We often eat different types of food everyday. However, due to working parents in many families, it is not possible for them to cook a complete meal. In such a situation, they eat daily bread items, which also include pizza, sandwiches. But it is important to know whether a woman should eat white bread during pregnancy or not.
Is it okay to eat bread during pregnancy?
Common white bread available in the market is often made from refined flour. It contains a lot of gluten. Consuming this bread continuously during pregnancy can lead to constipation, which a pregnant woman already suffers from. Eating gluten makes the stomach feel full and heavy, due to which the nutrients are not absorbed properly in the body.
On the other hand, brown bread is made from wheat flour. It is more beneficial than white bread because it contains a lot of protein and vitamins which are not found in white bread. It is very important for energy in the body during pregnancy.
What nutrients are in bread?
Many things are often added to bread, some of the main things are as follows;
1. Wheat Germ
Brown bread contains whole wheat germ. It contains a lot of nutrition, such as vitamin E, omega-3 acid, folate, etc. This has a direct effect on the health of the heart.
2. Carbohydrates
Bread mainly consists of carbohydrates. During pregnancy, women get energy from it, so it is an essential nutrient. The carbohydrates present in bread have a very low glycemic index. It is a healthy option to reduce the risk of diabetes.
3. Protein
Wheat gluten is the main protein in brown bread. This gluten basically provides protein which is essential for the growth and health of the unborn child of a pregnant woman.
4. Fiber
Bread contains fiber and bran in sufficient quantity, so it is known as a good food. This not only keeps the heart healthy but it also lowers the lipoprotein cholesterol in the body so that the health of the baby and the mother is good.
benefits of eating bread during pregnancy
A pregnant woman can get the following benefits from many things present in bread, let’s find out;
1. It protects against gall bladder stones
Bread is very easy to make and it is also high in fiber. If you consume whole wheat or brown bread and foods rich in fiber, then your digestive system can improve and at the same time the possibility of stones in the bladder can be avoided.
2. The risk of getting asthma is less
If a woman has difficulty in breathing during pregnancy or she is also prone to this problem, then including whole wheat bread in the diet can be of great help and it can reduce the symptoms of breathing problems and asthma.
3. Helps Maintain Metabolism
Brown bread contains vitamin ‘B’, riboflavin, niacin and thiamine. All these elements belong to the vitamin B-complex group, which accelerates body functions and regulates metabolism.
4. It is rich in Vitamin C
The amount of calcium and vitamin ‘C’ in bread is very high. These nutrients help in strengthening the immune system and can reduce the chances of any disorders. However, not all types of bread contain vitamin ‘C’. If vitamins or ascorbic powder are added to bread while making it, then vitamin ‘C’ is present in that bread.
5. It provides adequate amount of calcium
During pregnancy, calcium is most important for the development of the woman and the child. Brown bread is rich in calcium which is essential for pregnant women.
6. Maintains Sugar
Women can develop gestational diabetes during pregnancy. The amount of fiber present in brown bread helps in controlling and maintaining the level of sugar in the blood. You can eat brown bread or whole wheat bread during pregnancy.
7. Controls blood pressure
Due to anxiety and stress during pregnancy, there can be a problem of increasing blood pressure, which is very harmful for the child and the mother. This problem is caused by cholesterol and triglycerides. Eating brown bread during pregnancy can lower blood pressure levels. But before buying any bread, check that salt is not added to it because it can increase blood pressure.
8. Lowers cholesterol
Dietary fiber present in brown bread is very important for keeping the heart healthy as it regulates and protects the level of cholesterol in the blood.
9. Also helps in digestion
Due to the high amount of fiber in foods, the body gets roughage. It helps in keeping the digestive system healthy. Bowel movement is affected by the fiber present in bread and constipation and diarrhea are cured.
Side Effects of Eating Bread During Pregnancy
Although bread has a lot of nutritive value from which you can get many benefits. But there are some side effects of eating bread during pregnancy, let’s find out;
- Bread contains amylopectin ‘A’ which is made from wheat and is known to increase the level of sugar in the blood.
- Bread also contains gluten which may be a cause of concern for some women as it is difficult for them to digest the complex protein. Women who are suffering from celiac disease (gluten intolerance) should not eat bread.
If bread is a major part of your diet, eat less of it and replace it with other healthy foods. If you eat brown bread instead of white bread during pregnancy, it can give you more benefits and it keeps the diet schedule right.
