Can you eat potatoes while breastfeeding?

When breastfeeding, a woman can and should eat potatoes. It contains a lot of protein, dietary fiber, amino acids, vitamins and minerals that are important for the growth of the baby and recovery after childbirth.

Of course, eating fried potatoes, chips and other high-calorie and fatty foods from it is harmful. But which of them are useful, we will talk in the article.

Chemical composition, description and characteristics of potatoes

Potato tubers are 76.3% water. The share of dry matter accounts for 23.7%, including:

• starch;
• organic acids;
• proteins;
• mineral salts;
• pectin fibers;
• saturated fatty acids;
• Sahara;
• vitamin complex.

70-80% of all dry matter is starch... Its concentration in fruits depends on the early maturity of the varieties. Also, the starch level decreases during storage, in particular at low temperatures.

Carbohydrates in potatoes are represented by glucose, fructose, sucrose and maltose (the latter is formed during the germination of root crops). There are few sugars in mature potatoes (within 1.5%). At a temperature of + 10 ° C, they accumulate in the tubers, at a higher temperature, they are consumed.

Dietary, flavoring and beneficial properties make potatoes an almost ideal product.... It is also used for the treatment and prevention of a wide range of diseases:

• it has a beneficial effect on the functions of the hematopoietic organs, cardiovascular, nervous and urinary systems, and the digestive tract;
• prevents diabetes, obesity;
• relieves the condition of people suffering from osteochondrosis, arthritis, arthrosis and other diseases of the musculoskeletal system;
• protects against atherosclerosis, flu, upper respiratory tract infections, stabilizes blood pressure.

Ideally, you should consume potatoes of your own harvest or grown in safe conditions... To increase yields and shorten the ripening of fruits, agronomists use chemicals and growth stimulants, means to protect plants from bacteria and insects.

Soil and air can be contaminated. Potatoes accumulate nitrates and harmful compounds in peel and fruit, which can cause food poisoning, provoke vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain in a nursing mother and child.

Council. If you buy potatoes in stores, on the market, be sure to pay attention to the appearance of the product, storage conditions. Ask the seller for a certificate of the State Sanitary and Epidemiological Supervision or other documents confirming the quality of the vegetable.

Vitamins and minerals

The biological value of potatoes is determined by its vitamin and mineral composition... High doses of ascorbic (22.2%) and nicotinic (9%) acids, pyridoxine (15%) were found in root crops. Less vitamins are contained:

• A (beta-carotene);
• E (alpha-tocopherol);
• H (biotin);
• K (phylloquinone);
• group B (thiamine, niacin, riboflavin, choline, pantothenic acid, folates).

Macronutrients presented:

• potassium;
• calcium;
• sodium;
• magnesium;
• silicon;
• gray;
• phosphorus;
• chlorine.

From trace elements found in tubers:

• cobalt (50%);
• chromium (20%);
• copper (14%);
• iron;
• manganese;
• fluorine;
• iodine;
• molybdenum;
• zinc, etc.

Glycemic index

The glycemic index of potatoes depends on how they are cooked and ranges from low to high. The highest GI is for baked potatoes - 95 units, mashed potatoes - 90 units, it is slightly lower for chips and fried potatoes in oil - 80 units.

Boiled potatoes in their uniforms have a glycemic index of 65–70 units... The lowest GI is in raw potatoes, but such potatoes are not recommended for a nursing mother.

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Benefits of potatoes for breastfeeding

Potatoes contain many nutrients important for the growth of babies. and recovery of a woman after childbirth:

1. Vitamin A (retinol) - antioxidant, normalizes metabolism, is important for the health of teeth and bones, strengthens the immune system.
2. Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) - fights infections in the body, takes part in the processes of hematopoiesis, improves the condition of blood vessels and small capillaries, increases their strength and elasticity.
3. Vitamin B1 (thiamine) - essential for normal growth and development, supports the health of the digestive and cardiovascular systems.
4. Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) - has a beneficial effect on the nervous system, reduces excitability, fights depression, eliminates overstrain. It also normalizes blood circulation, lowers blood pressure, together with vitamin B9 creates new blood bodies.
5. Vitamin B4 (choline) - enhances intestinal and stomach peristalsis, stimulates the transmission of nerve impulses, improves memory and brain performance.
6. Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) - takes part in metabolic processes, activates the formation of steroid hormones. During breastfeeding, the body's need for pantothenic acid increases from 11 to 20 mg.
7. Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) - affects the metabolism of amino acids, fats, protects against atherosclerosis, supports the activity of the nervous system.
8. Vitamin B7 (biotin) - important for the health of tendons, prevents brittle hair and nails, ensures skin health, normalizes the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.
9. Vitamin B9 (folic acid) - a deficiency of folate in a woman's body is associated with neurological damage, cancer, anemia. Their deficiency before pregnancy and during the entire period of gestation can cause serious malformations in the baby, abortion, stillbirth.
10. Vitamin E (tocopherol acetate) - helps a woman lose weight, supports metabolism in the heart and skeletal muscles, nervous system, liver, improves blood circulation.
11. Vitamin K - creates favorable conditions for the normal functioning of the kidneys, participates in the absorption of calcium and vitamin D, regulates the processes of blood coagulation, takes part in the metabolism of bone tissue.

