Red-colored beetroot is considered beneficial for health. At the same time, when it comes to pregnancy, the question may arise whether it should be included in the pregnant diet or not. This question is also imperative, because it is very important to take care of food during pregnancy. This is the reason why in this article we are telling whether it is safe to eat beetroot during pregnancy or not. If yes, in what quantity should it be taken? Also, what is the right time to consume it during pregnancy. Along with this, we are also telling about the advantages and disadvantages of eating beet during pregnancy in this article.
Let us first find out whether it is safe to consume beetroot and its juice during pregnancy.
Is it safe to have beetroot and its juice during pregnancy?
During a research, beetroot juice has been found to be safe for the health of 97% women. Due to the nitrates present in it, it has also been considered good for pregnant women ( 1 ). Along with keeping the health of the stomach better, beetroot can benefit pregnant women in many ways, which we are talking about in the next part of the article ( 2 ) . While consuming beetroot, special care should be taken of its quantity. Actually, the nitrate present in it can cause some harm as well as help in the development of the woman and fetus during pregnancy ( 3 ). We will elaborate further in the article about the disadvantages of eating beetroot during pregnancy. Before harm, we are telling about the benefits of eating beetroot during pregnancy.
In the next part of the article, we are talking about the benefits of eating beetroot during pregnancy.
Benefits of eating beetroot in pregnancy
Readers should note that beetroot is not a cure for any problem that may arise during pregnancy. It can only help in reducing the symptoms of the problems mentioned below to some extent.
1 Folic Acid and Child Development
Folic acid is found in plenty in beetroot, which is considered essential for the development of the unborn baby. This folic acid present in beetroot can help protect the unborn child from birth defects. According to the International Journal of Chemical Studies, folic acid helps in making new cells in the body. It also ensures proper development of the spinal cord and brain of the fetus ( 2 ).
2. Purify the blood
Modern lifestyle, junk food, alcohol, contaminated water, insomnia and poor blood circulation cause the blood to become impure. Due to the impurity of blood, problems like allergies, acne, rashes, joint pain and weakness of the immune system occur ( 3 ). To avoid these problems, it is necessary to keep the blood clean, which can be done with the help of beetroot ( 2 ). Research also suggests that the nitrates in beetroot can improve blood flow to the placenta, which can help purify the blood to some extent ( 4 ) . It can also work to reduce the cholesterol present in the blood ( 2 ).
3. Increase the amount of iron in the body
The iron present in beetroot can help in increasing this element in the body. It has been observed that pregnant women often face the problem of anemia due to iron deficiency. Anemia, in which the production of red blood cells is disrupted. According to one study, about 52% of pregnant women in developing countries are affected by it. For this reason, it is believed that iron-rich foods should be included during pregnancy, including beetroot. A research published on the NCBI website has clarified that about 150g of cooked beetroot contains 1.2mg of iron ( 6 ). However, raw beetroot contains slightly less of it. At the same time, studies show that vitamin C is also necessary to absorb iron, which is rich in beetroot ( 8 ).
After the benefits of eating beetroot during pregnancy, we are now detailing how to include it in the diet.
How to include beetroot in pregnancy diet?
We are detailing below how beetroot can be included in the diet during pregnancy:
How to eat:
• Beetroot can be eaten as a salad.
• Beetroot vegetable can also be made.
• Beetroot juice can also be consumed.
• It can also be eaten as a mix veg by mixing it with other vegetables.
• Beetroot can be used in powder form.
• Some people also eat it by making pudding.
How much to eat:
There is not enough research to know the exact amount of beetroot to be included in the diet during pregnancy. And when it comes to increasing hemoglobin in the blood, beetroot is considered a very powerful agent. In this case, a cup of beetroot juice mixed with honey can be consumed once a day ( 8 ). To know about its exact quantity in pregnancy, you must consult a doctor.
When to eat:
There is no exact time when to eat beetroot during pregnancy. At the same time, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), folate-rich foods can be consumed in the first three months of pregnancy to avoid folate deficiency ( 9 ) . As we mentioned above, beetroot is rich in folate and can be eaten during pregnancy. On the other hand, the consumption of nitrates present in it can cause toxicity in the body from the 30th week of pregnancy, so it would be better not to consume it in the third trimester ( 10 ) . It would be better to consult a doctor to know about the right time to eat it during pregnancy.
Let us now have a look at the benefits of eating beetroot during pregnancy.
Side Effects of Beetroot in Pregnancy
It is not that there will be only benefits of eating beetroot during pregnancy . Along with the benefits of eating beetroot during pregnancy, there can be disadvantages as well. Actually, if beetroot is taken in excess, then instead of its benefits, losses can be seen. In such a situation, what can be the disadvantages of eating beetroot during pregnancy, we are explaining in detail below:
• The betaine present in beetroot can cause problems like nausea and diarrhea.
• Heartburn and heartburn.
• Due to excessive consumption of beetroot, the color of urine can become red (Beeturia).
• Methemoglobinemia (a blood disorder).
• Transformation and malignant transformation in the cells of the embryo.
• Thyroid.
• Kidney stone risk. Actually, beetroot contains oxalate, so those who have problems with kidney stones should avoid it or take it in limited quantity on medical advice.
Losses after 30 weeks due to nitrate poisoning:
• Blue color of lips due to lack of oxygen.
• Breathing problem.
• Vomiting and diarrhoea.
• Dehydration (lack of water in the body).
• Fast pulse, dizziness, weakness and coma.
Note : In general, the side effects of beetroot are not seen, but even if beetroot does not suit someone, a doctor should be consulted before consuming it.
We have explained in detail in the article about both the advantages and disadvantages of eating beetroot during pregnancy. In such a situation, pregnant women should decide whether to eat or not to eat beetroot during pregnancy keeping in mind its disadvantages. Also, take special care of its quantity. On the other hand, if there is any complication in one’s pregnancy, then take the advice of a doctor once before consuming beetroot.
