Should pregnant women eat onions during pregnancy?

Onions are a popular spice, used relatively commonly in a number of Vietnamese dishes. However, besides the benefits of onions, if eaten incorrectly, pregnant women may experience unwanted side effects.

It is quite common to have a craving for something that is quite common in many pregnant mothers. While some pregnant women crave food such as olives, ice cream, pickles…, some pregnant women think about onions. In fact, eating onions during pregnancy is quite safe and has a number of health benefits. However, if you eat too much, you may experience heartburn or have difficulty breathing.

In this article, aFamilyToday Health invites you to learn about the benefits of onions with the health of pregnant women and the benefits that come with use.

Is it safe for pregnant women to eat onions?

Pregnant women can completely eat onions during pregnancy. Not only that, but eating onions can also help stimulate the taste buds to help pregnant women eat better. You can eat raw or processed onions, which can provide many health benefits regardless of their form.

However, it should be noted, during pregnancy, you should only eat onions in moderation, if overeating leads to excess, your health and your baby's health in the belly may be affected.

Benefits of onions for the health of pregnant women

Onions are root vegetables that contain a variety of vitamins and minerals that are beneficial for the body. Specifically, onions can help you:

1. Detoxify the body

The mother's body is very sensitive. Every day, in addition to eating nutrients from many different food sources, your body also accidentally loads heavy metals that can adversely affect both your body and your fetus. However, do not worry too much because onions can help you to completely deal with that. Onions contain two amino acids cysteine ​​and methionine, which have the effect of eliminating the effects of harmful chemicals.

2. Strengthen the immune system

During pregnancy, your body needs a full complement of vitamins and minerals for your fetus to develop comprehensively. Onions are a good source of vitamin C. This nutrient is a powerful antioxidant that can prevent the onset of bacteria during pregnancy.

3. Prevent cancer

Onions contain organic sulfur compounds, which are effective against free radicals, the main "culprit" in cancer. Therefore, pregnant mothers eat onions that can help prevent some common cancers.

4. Good for hair and skin

Onions are rich in vitamins A, C and E, nutrients that are good for hair and skin, and are particularly effective in preventing aging.

5. Protect heart health

According to nutrition experts, pregnant women eat onions regularly can help reduce the harmful effects caused by high blood pressure . This is because onions are one of the very few foods that contain prostaglandin A, an important ingredient in lowering blood pressure. In addition, the flavonoid quercetin in onions also helps balance cholesterol levels, preventing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

6. Improve digestion

Mother elected to eat onions will supplement the amount of fiber needed by the body. Furthermore, onions are also considered to be a good source of fiber. Fiber plays an important role in improving the digestive system of pregnant women, and this nutrient also helps prevent uncomfortable constipation during pregnancy.

7. Prevent gestational diabetes

The sulfur compounds and quercetin present in onions can help control blood sugar levels, which in turn prevents gestational diabetes . In addition, onions also help pregnant mothers metabolize blood sugar better, reducing blood sugar too high.

8. Improve sleep

Onions contain prebiotics, which help reduce stress and improve sleep. In addition, onions also contain folic acid, which can help fight depression by preventing the body from producing homocysteine ​​in the body. An excess of homocysteine ​​can cause hormonal changes, leading to mood swings, stress, and depression.

9. Weight control

Weight issue is also what makes many pregnant mothers quite a headache. To "get rid of" this worry, the smartest way is to add onions to salads or breads because onions contain very little fat and calories.

10. Protect the gums

During pregnancy, changes in hormones cause plaque build up on teeth. The consequence of this is that the mother will be prone to gingivitis. With a high antibacterial ability, onions will be a safe solution to help pregnant mothers limit gingivitis.

11. Treatment of a sore throat

If you are afraid that medications could affect your baby, use natural remedies to treat a sore throat. One of the best natural remedies for sore throats is onions. However, onions have a pungent odor and are a bit difficult to drink, but with high antibacterial properties, onion juice will quickly help pregnant mothers "repel" the attack of bacteria. To make it easy to drink, you can try a little more honey.

Side effects of pregnant women eat too many onions

Although onions may have many health benefits for pregnant women, if you eat too much of that, you may experience some of the following side effects:

1. Diarrhea and heartburn

Eating too much onions during pregnancy can lead to heartburn , bloating, or even diarrhea.

2. Allergy

Some pregnant women may experience allergic symptoms when eating onions in excess. In addition to allergies, pregnant women may also experience breathing problems.

Onions are vegetables that can be added to your diet. However, remember to eat in moderation. If you are afraid you may have an allergic reaction, consult your doctor before eating. Wish you have a safe, healthy pregnancy and a lovely baby.