Videos you might be interested in
Videos you might be interested in
Videos you might be interested in
Suggested for you
Beetroot in Pregnancy - Health Benefits and Side Effects
Beetroot is, no doubt, a healthy root vegetable that is widely used all over the world. It also proves useful to pregnant women. Keep reading to know more about how beets can benefit you and your baby in the womb, and the ways to consume it.
Amazing Benefits of Consuming Beetroot During Pregnancy
Beets are rich in many nutrients and components that are helpful for the growing foetus. Some of the benefits of consuming beetroot during pregnancy include:
1. Lowers the Risk of Anaemia
Beets have a good amount of iron, which boosts the count of red blood cells and reduces the risk of anaemia during pregnancy.
2. Boosts Immunity
The antioxidants present in beetroot improve your immunity and protect against infections during pregnancy.
3. Lowers the Risk of Osteoporosis
Pregnant women are known to be at a higher risk of osteoporosis - a condition that makes your bones weak and brittle. Beets have a good portion of silica and calcium, which keep your teeth and bones strong.
4. Regulates Metabolism
Beets are potassium-rich, hence, consuming them balances your electrolytes and regulates metabolism. They are also known to maintain blood pressure levels during pregnancy.
5. Prevents Inflammation
Betaine, an anti-inflammatory agent present in beetroot, prevents inflammation, pain and swelling in the joints during pregnancy.
6. Helps to Maintain the Blood Sugar Levels
Beets, being low-glycemic foods, take longer to convert into glucose and absorb into the blood. This helps to maintain your blood sugar levels.
7. Aids Foetal Development
Rich in folic acid, beets promote healthy growth and development of your baby. They also aid in developing your baby’s spinal cord.
8. Promotes a Healthy Liver
Betacyanin present in beets detoxifies your liver and blood. It also eliminates fatty acids and toxins from your body, ensuring a healthy pregnancy.
9. Provides Vitamin C
The vitamin C content in beetroots aids the absorption of iron and paves the way for a healthy pregnancy and delivery.
10. Prevents Birth Defects
The folic acid promotes the growth of healthy tissues and foetal development. It also prevents birth defects like spina bifida by ensuring optimal development of the spinal cord.
Are There Any Risks Associated With Eating Beets During Pregnancy?
Despite their numerous health benefits, there are a few side-effects of consuming beetroot during pregnancy:
Beets contain betaine, which can cause vomiting, nausea, diarrhoea, and other gastrointestinal problems.
The nitrate content in beets can cause fatigue and weakness during pregnancy.
An excessive consumption of beetroot juice may lead to temporary paralysis of your vocal cords.
Consuming beetroot in excess may also lead to a condition called as beeturia which can turn your urine and stools red in colour
The oxalate content present in the beets may cause kidney stones
How to Add Beetroot to your Pregnancy Diet
Once the morning sickness and nausea subsides, you’ll be able to eat without feeling the urge to throw up. This is when you can start adding beets, along with other vegetables, to your diet. Eating beetroot in the second trimester is a great way to stack up on the nutrients that promote a healthy pregnancy and childbirth. Here are a few unique beetroot recipes you can try your hand at:
1. Beetroot Tea
Beetroot tea has invigorating properties, and the best part is that it doesn’t contain caffeine!
Ingredients:
Water – 1/4 cup
Beets, peeled and finely shredded – 4
Honey – 1/2 cup
Juice of 2 lemons
Method:
Boil water in a saucepan and add the beets, lemon juice and honey to it.
Let it boil.
Turn off the stove and let the mixture steep for around 20 minutes.
Strain and serve.
2. Beetroot Powder
An easy way to consume beets is to grind them to a fine powder and mix with water or juice.
Ingredients:
Beetroot – 1
Method:
Rinse and peel the beetroot. Cut it into thin slices.
You need to dry the beetroot. You can either place it in the oven on low heat or sun-dry by covering with a net.
Once the vegetable has dried up, blend it in a grinder.
Store the beetroot powder in an airtight container.
While it’s important to consume beetroot during pregnancy, you shouldn’t take it in excess. Limit your beetroot intake to two a day. We suggest getting a second opinion from your gynaecologist.
Also Read: Vegetables to Eat during Pregnancy Read more
Suggested for you
Is Eating Blackberry during Pregnancy Safe?
Fruits and vegetables are a great source of nutrition for a pregnant woman. Where some fruits are allowed and considered extremely beneficial for a mommy-to-be, other fruits may be a complete no-no during pregnancy. If you are thinking of adding blackberries in your pregnancy diet but are not sure whether it falls in the category of safe or unsafe pregnancy foods, then you may like to read the following article; in this article, we shall be discussing all that you need to know about consuming blackberries during pregnancy.
