Does eating sweet potatoes during pregnancy affect the fetus? What are the precautions for eating sweet potatoes during pregnancy?

Sweet potatoes are a common whole grain food. They are sweet and delicious, can be eaten in a variety of ways, and have high nutritional value. They are loved by people. Many people often eat sweet potatoes, especially children and the elderly. Some pregnant mothers also like to eat them. So, does eating sweet potatoes have any effect on pregnancy? Let's take a closer look!

Can I eat sweet potatoes when I'm pregnant?

You can eat sweet potatoes during pregnancy.

Pregnant women can eat sweet potatoes, but pregnant women with diabetes should eat less. Sweet potatoes are rich in nutrients, such as amino acids, multiple vitamins, etc. They also contain calcium and iron needed by our body, which is also very good for pregnant women.

Sweet potatoes are known as "little ginseng". They have higher nutritional value than ordinary grains, high carbohydrate content, and also contain a certain amount of protein, minerals, vitamins, etc. Pregnant women can also eat sweet potatoes. Not only will it not have an adverse effect on the baby, but it can also promote gastrointestinal motility and relieve constipation.

The lysine contained in sweet potatoes is not found in rice and flour in our daily life. Moreover, cooking sweet potatoes and rice together can also complement each other in nutrition. Pregnant women eating sweet potatoes can promote the absorption and utilization of protein in the body, maintain skin elasticity, prevent stretch marks, and enhance resistance.

How to eat sweet potatoes during pregnancy

Sweet Potato Soup

Sweet potato soup is a better choice, as it is easy to digest. You can cook sweet potato with glutinous rice and red dates to prevent constipation.

Steamed sweet potatoes

Steaming sweet potatoes is also a good choice. Before steaming, you can sun-dry the sweet potatoes for a few days. This way, the steamed sweet potatoes will taste good, soft and sweet. It is best to use a pressure cooker to steam them for a better taste.

Cooking porridge

This is the simplest and most nutritious method. You can cut the sweet potatoes into pieces and cook them together in a pot. This way, the nutrition is richer.

Baked Sweet Potatoes

It is best to bake it in the oven at home. Although there are baked sweet potatoes sold outside, they are definitely not as clean and hygienic as those at home, and the nutrition will be lacking. Pregnant mothers should not be afraid of the trouble, as it will make you feel more at ease eating them this way.

What are the benefits of eating sweet potatoes during pregnancy

1. Improve constipation

Sweet potatoes contain a lot of fiber, which can lubricate the intestines, accelerate gastrointestinal motility, and help defecation. But you can't eat too much, otherwise it will be counterproductive and cause indigestion. Pregnant mothers with high blood sugar should try not to eat sweet potatoes, which will aggravate the condition.

2. Indirect way to maintain your figure

Women all want to have a proud figure, and they will pay attention to maintaining their figure even during pregnancy. Sweet potatoes have a strong sense of fullness, which can make pregnant women feel less hungry, thereby reducing their food intake and helping to maintain their figure. However, sweet potatoes should never be eaten as a meal, and must be eaten with other foods, otherwise a single ingredient can easily lead to malnutrition.

3. Increase immunity and prevent cancer

Studies have shown that some ingredients in sweet potatoes have anti-cancer effects. Daily consumption of sweet potatoes can enhance immunity and reduce the incidence of breast cancer. However, you cannot expect to achieve the effect of strengthening your body by eating sweet potatoes alone, especially pregnant women, who should supplement their nutrition in all aspects and have a balanced diet. There are many ways to eat sweet potatoes. In addition to the common porridge and roasting, you can also steam them, or air-dry them to make sweet potato jerky and eat them as snacks. Pregnant mothers can decide how to eat sweet potatoes according to their own conditions and taste preferences.

What should you pay attention to when eating sweet potatoes during pregnancy

Not suitable to eat more

Sweet potatoes are rich in sugar, so pregnant mothers should not eat too much of them. If they eat too much, it will easily stimulate excessive secretion of gastric acid and cause heartburn and other problems.

In addition, pregnant mothers with poor stomachs should also eat less sweet potatoes to avoid bloating.

Eat cooked sweet potatoes

The starch granules in sweet potatoes need to be subjected to high temperatures to be easily digested by the human body, so it is recommended that pregnant mothers eat cooked sweet potatoes.

Do not eat with persimmons

Pregnant mothers should pay special attention to the fact that sweet potatoes and persimmons cannot be eaten together, as they can easily form stomach stones.