Lentils during pregnancy - the benefits and harm

Lentils is a fairly ancient food culture, which is valued for its high protein content and the ability to quickly satisfy hunger.

It is especially useful for pregnant women because it contains a lot of essential minerals and vitamins, including valuable folic acid. However, the expectant mother should cook lentils with caution, since adverse reactions such as flatulence or digestive disorders are possible. There are also strict contraindications to the use of beans during pregnancy.

Lentils - a storehouse of useful elements

Porridge, inconspicuous at first glance, is a valuable source of various components:

• plant fiber;
• amino acids;
• mono - and disaccharides;
• proteins;
• vitamins of group B, PP, E, C, K, etc .;
• flavin;
• tryptophan;
• macro- and microelements (potassium, phosphorus, selenium, magnesium, calcium, manganese, iron, sodium, copper).

Caloric value of the product is 286 kcal per 100 g.

A high content of folic acid is necessary for the healthy formation of the embryonic neural tube. Component deficiency can lead to malformations (spina bifida, anencephaly, etc.). Also, vitamin B9 removes from the body toxins and poisons accumulated during the period of alcohol consumption and cigarette smoking. Folic acid reduces the harmful effects of various drugs that the expectant mother could take at the beginning of pregnancy.

Vitamin B5 has a positive effect on the central nervous system and brain function. Lentils can be used to combat stress, depression, nervousness, irritability, panic, headaches and migraines. Also, a handful of bean porridge at night has a positive effect on falling asleep, it helps to get rid of insomnia.

Vitamin PP (nicotinic acid) is also involved in the formation of the internal systems of the baby.

The high content of proteins provides the synthesis of new fetal cells, the structure of its muscle and bone tissue.

Cellulose stimulates digestion and intestinal peristalsis, cleanses the body of toxins, "bad" cholesterol and toxins.Lentil dishes help the future mother to overcome chronic constipation in the later stages.

Potassium in the beans provides normal blood flow, strengthens the vascular walls and heart muscle, which is forced to additionally supply blood to the placental circle. Adequate use of potassium produces prevention of hypertensive states during pregnancy (hypertension, eclampsia and preeclampsia).

Iron in the cereal provides the production of red blood cells and hemoglobin, which transports oxygen to various tissues and internal organs. Eat lentils - and you are not threatened with iron deficiency anemia. For the best assimilation of the trace element, enrich the porridge with sources of vitamin C (for example, citrus slices, berries).

Irreplaceable substance tryptophan affects the secretion of the hormone "pleasure" serotonin. The better the mood and well-being of the future mother - the easier the pregnancy will be.

Other useful properties of lentils

Few people know about the bean product, and the lentil porridge has a beneficial effect on the health of the pregnant woman and her child.

1. It strengthens the gastrointestinal tract, reduces the acidity of the environment, thereby effectively combating heartburn.
2. Vitamins and trace elements in the composition of cereals increase the protective properties of the body, resistance to diseases and allergies.
3. Strengthens the health of the mammary glands, prepares them for full lactation, produces prevention of mastitis and other diseases (including benign and malignant tumors of the breast).
4. It quickly and for a long time satisfies hunger, due to which it is indispensable for toxicosis. Porridge does not have a specific smell and taste, it is neutral, therefore it is often used as a side dish in the period of severe nausea and vomiting.
5. Reduces fatigue and drowsiness. Slow carbohydrates in the composition of lentils for a long time charge the body with energy and vigor.
6. Allows you to gradually lose those extra pounds and normalize cholesterol levels. Despite the average calorie content, lentils are considered a dietary side dish.
7. Strengthens and tones the vascular walls, cleanses them from atherosclerotic and cholesterol plaques.

How to choose and store cereals

Lentils are sold both in packages and by weight.In order for it to benefit the expectant mother and baby, it is necessary to assess the quality of the beans:

• good crispness;
• no condensation on the surface of the package;
• the same color of lentils, as well as size, indicating that they belong to the same variety;
• the absence of porridge mold or parasites;
• The smell of high-quality lentils resembles a nut.

After acquiring, store the culture in a canteen and away from heat sources. Direct sunlight should not fall.

Lentils perfectly absorb moisture, so do not store it in containers and jars that can accumulate condensate. The optimal packaging is cardboard box or tissue bags. If the humidity in the kitchen is high, then all the cereals must be used within a week, otherwise the beans will spoil.

Harm from the use of lentils

It is necessary to know that all bean groats are slowly digested, which causes a feeling of heaviness in the stomach. Frequent use of lentils leads to indigestion, severe flatulence and even headache.

It is also believed that lentils increase the risk of urolithiasis and kidney stones.

Abuse of croup in the first trimester may lead to increased toxicosis.

There are also strict contraindications to the use of lentils during pregnancy:

• exacerbation of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (ulcer, gastritis, enterocolitis, pancreatitis, pyelonephritis, cholecystitis);
• the presence of stones in the internal organs: kidney, urinary or gallbladder;
• the presence of hemorrhoids in history;
• joint diseases;
• diseases of the genitourinary system that stress the kidneys or cause problems with urination;
• some skin pathologies.

Doctors called the optimal dose of lentil during pregnancy - 2 medium portions per week, but on different days.

Contraindications to the use of culture are rather conditional, so a pregnant woman should safely enter her diet in the form of cereals and soups. In the early stages, lentils will saturate the body with iron and folic acid, and in later periods it will protect against heartburn and prepare for lactation. It is only important to choose the right porridge and not to abuse.

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