Can Pregnant Women Eat Blackberries
If you are wondering whether blackberries are good for pregnancy, the answer is yes, you may safely consume blackberries and add them to your pregnancy diet because they fall under the safe food category during pregnancy. However, make sure you wash them thoroughly before consuming them to remove any traces of dirt, pesticides, bacteria or other such substances. This is because all these may lead to food poisoning during pregnancy and may also cause birth defects in babies. Another important thing to remember is, always consume fresh blackberries as the stale ones may cause stomach cramps and food poisoning.
Nutrients Present in Blackberries
Some of the nutrients that you can find in blackberries include:
Nutrient
Amount (100 grams)
Carbohydrates
10.2 grams
Dietary Fibre
5.3 grams
Sugars
4.9 grams
Protein
1.4 grams
Total Fat
0.5 grams
Vitamin C
21 mg
Iron
0.6 mg
Calcium
29 mg
Health Benefits of Eating Blackberries in Pregnancy
Blackberries are not actually berries, they are called aggregate fruits. These small berries comprise of tiny sections of drupelets. Blackberries have immense health benefits for pregnant women, some of which are explained below:
1. Helps in Improving Digestion
Pregnancy may take a toll on your digestion and make your digestive system sluggish. Blackberries have high fibre content, which helps in taking care of digestion troubles during pregnancy.
2. Good for Your Baby’s Bone Health
The substantial amounts of calcium and magnesium in blackberries is very beneficial for your baby’s bones and thus including them in your pregnancy diet helps in the formation of healthy bones of your baby.
3. Beneficial for the Heart Health
Consumption of blackberries not only helps in the proper functioning of the mother’s heart but it is also beneficial for the foetal heart health. If a pregnant woman has a congenital heart ailment, consuming blackberries may reduce the risk of passing ailment to her baby.
4. Good for Eye-Sight
Regular intake of blackberries is not only beneficial for improving your eyesight, but it is also effective in improving the eye health of your unborn child.
5. Helps in Preventing Birth-Defects in Babies
Being rich in folate, blackberries are very helpful in keeping various kinds of birth-defects at bay. Also, it reduces the chances of miscarriage in pregnant women.
6. Helps in Preventing Excessive Bleeding
Blackberries contain a good amount of vitamin K, which is very beneficial in preventing excessive bleeding during pregnancy because of its blood clotting properties.
7. Aids the Blood Vessel Functioning
The daily intake of blackberries is extremely effective is the proper functioning of blood vessels and thus aids the proper blood flow from the mother to the baby.
8. Helps in Combating Cancer
The presence of micronutrients in blackberries are very effective is battling with the cancerous cells and thus protects you and your baby from the fatal consequences of the disease.
Can Blackberries be Harmful
Just like everything else has pros and cons, the same can be applied for the consumption of blackberries during pregnancy. Here are some drawbacks to eating blackberries during pregnancy:
It may cause an allergic reaction in a pregnant woman.
It may lead to diarrhoea if consumed in large quantities.
Though blackberries are very safe for consumption during pregnancy, however, if you are suffering from pancreatitis, dyskinesia or if you are oxalic-intolerant, then it will be a good idea to stay away from blackberries during pregnancy.
Healthy Recipes for Blackberry
You can eat blackberries in its fresh form, dried form, frozen form, in desserts, in puddings, in salads or various other forms. Here are some healthy blackberry recipes that you may try during pregnancy:
Two tablespoons of dried blackberry leaves can be infused in half a litre of hot water. Half a glass can be taken thrice a day to overcome diabetes during pregnancy.
To overcome gastritis, 50 grams of blackberries can be had half an hour before the meals.
Two tablespoons of dried blackberries can be infused in a cup of hot water for 15 minutes. You may take one-third of this infusion three times a day to overcome the symptoms of stomatitis, sore throat and catarrhal disease.
You may extract immense benefits from blackberries by adding them into your daily pregnancy diet. However, please consult your obstetrician before you do so, to avoid any health complication.
Also Read: Is It Safe to Eat Kiwi Fruit in Pregnancy? Read more
Suggested for you
Cooking with Sunflower Oil - Is It Healthy?
With a wide variety of cooking oils in the market, it's difficult to understand which one is good for us and which isn’t. However, to talk about one particular oil is easy.
