Tomatoes during pregnancy - benefits and harms

Pregnancy for each woman goes differently, with different food preferences, the degree of toxicosis. The desire to eat sour or salty is common, and some expectant mothers find salvation in tomatoes. They are used separately or in the form of salads, in pickled, salted, baked form, but not every option is absolutely safe for a pregnant woman.

In order for tomatoes to become not only a useful product that satisfies taste desires, but also not provoke various kinds of complications for mom and baby, you need to eat tomatoes correctly, in limited quantities.

The benefits of tomatoes for pregnant women

Tomatoes have a unique composition, which combines a large number of compounds that are useful for body functions. If we consider the vitamin complex, then tomatoes contain: B vitamins, including thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), folic acid (B9), as well as B6 and B5, K, C, H, PP, A and some others.

Regarding macro and micronutrients, the main ones can be distinguished:

• Calcium, magnesium, sodium;
• Phosphorus, sulfur, potassium;
• Iron, zinc, copper;
• Manganese, iodine, chromium, selenium.

Tomatoes contain organic acids, antioxidants, fiber and other compounds necessary for normal metabolic processes. The bright color of tomatoes, due to which pregnant women are wary of this vegetable (in some sources, berries), is formed due to carotene and lycopene. These natural pigments are contained in various concentrations, which determines the color saturation of the tomato.

What are tomatoes for pregnant

Subject to the exclusion of contraindications, as well as with proper use, the following properties of a tomato will be useful for a future mother:

1. Improving bowel function, preventing constipation, hemorrhoids, natural stimulation of peristalsis.
2. Cleansing blood vessels, increasing tissue elasticity, which positively affects the circulatory system, reduces the risk of plaque formation, blood clots.
3. Normalization of pressure, namely its decrease, maintaining the work of the entire circulatory system.
4. Compensation for the lack of folic acid, magnesium, potassium, iron and other elements necessary for the development and growth of the baby. Sometimes these elements are prescribed by a gynecologist individually, for the prevention of anemia, deviations in the formation of the nervous system.
5. Partial elimination of harmful substances from the body, including toxins. This is due in part to the antioxidants found in tomatoes.
6. Weight control due to low calorie content, while replenishing the body with important compounds.
7. General improvement in metabolic processes, including the urinary system.

Useful properties can manifest themselves in different ways, it all depends on the quantity and variety of eaten tomatoes, the individual characteristics of the body.

How to eat tomatoes for good

To get the maximum benefit from vegetables, you need to eat them correctly. For pregnant women, you should limit the intake of salted tomatoes, especially green ones, as well as pickled or canned. Despite the deliciousness of such cooked dishes, they accumulate solanine, a characteristic glycoside for plants of this species - harmful to the human body.

Of great importance is seasonality, the place where vegetables grow. In winter and spring it is difficult to meet tomatoes that are not treated with special chemicals, which means that it is better for expectant mothers not to get involved in such products.

The best option is to use fresh tomatoes or as a salad seasoned with vegetable oil, low-fat yogurt or sour cream. The usual combination with cucumber is considered unsuccessful for further digestion and assimilation of vegetables. Roasting is allowed, but with a minimum amount of salt.

It is important to regulate the amount of tomatoes eaten, even if previously there were no reactions in various manifestations of intolerance. The optimal amount is considered 1-2 medium-sized tomatoes per day.

The harm of tomatoes

Despite the many useful properties of high-quality tomatoes, the use of these vegetables can harm the body of the future mother and baby. This may be due to a modified composition when chemical additives were used for growing and storing tomatoes, individual intolerance to the body, developing diseases, or simply a large number of vegetables eaten.

As a possible harm, eating tomatoes can cause:

1. An allergic reaction in both a woman and subsequently in an unborn child. That is why in the later stages you need to carefully consider the quality and quantity of tomatoes eaten.
2. Pancreatic dysfunctions, especially if problems with this organ have already been diagnosed. Pancreatic diseases, including pancreatitis, are contraindications for which tomatoes are prohibited.
3. Violations of the kidneys, swelling, aggravation of urolithiasis. A harmful effect is possible even with existing problems, only tomatoes in the diet are not able to cause the development of serious pathologies.
4. Arthritis Such joint disorders are related to tissue dysfunctions, in which tomatoes are initially considered prohibited foods.
5. Exacerbation of gastrointestinal diseases, including peptic ulcer, gastritis.

If a woman has chronic diseases or pathologies in the acute stage, then the permitted products are discussed with the attending physician, an observing gynecologist.

How not to harm
If you have doubts or had an unpleasant experience with tomatoes, it’s better not to take risks during pregnancy, but to consult a specialist. The doctor will evaluate the general condition, for example, the work of the kidneys, the heart system, the presence of puffiness and give advice on the diet.

To reduce the risk of possible harm from tomatoes, you should adhere to the following recommendations:

1. Vegetables are best purchased in the appropriate season, as they have the least amount of chemicals. Be sure to wash thoroughly, you can pre-soak in water or remove the skin, so you can get rid of some dangerous nitrates.
2. Eat no more than 1-2 tomatoes per day, if tomato juice is drunk, then the number of vegetables is reduced.
3. If, after eating tomatoes, an indigestion is observed, including nausea, diarrhea or allergic reactions in the form of rashes, edema, it is better to exclude vegetables from the diet. If the condition worsens, immediately call an ambulance.

If a woman is not allergic to tomatoes and eaten vegetables do not cause any negative reactions, this does not mean that the body of an unborn baby is able to perceive all the substances received without consequences. Everything should be in moderation, only then it will be of benefit, this also applies to tomatoes during pregnancy.

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