Cucumbers during pregnancy - benefits and harms

One of the popular signs of pregnancy is a woman’s craving for pickles. And if you should not get carried away with light-salted and canned cucumbers, then fresh and seasonal ones must be in the diet. How are they useful for women in a position in which form they are better to eat, and are there any contraindications to their use?

Cucumber: general information

More than 90% of the composition of the cucumber is water. But this is not ordinary water flowing from a tap, but natural, which in its chemical composition is as identical to distilled as possible. The unique property of such water is that it is a natural sorbent, contributing to the conclusion of toxins from the body. That is why cucumbers help to cope with toxicosis of the first trimester.

The remaining 10% of the composition consists of vitamins, macro-, microelements and fiber.

One of the main advantages of cucumber is its low calorie content. 100 grams of vegetable contains from 12 to 18 kcal (the exact figure depends on the variety). Therefore, adding it to salads will not only make them tastier, but will also satisfy your hunger without the likelihood of weight gain.

What is remarkable for cucumbers specifically for pregnant women?

1. Cucumber peel is a natural dietary fiber that has a beneficial effect on intestinal function. It helps to get rid of constipation and prevents the appearance of hemorrhoids, characteristic of many pregnant women.
2. Due to the high content of potassium (one of the key intracellular electrolytes), cucumbers can stabilize blood pressure. Potassium is also necessary for the full functioning of muscles and the conversion of energy from proteins, fats and carbohydrates.
3. Cucumbers contain strong antioxidants - vitamins C and A. Their main purpose is the fight against free radicals that accelerate the aging of the body, but during pregnancy they protect the body from infections, supporting the immune system.
4. Cucumbers are also considered a good source of vitamins of group B. Vitamin B9 is especially important for women in the position. He does not allow the likelihood of malformations of the child’s nervous system. B1 (thiamine) helps the child develop correctly in the central nervous system; it is also necessary for the transmission of the genetic code. B3 (nicotinic acid) protects the fetus from negative environmental factors and participates in the laying of its endocrine system.
5. Magnesium, calcium, zinc and iron are also found in cucumbers. Iron is an essential trace element for blood formation, preventing the occurrence of anemia. Magnesium prevents the cramps that many pregnant women experience.

Unique properties of cucumbers

In addition to the effects already mentioned, cucumbers are also considered quite effective antispasmodics. They improve liver function, can stabilize blood pressure and normalize heart function. Fresh cucumbers perfectly quench thirst and even participate in tissue regeneration.

Contraindications

Cucumber is considered one of the safest vegetables in terms of a potential allergic reaction. It is normally tolerated not only by pregnant women, then small children. If suddenly cucumbers provoked an allergy, then it manifests itself most often in the form of skin itching and redness of the skin. In this case, it is better to refuse their use. A similar effect is most characteristic of greenhouse cucumbers, which appear on sale in winter and early spring. They contain a large amount of chemistry, potentially dangerous not only for pregnant women, but also, in principle, for the health of any person.But seasonal cucumbers grown in soil, practically do not contain toxic compounds.

If, being in a position, you are addicted to cucumbers, and eat them in unlimited quantities, pay attention to possible adverse reactions:

• bowel disorder;
• flatulence;
• shortness of breath
• stomach cramps.

You also need to consider that cucumbers are considered a good diuretic. A large number of them in the diet can provoke frequent urination, which can bring some discomfort to a woman's life. For the same reason, cucumbers are best avoided before bedtime. Ideally, they should be eaten in the morning and afternoon - so they are better absorbed.

Pickles during pregnancy

As noted above, pickles are one of the favorite treats of most pregnant women. But you can’t eat them with banks. Firstly, they contain a large amount of acetic acid, which destroys tooth enamel and can provoke gastrointestinal irritation. Secondly, salted cucumbers perfectly stimulate the appetite, and this is fraught with a set of extra pounds, which can complicate the birth. Thirdly, due to the high concentration of salt, they should not be eaten by women suffering from hypertension, kidney disease and chronic problems with blood vessels.

Many pregnant women refuse salted cucumbers, believing that they provoke swelling. But edema appears due to poor kidney function, cucumbers in this regard are only a provoking factor.

Therefore, it is reasonable to limit the number of canned cucumbers per day. According to gastroenterologists, pregnant women can eat no more than 2 pieces a day.

Tips for choosing cucumbers

1. The presence of yellowness indicates that the vegetable is overripe.
2. A withered tail is a sign that the cucumber has long been picked and begins to deteriorate.
3. Fresh cucumber should be firm and sufficiently elastic. If it sags from pressing, then it rots.
4. The best size of cucumbers is medium (within 8-10 cm). Excessively large fruits indicate that they are overripe.
5. Too beautiful cucumbers, "as in the picture" are most likely full of nitrates, so you should not buy them.

Pregnant women can eat crispy cucumbers, especially if they grow in their own garden, for all 9 months. And besides the excellent composition, they are also distinguished by their unique taste - it is impossible to imagine a full-fledged vegetable salad without cucumbers.

Video: the benefits of cucumbers for a person