When breastfed, potatoes are prized for their content:

• calcium - participates in the construction of bone tissue, mineralization of teeth;
• magnesium - maintains a constant body temperature, has a vasodilating effect, relieves muscle spasm;
• iron - enriches brain tissue with oxygen, stimulates thinking, development of cognitive functions;
• iodine - necessary for the normal functioning of the thyroid gland and the growth of the child;
• copper and manganese - protect the membranes of brain cells from free radicals.

Possible harm and contraindications

Despite all the positive properties of potatoes, the baby may experience allergic reactions in the form of itching, peeling, redness of the skin, rashes.

Excessive consumption of nitrate fruits causes food poisoning, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain.

Uncontrolled consumption of potatoes leads to constipation, intestinal colic in a newborn, which is associated with the content of starch in the tubers.

Among the contraindications to eating potatoes - allergies. It is recommended to limit portions or exclude it from the diet for people with type 2 and type 3 diabetes.

For reference. It is believed that potatoes become overweight due to their high starch content and high calorie content. But this is true if you abuse fried potatoes, mashed potatoes with the addition of milk and butter, seasoning everything with sauces, mayonnaise.

What could be the danger

A nursing mother should not eat green potato tubers... They contain solanine, a toxic substance that first causes excitement and then depression of the nervous system, destroys red blood cells, disrupts kidney function, worsens skin condition, and provokes oncology.

Solanine can cause poisoning. Symptoms include vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, headache, intestinal spasm, and fever. But this is possible after eating several kilograms of green unpeeled and thermally unprocessed potatoes.

Rules for the use of potatoes with HS

Better to eat homegrown varietiesthat do not contain chemicals and other harmful substances. In the first month, mom should carefully try all the foods on the list of allowed foods, including potatoes.

To find out how the newborn will react, you need to eat a little boiled or baked vegetable without fat and observe the reaction. If a woman did not suffer from allergies during pregnancy, then when feeding a baby with breast milk, such negative manifestations will not arise.

You need to give up fried potatoes or mashed potatoes with the addition butter, milk, eggs. Firstly, all these products have a high degree of allergenicity, and secondly, they load the child's immature digestive tract and cause flatulence, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and bloating. The list of limited products includes raw vegetable tubers, juice, high-calorie dishes based on it: chips, snacks, french fries.

When planning meals in the first month, it is better to give preference to mashed potatoes cooked in water with the addition of a few drops of olive oil. Such a dish will help to establish the process of bowel emptying after childbirth, to activate the peristalsis of the gastrointestinal tract. Later you can eat potatoes in baked and boiled forms, add to salads, soups, use as a filling for dumplings, cook potato pancakes.

For reference. Breastfeeding experts recommend keeping a food diary. He will help make a list of foods that can and cannot be eaten by a nursing mother.

Young potatoes are best eaten during the ripening season.... Early varieties are likely to be saturated with nitrates, which will cause intoxication. It is better to eat potatoes separately or together with other vegetables, fresh herbs. You cannot combine it with meat products, as they are heavy on the stomach, and a lot of energy is spent on their digestion.

Recipes with potatoes for nursing mothers

Thanks to the variety of potato-based dishes, you can make the diet of a nursing mother is tasty, healthy and with minimal time spent on cooking.

Potatoes stewed in a slow cooker with meat

Ingredients for 6 servings:

• potatoes - 1 kg;
• dietary meat (beef, veal) - 500 g;
• onions - 1 pc .;
• carrots - 1 pc.;
• tomatoes - 2 pcs. or 1 tsp. tomato paste;
• water - 1 l;
• vegetable oil - 2 tbsp. l .;
• Bay leaf;
• salt and herbs to taste.

Recipe:

1. Rinse the meat, remove excess moisture with a paper towel, cut into small pieces.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a preheated multicooker bowl, add meat, cook with the lid open on the "Fry" mode until a slightly golden crust forms.
3. Cut the onion into small cubes, grate the carrots. Add to meat. Cook with the lid closed for 15 minutes to soften the vegetables.
4. Peel potatoes, cut into medium-sized pieces, add to meat and vegetables. Pour boiling water over everything. The amount of water can be changed depending on the desired consistency.
5. Add tomato paste or finely chopped peeled tomatoes, bay leaf, salt there, mix everything.
6. Cook for 40-50 minutes on the "Braising" mode. Garnish with herbs before serving.

Baked potatoes with cheese

Ingredients:

• potatoes - 1 kg;
• low calorie cheese (for example, Mozzarella, Suluguni) - 150 g;
• vegetable oil - 1 tsp;
• salt to taste;
• greenery.

