Is it possible to eat asparagus while breastfeeding and how to cook it correctly

Asparagus is becoming more and more popular in our country. Modern propaganda of proper nutrition and a healthy lifestyle has led to this. Just a few years ago, few people ordered dishes with asparagus in a restaurant or cooked it at home.

Since the product has become so popular, more and more expectant or nursing mothers are asking the question: is it possible to eat asparagus while breastfeeding? Let's look at the pros and cons of using it during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.

Asparagus during breastfeeding and pregnancy

Part of a healthy person's diet consists of plant foods. Pregnant and lactating women should definitely consume fiber, which is rich in a variety of vitamins, and asparagus is no exception. It contains many minerals.

Asparagus during breastfeeding is a healthy product that will provide mother and baby with phosphorus, magnesium, zinc and iron. Its use during pregnancy helps strengthen the skeletal system of the fetus, affects the process of blood formation and the formation of connective tissues.

Almost all pregnant women experience swelling at the end of this wonderful period. Asparagus helps get rid of them because it has a diuretic effect. Due to the high content of asparagus acid and potassium salts in its composition, it helps with kidney and heart diseases.

It fights fatigue very well because it contains magnesium.Reduces blood pressure, relieves inflammation and removes toxins. The B vitamins it contains help the fetus to form correctly and have a positive effect on the liver.

Returning to the question of whether a nursing mother or a pregnant woman can eat asparagus, the answer is clear: yes, you can and even should! Another useful recommendation for mothers: make a decoction of its roots. This remedy has an analgesic effect. This is very important for breastfeeding mothers and pregnant women, because the use of most painkillers during these periods is prohibited.

A couple more pleasant moments for women: asparagus rejuvenates the skin and strengthens hair and nails. And of course it helps keep your figure in great shape even during pregnancy.

Note. A decoction of the roots of this plant is widely used in medicine. Its analgesic, anti-inflammatory, sedative and diuretic effect has been scientifically proven.

During breastfeeding and pregnancy, asparagus normalizes sleep and appetite, improves mood and memory.

Useful properties and chemical composition

In addition to fiber, potassium, phosphorus and magnesium, this vegetable contains many vitamins (A, B1, B2, B3, E), ascorbic and folic acids. The powerful chemical composition makes the product essential for a young mother.

The daily requirement of potassium during pregnancy is about 2 g, and during feeding time – 2.5 g. 100 g of asparagus contains approximately 200 mg of potassium. Lack of it in the body leads to heart problems, low blood pressure and dizziness. Therefore, pregnant women and young mothers definitely need to replenish potassium reserves in the body.

Folic acid is also very important for the female body. It restores hormonal levels during pregnancy. Its deficiency can lead to fetal development disorders and other unpleasant consequences.

Advice. Be sure to supplement your intake of folic acid and other medications with natural vitamins found in asparagus and other vegetables and fruits.

Asparagus is a low-calorie vegetable. 100 g of raw product contains 21 kcal. Just imagine how beneficial it is not only for health, but also for your figure.

Note. Asparagus is a natural aphrodisiac. In Ancient Greece, wreaths were made from it and the newlyweds were decorated with them, and in France, according to tradition, the newlyweds were served three dishes from this vegetable.

Contraindications and possible harm

This vegetable is so healthy that a logical question arises: is it possible for pregnant women to eat asparagus every day in unlimited quantities? As with any product, everything is good in moderation.

Pregnant women should not eat too much of it because:

1. May cause an allergic reaction. Before including asparagus in your diet, check to see if you have any allergies.
2. You should not eat it if you have problems with the gastrointestinal tract. This may make the situation worse.
3. Diabetes mellitus is a direct contraindication to the use of the product.

During pregnancy, make sure that you do not have such problems. If there are no contraindications, feel free to include this healthy product in your diet.

Young mothers also wonder: Can breastfeeding women eat asparagus daily? First of all, you need to make sure there are no allergic reactions to this product or individual intolerance.

