Lentils during pregnancy - benefits and harms

Lentils is a fairly ancient food crop, which is valued for its high protein content and ability to quickly satisfy hunger.

Croup is especially useful for pregnant women, because it contains a lot of essential minerals and vitamins, including valuable folic acid. However, the expectant mother should prepare lentils with caution, since adverse reactions such as flatulence or digestive disorders are possible. There are also strict contraindications to the use of beans during pregnancy.

Lentils - a storehouse of useful elements

The porridge, inconspicuous at first glance, is a valuable source of various components:

• vegetable fiber;
• amino acids;
• mono- and disaccharides;
• Proteins
• vitamins of group B, PP, E, C, K, etc .;
• flavin;
• tryptophan;
• macro- and microelements (potassium, phosphorus, selenium, magnesium, calcium, manganese, iron, sodium, copper).

Calorie content of the product is 286 kcal per 100 g.

A high folic acid content is essential for the healthy formation of the neural tube of the embryo. Deficiency of the component can lead to malformations (spina bifida, anencephaly, etc.). Vitamin B9 also removes toxins and poisons from the body during the period of alcohol consumption and cigarette smoking. Folic acid reduces the harmful effects of various drugs that the expectant mother could take at the beginning of pregnancy.

Vitamin B5 has a positive effect on the central nervous system and brain function. Lentils can be used to combat stress, depression, nervousness, irritability, panic, headaches and migraines. Also, a handful of bean porridge at night has a positive effect on falling asleep, and allows you to get rid of insomnia.

Vitamin PP (nicotinic acid) is also involved in the formation of the baby's internal systems.

The high protein content provides the synthesis of new fetal cells, the structure of its muscle and bone tissue.

Fiber stimulates digestion and intestinal motility, cleanses the body of toxins, "bad" cholesterol and toxins. Lentil dishes help expectant mother overcome chronic constipation in the later stages.

Potassium in beans ensures normal blood flow, strengthens the vascular walls and heart muscle, which is forced to additionally supply blood to the placental circle. Adequate potassium intake prevents the occurrence of hypertensive conditions during pregnancy (hypertension, eclampsia and preeclampsia).

Iron in cereals provides the production of red blood cells and hemoglobin, which transports oxygen to various tissues and internal organs. Eat lentils - and you will not face iron deficiency anemia. For the best absorption of the microelement, enrich the porridge with sources of vitamin C (for example, slices of citrus fruits, berries).

The essential substance tryptophan affects the secretion of the hormone "pleasure" of serotonin. The better the mood and well-being of the expectant mother, the easier the pregnancy will be.

Other beneficial properties of lentils

Few people know about the bean product, but porridge from lentils has a beneficial effect on the health of the pregnant woman and her child.

1. Strengthens the gastrointestinal tract, reduces the acidity of the environment, due to which it effectively fights heartburn.
2. Vitamins and minerals in cereals increase the protective properties of the body, resistance to diseases and allergies.
3. It strengthens the health of the mammary glands, prepares them for full lactation, and prevents mastitis and other diseases (including benign and malignant breast formations).
4. Quickly and permanently satisfies hunger, making it indispensable for toxicosis. Porridge does not have a specific smell and taste, it is neutral, therefore it is often used as a side dish during periods of severe nausea and vomiting.
5. Reduces fatigue and drowsiness. Slow carbohydrates in lentils charge the body with energy and energy for a long time.
6. Allows you to gradually lose extra pounds and normalize cholesterol. Despite the average calorie content, lentils are considered a dietary side dish.
7. Strengthens and tones the vascular walls, cleanses them of atherosclerotic and cholesterol plaques.

How to choose and store cereals

Lentils are sold both in packaging and by weight. In order for her to benefit the future mother and baby, it is necessary to evaluate the quality of the beans:

• good friability;
• lack of condensation on the surface of the package;
• the same color of lentil beans, as well as size, which indicates belonging to one variety;
• lack of mold or parasites in the porridge;
• the smell of high-quality lentils resembles a nutty one.

After purchase, store the culture in a cupboard and away from heat sources. Direct sunlight should also not be exposed.

Lentils absorb moisture well, so you should not store it in containers or jars that can accumulate condensation. The optimal packaging is a cardboard box or fabric bags. If the humidity in the kitchen is high, then you need to use all the cereals within a week, otherwise the beans will deteriorate.

Harmful from eating lentils

You need to know that all legumes are slowly absorbed, which causes a feeling of heaviness in the stomach. Frequent use of lentils leads to digestive upset, severe flatulence and even headache.

There is also an opinion that lentils increase the risk of urolithiasis and kidney stones.

Abuse of cereals in the first trimester can lead to increased toxicosis.

There are strict contraindications to the use of lentils during pregnancy:

• exacerbation of diseases of the digestive tract (ulcer, gastritis, enterocolitis, pancreatitis, pyelonephritis, cholecystitis);
• the presence of stones in the internal organs: kidneys, urinary or gall bladder;
• history of hemorrhoids;
• joint diseases;
• diseases of the genitourinary system that stress the kidneys or cause problems with urination;
• some skin pathologies.

Doctors called the optimal dose of lentils during pregnancy - 2 medium servings per week, but on different days.

Contraindications to the use of culture are rather arbitrary, therefore, a pregnant woman should safely enter it into the diet in the form of cereals and soups. In the early stages, lentils will saturate the body with iron and folic acid, and in the later stages they will save from heartburn and prepare for lactation. It is important only to choose the right porridge and not abuse it.

Video: What are the benefits of lentils?