Sunflower oil for one cannot be considered to be healthy for consumption. There are several reasons for it to be an unhealthy option for cooking oil. However, in hindsight, it is said to be an excellent source of Vitamin E, many other nutrients and fatty acids which are considered to be beneficial for the skin, hair and sleep disorders in children. It is also said to have many other health benefits like preventing arthritis and colon cancer if taken in moderation. Read through the article to get an insight into the pros and cons of the sunflower oil.
Nutritional Value of Sunflower Oil
Serving: 1 cup
Calories
8068 kJ
Carbohydrates (Fibre, Starch, Sugar)
0 g
Total Fat
218 g
Saturated Fat
21.3 g
Monounsaturated Fat
182 g
Polyunsaturated Fat
8.3 g
Total Omega-3 Acids
419 mg
Total Omega-6 Acids
7860 mg
Protein
0 g
Vitamin E
89.5 mg
Vitamin k
11.8 mcg
Minerals
O g
Health Benefits of Sunflower Oil
The advantages of sunflower oil are plenty. It can be used for cooking, to make cosmetics and is also good for heart health.
1. Reduces Cholesterol
Fatty acids like Omega-3 and Omega-6 found in sunflower oil, especially linoleic acid, when taken in moderation, averts atherosclerosis which can clog arteries, increase blood pressure and raise the risk of heart attack and stroke.
2. Increases Immunity
The benefits of cooking with sunflower oil lie in the fact that it is rich in Vitamin E. It functions as an anti-oxidant to the body, thereby improving the immune system and overall health.
3. Improves Skin
Since sunflower oil is rich in Vitamin E, it is great for the skin. Vitamin E protects the skin from sun damage and age-related skin problems. It nullifies the free radicals and prevents the damage of healthy cells. It enhances the glow in the skin, heals scars and wounds quickly. Due to this, many even massage pre-term newborns with the sunflower oil as it prevents infection of the skin and protects it.
4. Anti-Inflammatory
Sunflower oil has anti-inflammatory properties which help in preventing or lowers chances of an asthmatic attack. This anti-inflammatory quality in the oil also prevents cancer and rheumatism from getting severe.
5. Controls Frizzy Hair
Sunflower oil conditions the hair, making the hair lustrous and prevents dryness which makes the hair frizzy. Applying the oil on the hair makes it smooth and manageable.
6. Increases Energy
The unsaturated fat present in sunflower oil energises you. This unsaturated fat makes the liver give out glycogen, a type of sugar, in the blood that makes you energetic.
FAQs
1. Are There Any Side-effects of Sunflower Oil?
Sunflower oil is widely used in cooking food as well for commercial purposes. However, the oil has its pros and cons.
It is said that it can lead to obesity, the most important cause of lifestyle diseases, since it is high in calories.
Most of the vitamins and minerals are absent in sunflower oil. It lacks important vitamins and minerals like zinc, calcium, magnesium, manganese, copper and selenium.
It also lacks phytosterols that lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL), the bad cholesterol which triggers heart attacks and strokes.
Although omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids reduce cholesterol when consumed in moderation, excess consumption of these fatty acids can be detrimental to health. Hence, it is best to limit consumption.
It is said that if you take too much of it, it can increase your insulin level as well as the number of white blood cells.
Sunflower, being an allergen, may not be suitable for everyone. Many people who are allergic to flowers like sunflower, daisy, chrysanthemums and marigold or have any kind of pollen allergy should refrain from consuming sunflower oil.
2. What Are the Benefits of Sunflower Oil for Skin?
The Vitamin E present in sunflower oil does wonders to the skin. It nourishes the skin and makes it free of blemishes with regular application. Listed below are some great benefits of the Sunflower oil on the skin.
When you apply sunflower oil on the face, it acts as an emollient by preserving the moisture of the skin. This is most effective on dry skin, and during winters when our skin tends to get dry. It also provides great relief when applied over skin inflammation.
The Vitamin E content in sunflower oil is more than in any other oil. This helps in preventing the skin cells from getting damaged by the ultra-violet rays of the sun. The damages of the free radicals which cause havoc on the skin are prevented and nullified by the beta-carotene content in the oil. This stops the skin from getting damaged and also prevents skin cancer.
The Vitamin E present in sunflower oil replenishes damaged skin which may have been caused due to age. The oil which is a rich source of Vitamin E also has anti-ageing properties. The linoleic acid along with omega-6 fatty acids rejuvenates the skin which in turn makes the skin glow. Regular use of the oil diminishes wrinkles and fine-lines, making the person look much younger.
Due to the presence of fatty acids in sunflower oil, it is free from any kind of infection-causing bacteria, thereby making the skin radiant.
Since the oil has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties, it helps cure atopic dermatitis, a skin problem causing red and itchy skin. Sunflower being an emollient can help in curing this. If an ointment containing the oil and topical steroid is applied over the distressed area of the skin, it may get healed.