Another very important point: It should be used very carefully by women who have thick blood.Potassium, which is part of this product, has the property of thickening the blood, which can lead to the formation of blood clots.

While breastfeeding, all foods are introduced gradually. Try a little at first to make sure that you and your baby do not have allergic reactions and there are no gastrointestinal problems. If you notice a rash, bloating, or poor sleep in your child after eating asparagus, remove it from the diet for a month, and then try introducing it again.

The effect of asparagus on the body of mother and child

Breastfeeding mothers should take into account another important point: if you consume a large amount of asparagus, the milk may change the taste. This is facilitated by the sulfur analogue of alcohol that it contains. Be careful that this does not lead to the baby refusing breast milk.

Also, frequent consumption of asparagus can cause a change in the color and smell of the baby’s urine. If this happens, reduce the amount of product you consume.

A nursing mother is recommended to eat this vegetable no more than 1-2 times a week. Then no problems will arise.

Recipes for breastfeeding women

First, let's figure out how to choose the right asparagus in the store:

• the stems should be juicy and soft (if the cut of the stem is dry, it means the vegetable is not fresh enough and is not worth buying);
• the surface should be shiny and smooth;
• there are no cracks, spots or unpleasant odor (a stem with white spots is a sure sign of overripeness);
• Choose medium stem thickness.

The vegetable is stored in the refrigerator. Wrap it in a paper towel and keep it for no more than 3-4 days. This is a perishable product, so it is better for nursing mothers to consume it immediately after purchase. Keep in mind that the asparagus has already been on the store shelf for some time.Check this point with the seller to ensure the freshness of the product.

For long-term storage, asparagus is frozen. Many people recommend boiling it before freezing - this way it will better retain its beneficial properties and will not lose color during further preparation.

Before cooking, remove the bottom tip of the asparagus. It is used for food only if the vegetable is young. The situation is the same with cleaning: young asparagus does not need to be peeled like potatoes or carrots. After boiling, pour boiling water over it - this way it will retain its bright color.

This is interesting! The Germans love asparagus so much that they even put it in ice cream.

We present you some useful recipes using this vegetable.

Asparagus soup

You will need:

• 450 g asparagus;
• 400 ml vegetable broth;
• 300 g green peas;
• 2 cloves of garlic;
• 2 tablespoons vinegar.

Preparation:

1. Boil the asparagus.
2. Cut it and grind it in a blender.
3. Bring the vegetable broth to a boil and add the peas and garlic. Cook for about 10 minutes.
4. Add the broth to the blender with the chopped asparagus and blend until smooth.
5. Salt and pepper to taste.

Light salad

You will need:

• 300 g chicken fillet;
• 200 g asparagus;
• 100 g canned pineapple;
• 200 g natural yoghurt.
• cherry tomatoes For decoration.

Preparation:

1. Boil chicken fillet and asparagus until tender.
2. Cut all ingredients into small pieces.
3. Mix everything, salt, pepper and season with yogurt.

Asparagus is great as a side dish for any meat or fish dish. Just boil it and pour it with your favorite sauce - it will turn out very tasty.

Another tip: fry it with eggs and sprinkle with your favorite cheese. There will be an excellent balanced breakfast.

Note. If a product is overcooked, it should not be eaten as it is spoiled. Fresh asparagus cooks for about 10 minutes. Readiness is checked simply: if you pierce it with a fork, it should be soft. The younger the vegetable, the less time it takes to cook.

Conclusion

Asparagus is a source of beneficial minerals and vitamins. Eating the right foods during pregnancy and lactation is very important for both mother and baby. This vegetable is an excellent substitute for familiar foods that sometimes get boring. The main thing is to remember: the younger and fresher the asparagus, the more benefits and taste pleasure it will bring.

Asparagus is very beneficial for pregnant women and nursing mothers. But it’s worth remembering: you shouldn’t eat it often, 1-2 times a week is enough for the beneficial substances to help the body work properly and support mother and baby.