Why do you crave potatoes during pregnancy and is it possible to eat them?

The gastronomic tastes of a pregnant woman are a favorite topic for jokes on this topic. However, few people think that through unusual desires the body signals the need for vitamins or microelements. Many expectant mothers complain that during the period of bearing a child they noted a special craving for potato dishes. Let's figure out why during pregnancy I want raw potatoes Is this product healthy and can it harm the health of the woman and the unborn child?

Description, characteristics and nutritional value of potatoes

Potato bush It is distinguished by erect stems ranging from 30 to 150 cm in length. Its fibrous root system does not penetrate deep into the soil. The stem is bare, ribbed. Several of its parts are in the ground, producing long lateral shoots. It is on them that thickened shoots are formed - tubers, which are eaten.

Vitamins and microelements

100 g of raw product contains the following vitamins (in mg):

• carotene - 0.02;
• retin - 0.003;
• E - 0.1;
• B1 - 0.12;
• B2 - 0.07;
• B9 - 10;
• RR - 1.3;
• C - 20.

Useful minerals per 100 g of raw product (in mg):

• sodium - 5;
• potassium - 568;
• calcium - 10;
• magnesium - 23;
• phosphorus - 58;
• iron - 0.9.

Nutritional value (in%):

• protein - 2;
• fat - 0.4;
• NLC - 0.1;
• carbohydrates - 16.3;
• mono- and disaccharides - 1.3;
• starch - 15;
• water - 78.6;
• dietary fiber - 1.4;
• organic acids - 0.2;
• ash - 1.1.

Energy value per 100 g is 76 kcal.

Beneficial features

The rich chemical composition allows us to note the main beneficial qualities of this vegetable:

• has a tonic effect;
• relieves inflammation;
• increases immunity;
• normalizes bowel function, kidney and cardiovascular system;
• prevents the development of anemia;
• saturates the body with oxygen (promotes hemoglobin synthesis);
• used to treat colds and bronchitis;
• raw potato juice is used in the treatment of gastritis and ulcers, it relieves inflammation and normalizes acidity in the stomach.

Features of beneficial properties for pregnant women

Potatoes are beneficial during pregnancy due to their high content of vitamin B9 (folic acid). The substance reduces the risk of defects in the development of the neural tube of the fetus. B9 must enter the body constantly, since it is not able to accumulate in the body - the kidneys and liver quickly remove its excess.

Reference. Avocado is another rich source of folic acid.

Combination of vitamins A, C and group B helps cleanse the body of toxins, long-term exposure to which can harm the unborn baby. Substances maintain skin health and elasticity and increase the body's resistance to various infectious diseases. The latter is especially important, since nature provides for a natural decrease in immunity for successful gestation.

Potassium and sodium regulate the water-salt balance in a woman’s body, help fight edema, and normalize the functioning of the cardiovascular system, which is under increased stress during pregnancy.

Fluoride and calcium strengthen the bones, teeth and nails of a pregnant woman, and form the baby’s skeleton.Iron is involved in the process of hematopoiesis (forms hemoglobin in red blood cells) and prevents the development of anemia. Iodine normalizes the functioning of the thyroid gland, which is responsible for good hormonal levels in both women and children.

Don't forget about plant fibers (fiber), of which there are a lot in potatoes. They cleanse and stabilize the intestines, eliminating constipation.

Important! Young potatoes are the most useful. The older the tubers, the more harmful starch they contain and the fewer nutrients they contain.

Possible harm to the body during pregnancy

Like any other product, in some cases potatoes can harm the body of a pregnant woman.

1. Because of high calorie content Contraindicated in overweight pregnant women.
2. In combination with meat (animal fats), harmful trans fats are formed that affect the functioning of the heart and liver.
3. Due to high starch content may cause gas formation in the intestines.
4. It is dangerous in case of diabetes mellitus (including gestational diabetes), so you can eat it only after consultation with a specialist.
5. Negatively affects the walls of the stomach with high acidity.
6. Green tubers contain corned beef, which is poisonous to humans.

Can pregnant women eat potatoes?

The craving for potato dishes in early pregnancy is explained by the body’s need to obtain as much folic acid as possible, which is necessary for the development of the fetus. Most often, the craving for potatoes goes away in the second trimester of pregnancy.

The vegetable does not have a pronounced odor or taste, which allows the body to absorb the product during toxicosis.

Is this desire related to the gender of the child?

There is an opinion that if an expectant mother constantly craves potatoes, it means she is pregnant with a boy. However, scientific research proves that gastronomic preferences do not depend on the gender of the child being carried.

In what form can pregnant women eat potatoes, and in what form can they not?

During pregnancy, you should give preference to new potatoes. It contains the greatest amount of useful substances. It is worth paying attention to the color: white tubers contain little starch, which can cause gas formation and constipation.

Doctors advise giving up fried potatoes. Beneficial substances are preserved during cooking (including in uniform) and stewing. Oil should be used in minimal quantities during cooking.

Recipes

The dishes presented below can be included in your diet during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Mashed potatoes for pregnant women

The dish will relieve the feeling of heaviness in the stomach and relieve heartburn.

Ingredients:

• new potatoes;
• salt;
• greenery;
• butter.

Recipe:

1. Peel the potatoes, cut into 4-8 pieces and soak in cold water for half an hour.
2. Replace the water with fresh water and place the pan on high heat.
3. Remove the butter from the refrigerator and let it melt.
4. After the water boils, skim off any foam that appears, add salt, reduce heat and cook the potatoes until tender.
5. Mash the butter with a fork.
6. Drain the water, leaving a little for puree. Let the water and potatoes cool slightly.
7. Mash, mix with water, add chopped herbs and butter. To stir thoroughly. The puree is ready.

Vegetable stew

A tasty and healthy option for a complete lunch or dinner.

Ingredients:

• potatoes (2-3 pcs.);
• 1 medium zucchini;
• 1 medium tomato;
• 1 onion;
• 1 carrot;
• 1 bell pepper;
• olive oil;
• water or chicken broth;
• salt pepper;
• greenery.

Recipe:

1. Cut vegetables into cubes.
2. Fry onions and carrots in heated olive oil, add potatoes.
3. After 10 minutes, add the zucchini and bell pepper.
4. After 5 minutes - tomato. Mix thoroughly and continue frying for another 3-5 minutes.
5. Salt the vegetables and pour 2 tbsp. water or chicken broth. Reduce heat, cover the pan with a lid and simmer for 15-20 minutes.
6. Add your favorite spices and herbs. Serve with 1 tbsp. l. sour cream.

Possible harm and warnings for pregnant women

Potatoes should be consumed with caution by women with individual intolerance to the components included in its composition. Limited portions are recommended for pregnant women who are prone to obesity. Experts advise combining potatoes with other vegetables, because with meat they form trans fats, which undermine the functioning of the liver and heart.

What do the doctor's say

Doctors do not prohibit including potato dishes in a pregnant woman’s diet, provided that it boil or stew with a minimum amount of oil. It is recommended to limit portions - due to the high carbohydrate content, potatoes lead to weight gain. The serving size should not exceed 200-250 g.

Potatoes should be used with caution in case of diabetes mellitus (including gestational diabetes - caused by pregnancy).

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Conclusion

The beneficial substances contained in potatoes support organs that experience serious stress during pregnancy: the heart, kidneys, intestines and stomach.Vitamins A and C increase immunity, and folic acid helps the fetus develop without pathologies.

During pregnancy, it is recommended to eat potatoes only boiled or stewed, since frying produces compounds that are harmful to the body of the mother and baby.