It can also be used as a makeup remover and face cleanser. Other than that, it helps to reduce under-eye dark circles, scars caused by acne, and soften rough and dry skin.
Sunflower oil in soap and cosmetics protects the skin from damage through ultraviolet rays of the sun, skin infections and inflammations. It also rejuvenates the skin and makes the skin blemish-free and radiant.
The life-threatening infections that premature babies usually get while at the hospital, also known as nosocomial infections, can be treated or prevented by the use of sunflower oil. The oil has anti- microbial properties which act as a skin barrier and prevent a newborn from getting infected. However, always consult a paediatrician before applying the oil to your newborn.
The anti-oxidants and anti-bacterial properties in the oil help wounds to heal fast.
Acne is a result of the accumulation of excess oil and sebum in the pores of the skin. The Vitamins A, C, D and E and Omega-3, Omega-6 and Omega-9 present in the oil add a protective layer on the skin and stop bacterial growth thereby preventing acne.
3. What Are the Advantages of Sunflower Oil for Hair?
Beautiful hair is something which everyone desires to have, but not all are fortunate enough to have. Sunflower is usually used in cooking food and is believed to have many health benefits. However, you will be surprised to know that it is also great for the hair as well, and is used in many of the hair oils as the base oil. It is actually the essential nutrients and the fatty acids which make sunflower oil very good for our hair. Listed below are reasons which make it very beneficial for every hair type.
Sunflower oil is a rich source of oleic acid, an omega – 9 acid which aids good hair health. This, if included in your everyday diet can increase hair growth in an individual. It also keeps hair from getting brittle and prevents hair fall, making your hair thicker.
Sunflower oil when applied to the hair and skin at least once a week nourishes and conditions the hair. It makes the hair soft, silky, smooth and healthy too. It also stops hair from getting greasy and prevents split ends.
It creates a protective barrier in the hair. The oil also helps the hair protect itself from the harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun which damages the hair as well as the scalp.
It retains moisture of the hair and prevents the hair from getting dry, frizzy and unmanageable; and the scalp dandruff-free, nourished, and healthy, making it suitable for good hair growth. The antioxidants in the oil also stop hair from falling or early hair loss in men.
Sunflower oil is extremely light and is easily absorbed, which is why it can be said to be a great hair-care product. Being light oil, it easily gets absorbed in the hair. It makes the hair lustrous and adds a sheen to it.
The vitamin E moisturizes and hydrates the hair. It keeps the scalp healthy, which in turn aids hair growth.
4. How Does Sunflower Oil Help Insomnia in Children?
Sunflower oil helps in reducing stress, and thus has a calming effect on children. The amino acid tryptophan in the oil gives out melatonin and serotonin, the two hormones that aid peaceful sleep in children. Therefore, if your child happens to sleep inadequately or has a hard time getting good sleep, give her Sunflower seeds to munch on, or food which has been cooked or made in sunflower oil.
5. Is Sunflower Oil Safe During Pregnancy?
Pregnancy is a time when everything that the mother eats affects the unborn baby. Therefore, everything that the mother eats should be healthy and suitable for the mother as well as the baby inside. Sunflower oil, which is rich in Vitamin E, moisturises and rejuvenates the skin during pregnancy. The fatty acids and the multiple nutrients present in the oil take care of the heart, nervous system and also prevent muscle cramps during pregnancy. The magnesium content in the oil increases the metabolic rate of the women during pregnancy, and also the baby inside. Sunflower oil also provides relief in constipation which is common during pregnancy.
The oil is rich in fatty acids, which is very important for our body as it prevents and cures many diseases. It is healthy and beneficial for children as well as adults if taken in moderation. However, the fatty acid Omega-6 content is high, which makes it a bit of a concern and risk since it can lead to obesity and high cholesterol. Therefore, taking Sunflower oil in small amounts or applying over the skin and hair is the key to good health.
Also Read:
Health Benefits of Curry Leaves for Health and Hair
Health Benefits of Asafoetida You Should Know
Health Benefits of Prunes Intake in Your Diet Read more
Suggested for you
Suggested for you
Babyhug Cushioned Potty Training Seat With Handle for Toddlers Review
We became parents in 2019, and with that, we are blessed to be parents to our little bundle of joy Krishiv. Every day was a lesson to be learnt with him. The first year was not only magical with smiles but also filled with a late-night crying session. I want to share this funny incident with all you parents, we have seen kids waking up at night mainly when they are hungry, but my child used not only to be hungry also used to dirty his diapers. My first has just gone into a swipe. But now since my child is growing up, I doubted about now I would be potty training him.
