Superfood For A Super Mama!

Pregnancy is tough. Mothers bear the brunt of the physical pain, but fathers experience physical and emotional difficulties too. At the end of the day, having one’s precious child in their arms is the most important. As such, it is important to eat the right foods to keep both the mother and the baby healthy and happy throughout the pregnancy. This article will introduce you to some of the best foods for pregnant mothers, their benefits, and how to eat them!

#1 Amazing Apricots

An apricot is a type of drupe, where the outer, fleshy component of the fruit surrounds a shell, with a seed. (Find out more about drupes here!) The apricot has so many nutrients that are essential for expecting mothers. Both the dried and fresh varieties provide similar benefits! Firstly, apricots are a wonderful source of fibre, and eating them during pregnancy can help to overcome constipation and improve bowel movement to lessen discomfort. The folic acid present in apricots can also help to prevent congenital disabilities such as spina bifida in the unborn baby. Dried apricots are also rich in calcium, an important nutrient for foetal bone development. Lastly, apricots can also serve as a healthy sweet treat and curb cravings for less healthy candy bars that are loaded with processed sugars.

To incorporate apricots in your diet, slice the dried or fresh varieties of the fruit. Top a bowl of yoghurt with apricots and muesli for a nutritious breakfast. Alternatively, have some apricots on hand for a convenient snack on the go.

#2 Superb Sunflower Seeds

Sunflower seeds are a wonderful food for pregnant women to consume. Similar to apricots, sunflower seeds also contain a high concentration of folate. Folate is important as it is used in the formation of red blood cells and carries oxygen from the lungs all around the body. Regular adults need to consume folate, but pregnant women need to consume more than the average person due to the increased quantity of blood. Sunflower seeds also contain phytochemicals, which help to improve the immune system. This keeps you and your baby safe from any nasty bacteria or viruses. They are also a good source of phosphorus which aids the growth & strength of the developing foetus’ bones. Sunflower seeds also contain vitamin E, magnesium, and selenium, which are associated with the prevention of cardiovascular diseases.

Sprinkle sunflower seeds into salads, or top a slice of toast with sunflower seeds. You can also easily buy or bake bread that contains sunflower seeds too! Reap the benefits of sunflower seeds today.

#3 Beautiful Bananas

Bananas are an amazing source of potassium, which athletes prize for their ability to regulate fluids in the body and prevent muscle aches. The potassium can also help to ward off pregnancy-related hypertension and keep blood pressure at a normal level. Potassium is also incredibly important in maintaining the nervous system and allowing the body to send nerve impulses. These nerve impulses control many bodily functions! Beyond pregnancy, getting into the habit of including bananas in your diet can help reduce your risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes later in life.

The best way to start consuming bananas is to buy a bunch as is! To make them more exciting, dress up some slices of banana by dipping them in chocolate or nut butter to add interesting flavours. Sprinkle them with hemp or chia seeds for good measure!

#4 Excellent Eggs

Eggs, especially egg yolks, are a wonderful source of proteins and vitamins for you and your baby. Egg whites contain good amounts of protein, which aid in muscle and cell growth in both the baby and the mother. Yolks contain less protein but have choline. Choline is an important mineral that aids in brain development. Research has shown that having a maternal diet with 450mg/day of choline can allow for better cell development, tissue growth, neurotransmission, and brain development in the baby.

Eggs are safe to include in a pregnant mother’s diet, as long as they are fully cooked. Make sure to only consume fully cooked eggs and avoid sauces that may contain raw eggs, such as mayonnaise. Otherwise, eggs can be cooked and consumed in so many ways! Have them as a scramble for breakfast or lunch, make chawanmushi (a Japanese steamed egg dish) or make yourself a plate of deviled eggs. The possibilities are endless.

#5 Amazing Almonds

All parents hope that their little one’s brain develops well and having a handful of almonds every day can help you reach that goal. Almonds contain Vitamin E, which helps with cognitive function and development. The iron and folic acid in almonds also allow the baby’s body to carry oxygen around the body efficiently. Almonds are also great for the mother as they are a great source of energy and protein. Find out about the other health benefits of almonds here!

Almonds are very safe and beneficial to you and your child when consumed during pregnancy. Walnuts and pistachios have various benefits for pregnant women too! Almonds are great on their own, but can also be consumed as part of a nut mix. Such a tasty mid-day treat. Alternatively, this granola bar recipe could be up your alley as well.

Only the best for our children!

We hope that this guide has been helpful for expectant moms, or anyone who has an expectant woman in their lives. Having a foetus-friendly diet ensures your child will get the head start they need even whilst in the womb.