New Delhi: You are pregnant? If so, chances are you have a very strong relationship with food. Either you love it or you hate it.
Craving for a certain food is normal and pickles, being easy to taste, go well with any type of food you eat. Pickles are salty and spicy and have a crunchy texture that many expectant mothers like.
Why do pickle cravings happen?
There are many myths associated with pickle cravings in different cultures that have been passed down through generations. Women want to eat spicy, flavorful pickles at any time of the day or night.
However, research indicates many other potential causes of cravings, which include:
hormones
According to experts, during pregnancy, each trimester comes with violent changes in hormones, when both estrogen and progesterone face a huge increase. This also explains the reasons behind morning sickness, nausea and drowsiness in the first trimester.
Many health experts also speculate that the sensory changes that occur due to changes in hormones are meant to protect you from potentially toxic foods.
nutritional deficiencies
Nutrition plays an important role during pregnancy. As the body grows, it needs all the vitamins and minerals essential for the safe and healthy development of the fetus. In addition, to balance hormones, a woman’s body also needs zinc, folic acid, iodine and proteins.
In addition to pickles, many women also crave junk food like hamburgers, ice cream, chocolates and colas.
Effects of eating pickles during pregnancy
Eating pickles, especially when you’re expecting, has both positive and negative side effects, some of which include:
little nutritional value
Pickles, especially those made in India, are high in salt and oil, which are used to preserve food. Also, they don’t have much nutritional value as the spices and oil outweigh the nutrition.
high sodium content
Pickles are more attractive as they are rich in salt and brine. In the west, pickles are mostly made with salt, sugar, and vinegar to preserve the main contents.
According to doctors, excess sodium causes water retention and increases the risk of high blood pressure during pregnancy.
Increases vitamin intake
Eating pickles also adds vitamins to the nutrition you need, especially during pregnancy. Pickles made from lemon, dill, carrots add a huge amount of vitamins C and K, which are essential during pregnancy. They help in building strong bones and blood clotting, as well as helping in the growth of the baby’s tissues.
Disclaimer: The tips and hints mentioned in the article are for general information purposes only and should not be construed as professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or nutritionist before starting any fitness program or making any changes to your diet.