During pregnancy, women have a desire to taste different tastes. While some women may crave ice cream or pickles during pregnancy, some other women may crave raw vegetables. Today, we would be discussing one particular vegetable – onion, which women may crave for during pregnancy. Eating onions during pregnancy is generally considered safe. In fact, adding onions to your pregnancy diet can provide a number of health benefits to a woman. However, some pregnant women may experience heartburn or respiratory problems after consuming onions. If you want to include onions in your diet during pregnancy, you must know whether it is safe or not!
Onion Nutrition Facts
Onion is a vegetable of the allium family known for its distinctive pungent smell and taste. Onion is considered to be a great medicinal food due to its anticholesterol, antiinflammatory, anticarcinogenic properties. Onions contain a plant flavonoid called quercetin , which may provide protection against skin diseases, flu and the common cold.
Onions are low in calories and this vegetable is rich in many essential nutrients, such as minerals, antioxidants and vitamins ‘C’ and ‘B6’ . Onions are also a good source of iron, calcium, folate, phosphorus, magnesium and potassium – all nutrients considered essential for a pregnant woman. Apart from these properties, onions also have the properties of folic acid and fiber which help in the production of healthy cells.
Can you eat onions during pregnancy
Eating any onion, raw or cooked, during pregnancy can provide various health benefits to a pregnant woman. Therefore, you can consume onion during your pregnancy as well, but it is advised to consume onion in moderation.
benefits of eating onions during pregnancy
Consuming onions in moderation during pregnancy can give you health benefits. Read on to know some of the benefits of this vegetable.
1. Helps strengthen the immune system
Onion is a good source of Vitamin ‘C’, which helps in strengthening the immune system of not only the pregnant woman but also the unborn child.
2. Helpful in preventing cancer
Onions are rich in carbonic sulphur, which helps prevent the development of free radicals responsible for cancer. Onion helps in preventing many types like colorectal and stomach cancer.
3. Improves hair and skin health
Onion is an excellent source of vitamins ‘A’, ‘C’ and ‘E’ and all these vitamins contribute to keeping the skin and hair healthy. With the help of these vitamins, it helps to avoid premature aging.
4. Lowers the risk of heart disease
Quercetin, a flavonoid found in onions, helps balance cholesterol levels. The flavonoids and organosulfur present in onions reduce the risk of heart diseases in pregnant women.
5. Strengthens the digestive system
Eating raw onions during pregnancy can also benefit you as onions contain dietary fiber which is known to improve the digestive system. Eating onions during pregnancy can reduce the chances of gastric ulcers and improve your digestive health, thereby giving you relief from constipation.
6. Beneficial in gestational diabetes
The sulfur and quercetin present in onions help in treating gestational diabetes positively by controlling blood sugar levels.
7. Helps in good sleep
Onions contain prebiotics, which can reduce stress and help with better sleep. The folate content in onions can help reduce depression during pregnancy by preventing the formation of excess homocysteine in your body. Excess homocysteine can affect the secretion of feel-good hormones in the body, which can lead to frequent mood swings, stress, and depression.
8. Controls blood pressure
Eating onions during pregnancy can help control blood pressure as onions are rich in phytonutrients , which can prevent complications related to high blood pressure.
Possible side effects of eating onions during pregnancy
However, onions provide various health benefits to a pregnant woman. But if onion is consumed in excess, it can have many side effects. Following are the possible side effects of consuming onions in excess:
1. Diarrhea and heartburn
Consuming onions in excess during pregnancy can sometimes lead to heartburn or diarrhoea.
2. Allergic reaction
Some pregnant women may be allergic to onions and consuming onions in excess may cause discomfort. Many women also have respiratory problems after consuming onions in excess.
Onion is a healthy vegetable and you can include it in your diet during pregnancy. However, remember to consume onions in moderation. It is always advisable to consult a doctor in case of any concerns regarding allergic reactions. Consulting a doctor or a nutritionist is the best option before including onions in your diet.
