C and group B helps to cleanse the body of toxins, long-term exposure to which can harm an unborn baby. The substances support the health and elasticity of the skin and increase the body's resistance to various infectious diseases. The latter is especially important, since nature has laid down a natural decrease in immunity for the successful bearing of the fetus.

Potassium and sodium regulate the water-salt balance in the woman's body, help fight edema, normalize the work of the cardiovascular system, which has an increased load during pregnancy.

Fluorine and calcium strengthen the bones, teeth and nails of the pregnant woman, form the baby's skeleton.Iron is involved in the process of hematopoiesis (forms hemoglobin in erythrocytes) and prevents the development of anemia. Iodine normalizes the thyroid gland, which is responsible for a good hormonal balance in both the woman and the child.

Don't forget about plant fibers (fiber), of which there are a lot of potatoes. They cleanse and stabilize the intestines, eliminating constipation.

Important! Young potatoes are most useful. The older the tubers, the more harmful starch and less nutrients they contain.

Possible harm to the body of pregnant women

Like any other food, in some cases, potatoes can harm the body of a pregnant woman.

1. Because of high calorie content contraindicated in overweight pregnant women.
2. In combination with meat (animal fats), harmful trans fats are formed that affect the functioning of the heart and liver.
3. Due to the high starch content can cause flatulence in the intestines.
4. It is dangerous in diabetes mellitus (including gestational diabetes), so you can eat it only after consulting a specialist.
5. Negatively affects the walls of the stomach with increased acidity.
6. Green tubers contain corned beef, poisonous to humans.

Can potatoes for pregnant women?

The craving for potato dishes in early pregnancy is due to the body's need to get as much folic acid as possible, which is necessary for the development of the fetus. Most often, the addiction to potatoes passes in the second trimester of pregnancy.

The vegetable does not have a pronounced odor or taste, which allows the body to assimilate the product in case of toxicosis.

Is this desire related to the gender of the child?

It is believed that if the expectant mother has a constant craving for potatoes, then she is pregnant with a boy. However, scientific studies prove that gastronomic addictions do not depend on the gender of the child being carried.

In what form can pregnant women eat potatoes, and in what form can they not

During pregnancy, young potatoes should be preferred. It is he who contains the largest amount of nutrients. It is worth paying attention to the color: in white tubers there is little starch that can cause gas formation and constipation.

Doctors advise giving up fried potatoes. Useful substances are preserved during cooking (including in uniform) and extinguishing. Use minimal amounts of oil during cooking.

Recipes

The dishes below can be included in your diet during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Mashed potatoes for pregnant women

The dish will relieve the feeling of heaviness in the stomach, relieve heartburn.

Ingredients:

• new potatoes;
• salt;
• greenery;
• butter.

Recipe:

1. Peel the potatoes, cut into 4-8 pieces and soak in cold water for half an hour.
2. Replace the water with fresh water and put the pan on high heat.
3. Remove the butter from the refrigerator and let it melt.
4. After boiling water, remove the foam that appears, salt, reduce heat and cook the potatoes until tender.
5. Mash the butter with a fork.
6. Drain the water, leaving a little for mashed potatoes. Let the water and potatoes cool slightly.
7. Mash, mix with water, add chopped herbs and butter. To stir thoroughly. The puree is ready.

Vegetable stew

A tasty and healthy option for a full lunch or dinner.

Ingredients:

• potatoes (2-3 pcs.);
• 1 medium zucchini;
• 1 medium tomato;
• 1 onion;
• 1 carrot;
• 1 bell pepper;
• olive oil;
• water or chicken broth;
• salt pepper;
• greenery.

Recipe:

1. Cut the vegetables into cubes.
2. Fry onions and carrots in warmed olive oil, add potatoes.
3. After 10 minutes, add the courgette and bell pepper.
4. After 5 minutes - a tomato. Stir well and continue frying for another 3-5 minutes.
5. Salt vegetables and pour 2 tbsp. water or chicken broth. Reduce heat, cover the pan and simmer for 15-20 minutes.
6. Add your favorite spices and herbs. Serve with 1 tbsp. l. sour cream.

Potential Harms and Warnings for Pregnant Women

Potatoes should be eaten with caution by women with individual intolerance to the components that make up it. Limited portions are recommended for pregnant women who are overweight. Experts advise combining potatoes with other vegetables, because with meat it forms trans fats that undermine the work of the liver and heart.

What do the doctor's say

Doctors do not prohibit the inclusion of potato dishes in the diet of a pregnant woman, provided that it boil or stewed with a minimum amount of oil... It is recommended to limit the portion - due to the high carbohydrate content, potatoes lead to weight gain. Serving size should not exceed 200-250 g.

Potatoes are used with caution in diabetes mellitus (including gestational diabetes caused by pregnancy).

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Conclusion

The beneficial substances contained in potatoes support the organs that are under serious stress during pregnancy: the heart, kidneys, intestines and stomach. Vitamins A and C increase immunity, and folic acid helps the fetus develop without pathologies.

During pregnancy, it is recommended to eat potatoes only in boiled or stewed form, since when frying, compounds are formed that harm the body of the mother and baby.