Honey! Are you about to welcome a new life in your life? Well then, let’s discuss on something that can turn out to be beneficial for you.during pregnancy. Honey is one of the most beneficial things to add on in your diet, not just normally, but also during pregnancy. This sweet substance has even sweeter benefits. So, let’s see what are the benefits, side effects, the nutritional values of honey and other things about honey.

Can you eat honey while pregnant?

Well, honey has some side effects linked to it. But the benefits of taking honey during pregnancy are numerous. So, you can easily include honey in your diet after considering some precautions. So, unless your doctor recommends you to completely stay away from honey, you can undoubtedly have it. A tablespoon of honey contains around 60 calories, so even 4-5 tablespoon of honey will work out well for your diet.

Nutritional value of honey

Honey is so rich in nutrients that you will not give it a second thought before including it in your diet.

A cup or 333 gm of honey contains the following nutrients:

And the list continues. All these nutrients in honey can help us stay healthy and strong.

Amazing Health Benefits of Honey During Pregnancy

After having a look at its nutritional value, I’m sure you must have got an idea about the benefits of honey. Here is a list of the same:

Maintains the mother’s immunity

The antibacterial and antioxidant properties of honey play a great role in boosting the immunity of our body. As we know, the immunity of the body decreases during pregnancy, so taking honey can help you built a strong immunity.

It reduces allergic reactions

Allergic reactions are quite common and they can happen in any part of the body. Allergic reactions do not affect the pregnancy directly but the allergy symptoms can lead to irritation. Honey can help to reduce the allergic symptoms.

It improvises appetite during pregnancy

It is very important for mothers to improvise there diet and to make sure that they get all the nutrients in appropriate amount so as to keep up with their health and to make sure the proper development of the baby. As honey has so many nutrients in it, it helps to maintain appetite.

It relieves cold, cough and sore throat

To-be mothers are advised to avoid any kind of medicines, and cough and cold can be really irritating. Honey contains antioxidants and antibacterial agents that can act as a natural medicine to cure cold, cough and sore throat.

It helps to reduce stress during pregnancy

Stress is a very dangerous condition. Women who take stress during pregnancy are exposing the fetus to certain hormones which will make him prone to stress later in his life. Honey is a great help in reducing stress during pregnancy.

It relieves insomnia

Exhaustion during pregnancy is the most unwanted thing. It can be really dangerous for the mother as well as the baby. Taking a glass of warm water with honey can help the pregnant women grab some good sleep.

It cures ulcer

Chronic ulcer can cause nauseated feeling and vomiting. Moreover, it is not a thing that you would appreciate during pregnancy.  Honey is a natural cure for ulcers. It kills the bacteria Helicobacter pylori which causes ulcer.

Reduces morning sickness and nausea during pregnancy

Nausea and vomiting is not a good thing to have frequently during pregnancy as it can lead to loss of appetite and dehydration. The consumption of honey reduces the sensation of nausea caused by the pregnancy hormones. Honey mixed with water or milk works well.

It is very good for bones

The fetus requires calcium for its growth and development. He takes all of it from the mother’s body itself. Honey is rich in certain minerals that are essential for bones especially during pregnancy.

Eases heartburn

It is found that honey has the property of reducing burning sensations in the gutt. During the time of pregnancy, discomfort and heartburn are common due to gastric acids.. Honey taken with a glass of milk can help pregnant women to ease heartburn.

It is a natural energy booster

Honey is rich in calories and in our metabolism healthy amount of calories is a great energy booster. As the fetus grows, the weight on the mother’s body also increases, this leads to unnecessary fatigue. Honey gives enough energy to overcome this exhaustion.

It is rich in antioxidants,  minerals and vitamins

All these are essential for improving the health of pregnant women and improving the immunity system.

Side effects of honey

Honey is considered to be extremely safe for consumption during pregnancy. But there are certain cases when the consumption of honey may not be safe. So, pregnant ladies should get themselves checked for gestational diabetes. Some women develop gestational diabetes during pregnancy, so use of honey at that time may increase their blood sugar levels. Moreover, you may have some kind of allergy during pregnancy due to the consumption of honey. Although these conditions are rare, it can lead to stomach cramps, irritation in the gastrointestinal tract, diarrhoea, bloating and upset stomach. Consumption of pure and branded honey will keep you safe from these problems.

Conclusion

Honey is one of the most beneficial substances that can give you almost all the nutrients. So, if you are not suffering from any kind of problem such as gestational diabetes or allergy from honey, make sure to make it a part of your diet. You must take some precautions such as not mixing hot water with honey(warm water works perfectly), it ruins some nutrients and enzymes; also, never mix honey with curd. Rest assured, if you follow these precautions and then also consult your doctor regarding the same, you will be giving yourself a strong body and good development zone for your baby in the womb. Happy parenting!

References

https://www.parentune.com/parent-blog/benefits-of-eating-honey-during-pregnancy/3758

http://hanchunk.blogspot.com/2015/08/6-benefits-of-honey-for-pregnant-women.html?m=1