Recipe:

1. Peel the potatoes, cut into small slices.
2. Grease a baking dish with oil, distribute the potatoes evenly.
3. Salt, add spices (it is better to use dried herbs). Sprinkle with grated cheese on top.
4. Cover with foil. Bake in a preheated oven for 30–40 minutes at + 180 ° C.
5. Remove the foil and leave in the oven for another 10-15 minutes until golden brown.

Casserole

Products:

• potatoes - 0.5-0.7 kg;
• Mozzarella cheese - 150 g;
• low-fat milk - 100 ml;
• sour cream - 100 g;
• butter - 50 g;
• egg - 1 pc.

Making a potato casserole:

1. Peel the tubers, cut into 4-6 parts (depending on the size of the fruit), cook until tender.
2. Drain the water from the potatoes, add all the ingredients, except for the cheese, salt, crush well until smooth.
3. Put the potato mass into a baking dish, flatten, grease with sour cream on top, sprinkle with grated cheese.
4. Preheat the oven. Bake at + 180-200 ° C for about 30-40 minutes.

Potatoes with cottage cheese

Products for one serving:

• potatoes - 2 pcs.;
• fat-free cottage cheese - 50 g;
• sour cream 15% fat - 50 g;
• garlic - 1 clove;
• salt and herbs to taste.

Recipe:

1. Wash the peeled potatoes well, remove the adventitious buds (eyes).
2. Bake whole tubers in the oven until tender.
3. Prepare the filling from cottage cheese, finely chopped herbs and garlic, mix, salt to taste.
4. Make a cruciform incision in warm potatoes, fill with filling.

The dish goes well with fresh vegetables.

Mashed potato soup

This soup envelops the mucous membranes of the stomach, warms up and perfectly saturates the body.

You will need:

• water - 450 ml;
• potatoes - 250 g;
• milk - 200 ml;
• wheat flour - 1 tbsp. l .;
• butter - 20 g;
• chicken egg - 1 pc .;
• salt;
• greenery.

Cooking process:

1. Cut the peeled potatoes into cubes and cook over medium heat for 20 minutes.
2. Add flour, stir. Remove from heat.
3. Kill the cooled mass in a blender. Bring to a boil again.
4. Mix milk with egg, add to soup.
5. Beat it again in a blender, boil.
6. Season with butter and fresh herbs before serving.

Potato cutlets

Potato cutlets are a great alternative to meat cutlets due to their high protein content. But due to the presence of fish in the recipe, it is undesirable to include such a dish in the diet of a nursing mother in the first month.

Will need:

• potatoes - 2-3 pcs.;
• canned pink salmon - 150 g;
• chicken egg - 1 pc .;
• bread crumbs - 100 g;
• garlic - 1 clove;
• lemon juice - 1 tbsp l .;
• pickled cucumber - 1 pc .;
• salt to taste.

Preparation:

1. Boil potatoes in a peel, peel, mash with a fork.
2. Grate the pickled cucumber, squeeze the juice slightly, add to the potatoes.
3. Put 50 g of crackers, chopped garlic, lemon juice, salt, pink salmon, an egg there, knead everything well, mix until smooth.
4. Form cutlets from minced meat, roll in breadcrumbs.
5. Cover a baking sheet with parchment, grease with vegetable oil, put cutlets.
6. Bake in a preheated oven for 15–20 minutes until golden brown. Turn over to the other side and leave for another 5-7 minutes.

Potato banana cookies

This is a delicious dietary dessert prepared without flour.

Ingredients:

• potatoes - 0.5 kg;
• ripe bananas - 2 pcs.;
• chicken egg — 1 pc.

The recipe is simple:

1. Boil potato tubers or bake in a peel. Cool, clean.
2. Mix together with the banana in a blender until smooth.
3. Add egg, mix well.
4. Roll out the dough into a thin layer, cut the cookies using special molds or a regular glass.
5. Line a baking sheet with parchment, lay out the cookies, bake in a preheated oven for 25–30 minutes at a temperature of + 180 ° C.

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Doctor's advice and Komarovsky's opinion

Doctors advise trying different foods when breastfeeding... The body itself will tell you what to eat in order to provide the baby with useful substances without harming his health.

Potatoes are low in allergenicity, and usually the baby's body reacts well to the vegetable. You only need to exclude fried potatoes, chips, french fries.

When asked whether it is possible for nursing women to eat potatoes, Dr. Komarovsky replies: “Medical science categorically rejects any diets for nursing mothers. Everything that a woman ate before pregnancy and during pregnancy can be eaten after the birth of a baby... The only thing is, don't experiment with food. "

Reference. Evgeny Olegovich Komarovsky - children's doctor, TV presenter, author of books on children's health.

Consider that over time, an allergy to potatoes in a newborn may disappearespecially after three months.

Conclusion

Proper nutrition of a nursing mother is a guarantee of the baby's health, since the baby receives all the nutrients with breast milk.

Potatoes are a natural source of vitamins and minerals. It must be cooked without oil and fats, introduced into the diet gradually in order to exclude allergic reactions in the child. Before eating potato dishes, be sure to consult with a specialist, because yours and your baby's health are in the first place.