Having unusual food cravings during pregnancy for a woman is normal. Some women crave for ice creams or pickles while others for raw vegetables. One vegetable is onion for which women can crave during pregnancy. Eating onions is usually considered safe during pregnancy. In fact, it provides numerous health benefits to a woman. However, some pregnant women may experience heartburn or breathing issues after onion consumption.
In this article:
Can You Eat Onions During Pregnancy?
Benefits of Eating Onion During Pregnancy
Side Effects of Eating Onion During Pregnancy
Nutritional Effects
All You Need to Know About Consuming Onions During Pregnancy
Can You Eat Onions During Pregnancy?
Yes, eat onions safely during pregnancy and tantalize the taste buds. Onions consumed both in raw or in cooked form can offer various health benefits to a pregnant woman. So, women can eat onions during pregnancy, however, it is suggested to eat them in moderation. As excess of anything can prove harmful to mother and baby during this delicate phase.
Benefits of Eating Onion During Pregnancy
Consuming onions in moderation can prove to be very beneficial for health during pregnancy. The benefits are as follows –
Helps Strengthen the Immune System
Onions are a good source of vitamin C having antioxidant properties which can aid in strengthening the immune system of not only the expectant mother but also for the unborn child.
Helps Prevent Cancer
Onions are profuse with organic sulfur compounds that can help prevent cancer of several types particularly colorectal and stomach cancers by fighting the growth of free radicals responsible for causing cancer.
Improves the Health of the Hair and Skin
Onions are a good source of vitamins A, C and E. All these vitamins contribute to keeping the hair and skin healthy. These vitamins also help from premature aging.
Lowers the Risk of Heart Disease
The quercetin flavonoid found in onions helps balance cholesterol levels. The flavonoids and organosulfur present in onions may also prove to be beneficial in lowering the risk of heart diseases in pregnant women.
Promotes Healthy Digestion
Eating raw onions during pregnancy as onions includes dietary fiber which is known to improve digestion. Eating onions during pregnancy can lower the chances of gastric ulcers and improve digestive health, thus providing women relief from constipation. Also, it helps in regulating bowel movement.
Helps Combat Gestational Diabetes
The sulphur compounds and quercetin present in onions can also play a positive role in combating gestational diabetes by controlling the blood sugar levels. Also, prevent insulin resistance and a superfood to fight gestational diabetes.
May Help Improve Sleep
Onions have prebiotics which helps to lower stress and improve sleep. They also consist of folate that can help fight pregnancy depression by preventing the excess formation of homocysteine in the body. Excess of homocysteine can upset the release of feel-good hormones in the body leading to mood swings, stress, and depression.
Helps Manage Blood Pressure
Consuming onions during pregnancy may help in regulating the blood pressure as onions have plenty of phytonutrients that can prevent preeclampsia, hypertension-related complications and preterm labor at bay.
Detoxifies the Body
The presence of heavy metal contents in the body is harmful to both the mother and the unborn baby. Amino acids like cysteine and methionine, present in the onions aid in detoxifying the body.
Keeps Weight Gain in Check
Pregnant women are always worried about piling on those extra pounds. Onions are a must-have during pregnancy as they are low in calories and fat which manage hunger pangs in a healthy way.
Helps Prevent Pregnancy Gingivitis
Hormonal changes during pregnancy make gums more vulnerable to plaque build-up, inflammation, and bleeding. Munch on onions as its antibacterial properties will help to improve oral health during pregnancy.
Cures a Sore Throat
If suffering from a sore throat during pregnancy and want to avoid antibiotics have onion juice to treat the throat infection effectively.
Side Effects of Eating Onion During Pregnancy
Although onions can offer various health benefits to pregnant women, if consumed in excess, they can lead to certain side effects which can be harmful. The following are possible side effects of consuming onion in excess are –
Diarrhea and Heartburn
Consuming onions in large quantities during pregnancy can result in heartburn or even diarrhea sometimes.
Allergic Reaction
Some pregnant women may be intolerant to onions may have an allergic reaction to them on consuming onions in excess. Some women also have breathing problems after eating onions in large quantities.
Nutritional Effects
Onions are a member of the allium family of vegetables which are known for their characteristic taste and pungent aroma. They offer great medicinal value too because of their anti-cholesterol, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer properties. Onions contain quercetin, a plant flavonoid, that may offer protection against flu, common cold, and psoriasis. They are low in calories and packed with useful nutrients like minerals, antioxidants and vitamin C, B6. They are also a good source of iron, calcium, folate, phosphorus, magnesium, and potassium all these nutrients are essential for a pregnant woman. Apart from these, onions also contain folic acid and fiber that facilitate the production of healthy new cells.
Conclusion
Onions are a healthy vegetable and can be included in the pregnancy diet. However, remember to eat them in moderation, not in excess. In case of any concerns regarding allergic reactions, it is always advisable to consult a doctor. Better yet, consult a doctor or nutritionist before including onions in the diet. Have a safe, healthy and happy pregnancy.
References
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6115730/
https://www.momjunction.com/articles/onions-during-pregnancy_00359009/#gref
