Is lotus root good for pregnancy?

If you’re pregnant, you’ve probably been scouring the internet for hours on end trying to figure out what foods are good for both you and your growing baby. You may have come across lotus root as one of those supposed ‘superfoods.’ But is there any truth to these claims? In this article, we explore the benefits of lotus root during pregnancy and whether or not it’s worth adding to your diet.

What is Lotus Root?

Before diving into the potential benefits of lotus root, let’s first understand what it actually is. Despite its name, lotus root isn’t some mystical herb that only grows in hidden temples far away from civilization. It’s simply the edible stem of a water lily plant known as Nelumbo nucifera – easy-peasy.

Nutritional Value of Lotus Root

Besides being delicious when fried or added in soups (more on that later), lotus root also packs quite a nutritional punch! Here are just some reasons why:

  • High Fiber Content
    • Helps prevent constipation (because no one likes being bloated)
    • Keeps blood sugar levels stable
  • Low Calorie Count
    • Pregnant women should aim for maintaining their weight NOT losing it!
  • Vitamins A & C
    • Promotes healthy skin and hair growth
  • Vitamin B Complex
    • Supports fetal development such as brain health

But hold up, before stocking up like crazy on cups fulls of them especially if you haven’t had much experience with this unknown marvel; two words: portion control.

Possible Health Benefits During Pregnancy

Now here’s where things get interesting!

Prevention Against Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM)

Smart Phone GDM Image

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) tends to occur earlier in the pregnancy and stems from high circulating glucose levels that ultimately affect fetal growth negatively. Later on this can lead to macrosomia or a large baby.. Sorry, hun but “pregnancy eating for two” debunks: you do not need double portions of everything you eat.

Lotus root may have an impact in preventing GDM based on Traditional Chinese Medicine practice since it is known to regulate blood sugar levels! So if you don’t mind the earthy taste and crunch (personally it gives great relief when experiencing heartburn), why not give lotus root a shot?

Boosts Immune System

While pregnant women undergo many physiological & immunological changes, especially during third trimesters; newborn’s immune systems are still developing therefore it’s important for mothers’ keep their cool with regards to infections because they directly harm both mom and baby. (noted) Lotus roots have been reported as having antimicrobial effects which could help protect against various bacterial strains responsible for severe complications such as Urinary Tract Infections which all expectant moms fear!

Helps with Digestive Issues

Expecting moms know how hard maintaining healthy bowel movements becomes as metabolic rates slow down significantly at basal metabolic rate (BMR). But fret no more since lotus root can help prevent constipation due to its high fiber content and provides further digestive support via alkaline nature thereby neutralizing excess stomach acid preventing indigestion.

How Can You Incorporate Lotus Root into Your Diet?

While the benefits of lotus root during pregnancy are hard to ignore, it might not exactly be an everyday staple in your weekly meal plan. However, you can always switch things up and try to:

Fry Them Up

Frying Lotus root

If there’s one thing pregnant women crave (other than sleep), it’s some good ol’ comfort food! Why not satisfy those cravings with some delicious deep-fried lotus roots? Here’s a quick recipe – note this is not for every day consumption:

Ingredients:
Fresh Lotus roots
Vegetable oil
Salt and pepper
Flour

Instructions:
1. Cut the lotus roots into thin slices or chips
2. Add flour, salt, and pepper to taste on each side of the slice; for better coating as well as absorbency.
3. Heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat then add sliced lotus root.
4. Cook until golden brown & crispy!
5. Pat using paper towels.

Et voila!

Keep in mind that deep frying foods too often may lead to unwanted health consequences such as developing Gestational diabetes mellitus due to increased simple sugar intake causing sudden spikes in blood sugar levels.

Soup It Up

Another way of adding some extra flavor( and nutrients)to your diet while keeping portion sizes under control is by making nourishing soups like chicken soup with chopped veggies including our favorite lotus root!

Final Thoughts

While adding lotus root to your diet can certainly have some health benefits during pregnancy, it’s important to remember that there is no magic food out there. A balanced and varied diet is always the best option for both you and your little one growing inside of you. However indulge from time-to-time when craving fried foods; Mama – we gotta give ourselves a treat once in a while!

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