What is the best time to eat beetroot during pregnancy? Can we give beet to pregnant women without risk? Is it good or bad for her? What are the dangers? How to consume it with efficiency? What about beet and fertility? And finally, what foods and drinks are recommended for pregnant women?
I- Benefits and risks of beetroot for pregnant women
First of all, it must be said that beet is a vegetable that is full of benefits, especially for pregnant women.
Indeed, due to its concentration in folic acid, it allows the good development of the fetus during the first three months of pregnancy.
This allows avoiding congenital malformations.
In addition, being rich in silicon reduces the risk of osteoporosis (a disease that causes bone fragility).
Finally, beet contains folate which allows the good closing of the spinal cord of the fetus.
# Side effects and risks of eating beets during pregnancy
Beet, like any other food, its consumption in excess can sometimes have some negative consequences on human health.
This red vegetable contains several flavonoids such as anthocyanin, which can be responsible for an excess of pigmentation if it is over-consumed.
It is also true that these compounds provide beets with an antioxidant power that would remain constant, even after the beet is cooked.
The beet peel contains at least 3 times more phenolic compounds than the flesh.
It is known that eating too much beet can sometimes lead to kidney complications in the long term.
Indeed, prolonged excessive consumption can reduce the level of calcium absorption by the kidneys, which can increase the formation of kidney stones.
Thus, people with kidney disease should refrain from eating it too often.
It is also not recommended for patients suffering from hemochromatosis and Wilson’s disease, pathologies respectively linked to the excess of iron and copper, which are strongly found in beet.
Finally, beetroot is rich in betaine, a vegetable substance that increases cholesterol levels when it interacts with folic acid and vitamins.
Therefore, beets are not recommended for people with obesity.
Therefore, it is worth noting that pregnant women, if they do not suffer from any of the above-mentioned diseases and are not obese, can easily consume beet as they wish, of course without exceeding the quantities recommended for them by nutritionists and doctors.
II- Best time to eat beetroot during pregnancy
It is tempting to say that beets can be consumed at any time during pregnancy. It is as easy and true.
But it would be nice to indicate some of the most preferred times to consume this rich vegetable.
# Is beetroot good for female fertility?
It should even be consumed before the beginning of pregnancy because it allows the closure of the neural tube.
It should even be consumed before the beginning of pregnancy because it allows the closure of the neural tube.
This will allow the woman’s genitalia to work better and thus allow the spermatozoon to reach the egg without too much difficulty and fertilize it easily.
Due to the folic acid and the different nutrients contained in the beet, the nerves of the vagina will transport more blood rich in iron and other elements that will facilitate the pregnancy.
# Beetroot in pregnancy first trimester?
This vegetable-rich in folic acid is, as we have just said, excellent for pregnant women.
Folic acid contributes strongly to the good development of the fetus during the first three months of pregnancy.
Drinking beet juice or eating it as a salad can go a long way in preventing the risk of birth defects in the womb.
As it has been pointed out, beet is full of iron, which increases the production of red blood cells and helps to fight against fatigue and nausea in the first months.
It is also a kind of natural remedy against anemia (lack of iron). As everyone knows, during the first months, pregnant women vomit a lot and cannot tolerate most foods.
Finally, it is a significant source of silicon and prevents the risk of osteoporosis.
# Beet morning or evening
As it is a very rich food, it is generally advised to pregnant women to take it early in the morning, just after waking up, to recharge the batteries and give a boost for the long day.
However, it should be remembered that beet can be eaten morning, noon, and evening. And nothing indicates that it can prevent you from sleeping if you take it late at night, even if you know that it gives more energy.
This can theoretically prevent some people from sleeping because of excess energy.
# Is it good to drink beet juice on an empty stomach?
Beet juice is free of insoluble dietary fibers, which is why it is instantly assimilated by the pregnant woman’s body.
It is therefore advisable to avoid mixing them with other foods in the meal, trying to consume them in juice 20 to 30min before the meal or 3 to 4h after it.
It is also important to avoid drinking beet juice that has just been taken out of the refrigerator, as it may cool down our digestive system too much and cause us some discomfort.
The ideal would also be to drink the fresh juice in the morning directly after making it to avoid oxidation.
III- Is carrot and beetroot juice good for pregnancy
Pregnant women need large quantities of vitamins and minerals for the proper growth of their children and to reduce the resulting pain.
This is a good thing because beet is rich in vitamins and minerals.
Beet is a portion of very good food for pregnant women, as long as they are well washed or cooked.
You will have understood it the beet can be eaten raw or cooked according to the desires of each one.
But it is still necessary to pay attention to wash them well or to cook them well. Because beet like most vegetables can cause toxoplasmosis.
To consume it you can make a cocktail of beet carrot ginger. To make it you will need :
- 300 grams of red beets.
- 200 grams of carrots.
- 1 small piece of ginger.
To prepare it start by:
Start by washing the carrots, ginger, and beets well with clean water and soap.
Then peel them.
Put them in a blender with a little water.