I was browsing through the Firstcry.com website, and I came across this super comfortable Babyhug potty training seat with handle. The best that I liked about this product that it is lightweight with handle and convenient to use.
Though the outer cover is made of plastic I won't consider it as an ordinary plastic seat, the most that I liked is that it comes with a washable cushion which makes my potty training phase an easy job. I would suggest that use a mild detergent to wash because the cushion may get damaged with a strong detergent. My child is very particular about colours, and just like many kids, he is also a person who likes blue colour. It is available on Firstcry.com website as Babyhug Cushioned Potty Training Seat With Handle and in various colours. I have recently started potty training my child, but I think that we should not consider or believe that there is a right time for potty training you can begin to this from the time your child is nine months old.
I would give this product a 5/5, and I would suggest all the moms buy this budget friendly product if you are struggling to potty train your child. Read more
Suggested for you
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
5 hours ago
Q. Dr meri baby 12 month running hai uska weight 6 kg hai uska growth nahi ho pa Raha hai to kya kare or over active hai
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
5 hours ago
A. ok see c. if the baby is not having proper height and weight it means that baby is having failure to thrive baby needs investigations like TSH and other related test to find out the reason
Dr Sameer awadhiya has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
5 hours ago
Q. mere twins baby hai boy nd girl one month 8 days when I check eye and ear which month
Dr Sameer awadhiya
Paediatrician
5 hours ago
A. For the query asked needs consultation with doctor for proper guidance so it is better that the doctor will guide you the correct way .
Online consultation can also be taken jjand the expert will give you the proper answer .
Ankita Mehta has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
3 hours ago
Q. is white discharge in 8th month normal?
Ankita Mehta
Mom of a 8 yr 7 m old girl
3 hours ago
A. hi
yes
but if it is too thick or clear like water,if there other symptoms like itching, irritation, redness,foul smell from vagina, please visit your gynecologist
Dr Vandan H Kumar has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
3 hours ago
Q. My son is 5 months old is suffering from cough..what to do?
Dr Vandan H Kumar
Paediatrician
2 hours ago
A. give nasal saline drops every few hourly to the child in the nasal cavity.
try to prevent temperature variations around the child
you can go for indirect steam inhalation which will again help in decreasing both cough and cold
continue the regular diet of the child
if there is no improvement in few days then meet your doctoru
for fever and pain give paracetamol.u
anti-cold medicines at this age have got side effects so can be given only after medical consultation.
POOJA KOTHARI has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 6 months
3 hours ago
Q. hi. in Feb my period was last and I did pregnancy test in March its positive results but my belly is not being bigger
POOJA KOTHARI
Mom of a 7 yr 1 m old boy
2 hours ago
A. Typically, your bump becomes noticeable during your second trimester. Between 16-20 weeks, your body will start showing your baby's growth. For some women, their bump may not be noticeable until the end of the second trimester and even into the third trimester. The second trimester starts in the fourth month.
Rashmi has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
55 mins ago
Q. I am 7 weeks pregnant. Before pregnancy I used to take medicine named Cyra 20 mg for acidity. Now since the day when I got to know that I am pregnant I am not taking any medicine for acidity but daily I am suffering from it. After having breakfast it starts. I am not eating any spicy food , oily food etc. Please help on this
Read moreRashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
50 mins ago
A. Start having chilled milk directly from the refrigerator that usually helps a lot in reducing down acidity and anyways when you take so much of medicine in the body gets addicted to it to check with your doctor if you need to do anything or any other medication would be friendly in cases of emergency
Check out this new Memory
Jihaan Patel
Guardian of a 6 m old girl
1 min ago
#babyphotochallenge
0 Likes
0 Comment
Check out this new Memory
Suma p r
Guardian of a 6 m old boy
1 min ago
Republic day special
0 Likes
0 Comment
Check out this new Memory
Bhuwaneshwari Sharma
Mom of a 2 yr 9 m old girl
2 mins ago
0 Likes
0 Comment
Check out this new Memory
Juri Saikia
Mom of a 1 yr 10 m old boy
2 mins ago
0 Likes
0 Comment
Check out this new Memory
Nisha
Mom of a 5 yr 3 m old girl
4 mins ago
#stylishbaby
0 Likes
0 Comment
Tell us more about yourself get More Personalised
- Infant0 to 6 Months
- Baby6 Months to 2 Yrs
- Toddler2 to 4 yrs
- Kids4-6 yrs
- Big Kids6+ yrs
- Expecting
- Trying to Conceive