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Can pregnant women eat bitter melon is a question of many pregnant women, because this is a very nutritious and healthy food. However, there are many opinions that bitter melon contains substances that cause uterine contractions and cause miscarriage. So should pregnant women eat bitter melon or not? Follow the following article to get the answer.
1. Health benefits for pregnant women when eating bitter melon
1.1. Contains high levels of Folate Bitter melon is a food that contains a very high amount of Folate, this mineral is very good for pregnant women's health and helps to keep the fetus safe from possible neural tube defects.
Since bitter melon contains a very high amount of folate, which can account for up to a quarter of the daily requirement of this mineral in pregnant women, it is an ideal source of green vegetables for daily meals.
1.2. Provides high fiber content This vegetable contains a lot of fiber that gives the stomach a feeling of fullness for a long time. Accordingly, pregnant women eating bitter melon will contribute to reducing cravings for high-calorie foods or junk food. Thus, this type of food helps women maintain a slim waist even during pregnancy.
1.3. Prevents Digestive Disorders The two main problems that most pregnant women face are constipation and hemorrhoids. Accordingly, if pregnant women eat bitter melon during pregnancy, it will supplement abundant fiber content to help reduce common digestive diseases during pregnancy.
1.4. Stabilizing blood sugar Many studies have shown that bitter melon and diabetes are "reconciles" of each other. If you regularly eat bitter melon every day, it will have the effect of preventing diabetes and stabilizing blood sugar effectively. In particular, nutrients such as charantin and polypeptide-P in bitter melon also help pregnant women prevent gestational diabetes.
1.5. Anti-oxidant and antibacterial Bitter melon contains high levels of vitamin C, which is an antioxidant and helps pregnant women fight harmful bacteria. At the same time, this food also has antibacterial properties, preventing infections caused by bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and candida albicans that cause skin problems. In particular, antioxidants also help build the immunity of pregnant mothers.
1.6. Regulating intestinal motility Bitter melon also works to promote intestinal peristalsis, then help regulate bowel movements and the digestive system of pregnant women.
1.7. An excellent source of nutrients needed by the fetus Bitter melon is a food that provides an abundant amount of vitamins and minerals because it contains iron, niacin, potassium, pantothenic acid, zinc, pyridoxine, magnesium and manganese. Many people even call bitter melon a "superfood" because it contributes greatly to the development of the fetus.
In addition, this vegetable also contains other healthy vitamins and minerals such as riboflavin, thiamine, Vitamins B1, B2, B3,... and it is a rich source of calcium and beta carotene.
2. Can pregnant women eat bitter melon?
However, bitter melon contains a lot of nutrients that are good for the health of pregnant women. But during use, pregnant women also need to pay attention, because bitter melon can also cause certain risks:
Toxicity: Bitter melon contains alkaline components such as resin, quinine, saponic glycosides and morodicine . These are some substances that release toxicity in the human body. These toxicity can lead to stomach pain, nausea and blurred vision, vomiting, facial redness, diarrhea, excessive salivation, and muscle weakness in pregnant women. Eating too much bitter melon can cause stomach upset and related problems like diarrhea and cramps. Sensitization in some people: Bitter melon seeds contain vicine, which can cause symptoms of irritation in some sensitive people. The red arils found in the ripe seeds are toxic to children. Therefore, extreme caution should be exercised when using it. Preterm labor: Bitter melon can also cause uterine contractions, leading to preterm labor or miscarriage in pregnant women. Pregnancy is a special but also very sensitive time. Therefore, pregnant women should consult their obstetrician before choosing their diet. Although bitter melon contains many nutrients good for health, but with the risks that can cause allergies, digestive disorders and especially the possibility of miscarriage or premature birth, it is best for pregnant women to avoid eating bitter melon. during pregnancy for a healthy pregnancy.
To protect mother and baby's health comprehensively, Vinmec International General Hospital now has a package maternity service, with a team of highly qualified doctors, ultrasound system, and medical equipment. Modern equipment will promptly recognize abnormalities during pregnancy, help monitor the health of mother and baby right from the beginning of pregnancy, early detect and intervene in time health problems.
Please dial HOTLINE for more information or register for an appointment HERE. Download MyVinmec app to make appointments faster and to manage your bookings easily.
References: parenting.firstcry.com, thehealthsite.com, stylecraze.com, .babychakra.com