You can consume it fresh. This cocktail is rich in potassium, vitamin C, and folic acid.
In addition to all this, ginger is ideal for relieving nausea in early pregnancy.
IV- Canned beetroot for pregnant women
Contrary to what many people think, canned beet is recommended for pregnant women.
Because the beet is already very well washed due to the different industrial processes it undergoes.
This allows you to enjoy all the benefits of the beet without running the risk of toxoplasmosis.
But personally, I prefer the organic beet well washed and home-cooked. Or in juice and salad.
V- Beetroot and fertility
Due to its concentration in vitamin B9, better known as folic acid. It reduces the risk of giving birth to a premature child.
In addition, due to its richness in antioxidants and vitamins, beet increases fertility.
To take advantage of these benefits you can consume them in beet juice. To make it you will need :
- 2 fresh carrots.
- 5 raw beets.
- Half a lemon.
- An organic apple.
To prepare it:
Start by properly washing the carrots, raw beets, and apple.
Then peel the carrots and beets.
Put the apple, carrots, and beet in a blender.
Finally, squeeze the juice from the half-lemon on top and mix it all.
This juice is very easy to make and is very good for fertility.
VI- Beetroot danger
Beet is certainly an excellent food for pregnant women. But like most vegetables, if they are not washed well then they can cause toxoplasmosis.
This disease causes a weakening of the bones. It is caused by a microbe very often present in vegetables and fruits.
It is for this reason that it is advised to wash them well before consuming them. If the beet is well washed, there is no risk of toxoplasmosis.
# Pickled beets during pregnancy
Pickled beets are usually made in vinegar, spice, and other lactic acids, which are not really recommended for pregnant women.
That’s why you should avoid eating a lot of pickled beets. Even if you take them from time to time, it will not harm the pregnant woman or her fetus.
VII- Recommended foods for pregnant women
Apart from beetroot, other foods are recommended for pregnant women.
1) Carrots
Carrots due to their high concentration of iodine improve the endocrine system. Iodine is a micromineral that acts on this system.
It promotes the production of thyroid hormones which improves the development of the baby’s brain.
To take advantage of these benefits you can drink carrot juice with oranges. To make it you will need:
- 4 fresh carrots.
- 2 oranges.
- A sprig of mint.
To prepare it start by :
- Start by washing properly and then peeling the carrots.
- Cut the oranges in 4 and squeeze them to extract the juice.
- Put the peeled carrots in a blender.
- Mix it with the orange juice and mint.
This juice allows you to take full advantage of all the benefits of carrots. Moreover, it allows the pregnant woman to fill up with vitamins.
In case this juice is a little too acidic for you, you can add a teaspoon of organic honey.
2) The tomato
Tomatoes are rich in folic acid, magnesium, potassium, and iron. These elements are essential for the proper growth of the baby.
They are so important that many gynecologists prescribe them against anemia and nervous system formation anomalies.
To take full advantage of these benefits you can make a tomato watermelon smoothie. To prepare it you will need :
- 500 grams of watermelon.
- 300 grams of ripe tomatoes.
- 1 small lime.
To prepare it start by:
- Remove all the seeds from the watermelon.
- Then cut the watermelon into pieces.
- Wash the tomatoes thoroughly.
- Then cut the tomatoes and watermelon into pieces.
- Put everything in a blender.
- Finally add the lemon juice.
Easy and quick to make this juice you can fill up with vitamins and refresh yourself.
3) The cherry
Cherries are an excellent fruit during pregnancy. Apart from their taste, they help to reduce aches and pains.
It also improves sleep and blood circulation to the placenta.
To take full advantage of these benefits you can consume cherry juice. To make it you only need 300 grams of cherries.
You wash them properly and put them in a blender. Then you add water, this juice is very good and very refreshing.
4) Potatoes
Potatoes are also recommended during pregnancy. Because they can satisfy the carbohydrate intake of the pregnant woman.
To fill up on carbohydrates you can make potato crackers. To realize them you will need:
- 300 grams of potatoes.
- One egg.
- 10 grams of comté cheese.
- A little salt and pepper.
- A little herb of Provence.
To prepare it, start by:
- Wash and peel the potatoes.
- Grate the potatoes.
- Remove the crust and grate the cheese.
- Mix the cheese, beaten eggs and potatoes.
- Cook in a non-stick pan.
- Turn halfway through cooking.
This delicious and tasty meal will allow you to fill up on carbohydrates.
VIII- Foods and drinks to avoid during pregnancy
During pregnancy, some foods are totally forbidden. In most cases, it is to avoid being overweight.
Because during pregnancy, women gain weight. It is, therefore, necessary to avoid foods that can give them a weight that they will not be able to get rid of after pregnancy.
Foods such as eggs, wild meat, shellfish, and mollusks should be avoided.
For drinks, avoid as much as possible drinks like tea, sodas, drinks containing caffeine. Because all these drinks have a bad effect on your future baby.
Useful Links:
12 health benefits of beetroot
