Is it possible to eat onions during pregnancy and at what stage?
The diet of the expectant mother should be balanced and varied, since the fetus needs numerous vitamins and microelements. During this period, experts recommend including more vegetables and herbs in the menu. Let's figure out whether pregnant women can eat onions and whether they will harm the baby.
Unique properties of onions
This product has a rich taste and appetizing aroma, which allows it to be widely used in cooking. Green and onions are added to salads, first and second courses.
The vegetable has numerous healing properties, so it is successfully used in folk medicine to eliminate health problems, for the purpose of prevention, as well as for general health.
Chemical composition, vitamins and microelements
100 g of onion contains:
- vitamin B1 – 0.05 mg;
- vitamin B2 – 0.02 mg;
- vitamin B6 – 0.1 mg;;
- ascorbic acid – 10.0 mg;
- folic acid – 9.0 mcg;
- tocopherol – 0.2 mg;
- nicotinic acid – 0.2 mg;
- pantothenic acid – 0.1 mg.
This portion of onion contains a lot of macro- and microelements:
- calcium – 31 mg;
- phosphorus – 58 mg;
- potassium – 175 mg;
- magnesium – 14 mg;
- zinc – 0.85 mg;
- cobalt – 5 mcg;
- copper – 85 mcg, etc.
All these components are necessary for the normal functioning of the body.
The benefits and harms of onions during pregnancy
Regular inclusion of onions in the diet is beneficial for the female body, as the product strengthens the immune system and improves mood.It prevents the development of viral infections, prevents cardiovascular diseases, normalizes digestion, improves intestinal function and increases appetite.
The feathers and turnips of this vegetable are recommended for consumption during pregnancy:
- The high content of vitamin C in onions increases the body's defenses during this difficult and important period for a woman. Ascorbic acid stabilizes hormonal levels and reduces the likelihood of bleeding during childbirth.
- Folic acid and tocopherol contribute to the proper formation of the fetal nervous system.
- Vitamin K ensures blood clotting and strengthens bones.
- Vitamin B1 has a positive effect on the functioning of the cardiovascular, nervous and muscular systems.
- Nicotinic acid improves blood circulation and provides adequate nutrition to the fetus through the placenta.
Onions are an excellent remedy for hypovitaminosis C and B. It restores appetite and helps fight viral diseases.
Contraindications and precautions
When eating green and onion vegetables during pregnancy, you need to remember that sometimes they pose a danger to the baby.
Reference. Frequent consumption of onions in the later stages can lead to the development of allergies in the child in the future.
If consumed incorrectly, the vegetable provokes:
- increased excitability of the nervous system;
- sleep disorder;
- changes in blood pressure;
- heart rhythm disturbance;
- heartburn and other digestive disorders.
Onion juice has an aggressive effect on the gastric mucosa, which causes nausea and vomiting.
In what cases should you absolutely not use it?
Contraindications for use of the product:
- diseases of the digestive system in the acute stage;
- high blood pressure;
- bronchial asthma.
Using onions during pregnancy
Green and onions are included in the menu of a pregnant woman at all stages, but it is important not to overuse the product and take into account the peculiarities of its use.
In the early stages
In the 1st trimester, the formation of all organs and systems of the fetus occurs. At this time, you need to protect the body from colds that negatively affect this process. Pregnant women are more susceptible to viruses because their immunity weakens.
Attention! Dishes with the addition of onions and green onions will help increase the body's defenses.
Folic acid also plays an important role in the early stages. It is necessary to prevent pathologies of the nervous system and the normal process of DNA formation.
Second trimester
During this period, experts recommend including onions in the diet in smaller doses. Eating large amounts of vegetables in the second half of pregnancy often leads to indigestion, heartburn and activation of the fermentation process in the intestines. These disorders worsen the general condition of the pregnant woman and cause discomfort.
In the later stages
In the 3rd trimester, onions are also eaten in small portions to avoid digestive problems. The maximum amount of onion included in the daily diet should not exceed 50 g.
Read also:
How to preserve onions for the winter and can they be frozen?
Recommendations for eating onions during pregnancy
Green and onions are consumed in small portions. In the initial stages of pregnancy, the daily portion should not exceed 100 g. From the 2nd trimester, this amount is reduced by 2 times.
In any form
The most useful product for a pregnant woman's body is fresh, because it contains many valuable components. During heat treatment onions loses a significant part of the nutrients.
During pregnancy, it is also recommended to eat baked vegetables. With this method, it is possible to preserve most of the useful components. The vegetable does not irritate the gastric mucosa and does not have a pungent odor.
Important! Fried onion It is better to exclude it from the diet. When oil is heated, carcinogens are released, which pose a health hazard and contribute to the development of malignant tumors.
With what
Fresh vegetables are added to salads. Green feathers are crushed and sprinkled on the main dish:
- fish;
- meat;
- omelette.
Cooking recipes
It is useful to include in the diet of pregnant women stewed onions with carrots:
- Vegetables are washed and peeled. Cut the onion into half rings, place in a bowl with vegetable oil, lightly fry for 1 minute, add chopped carrots, salt and spices to taste.
- Simmer the vegetable mass over low heat for 20 minutes.
- Add a little sour cream, mix and simmer for another 15-20 minutes.
- Before serving, sprinkle with dill.
To bake onions and preserve the maximum amount of valuable substances in them, use the following recipe:
- 4-5 turnips are cut into equal parts, salted and sprinkled with olive oil.
- Cover the baking sheet with foil, lay out the onion cut side down, cover with another sheet of foil, connecting the edges well.
- Bake for 30 minutes.
Baked onions are added to various types of side dishes and meats.
Opinion of obstetricians-gynecologists
Doctors advise consuming the vegetable during pregnancy, noting its beneficial properties.
Elena, gynecologist: “During pregnancy, a woman is recommended to eat more vegetables and fruits to support the body with nutrients and eliminate the problem of excess weight. Onions are no exception. But it is not worth asserting that the product is a natural immunostimulant. There is no convincing evidence to support this fact."
Polina, obstetrician-gynecologist: “If the body of a woman carrying a child tolerates onions well, you can introduce it into the diet regularly, but only in small portions. Dishes with onions are useful for pregnant women, because they contain many substances necessary for the normal formation and development of the fetus.”
Conclusion
Green and onion - a healthy product that is included in the menu during pregnancy. It enriches the body with valuable components that are so necessary for the health of mother and child. However, if consumed frequently, onions can cause allergies and are contraindicated for digestive problems, hypertension and asthma.