Chia Seeds During Pregnancy
Chia Seeds are derived from the plant, also known as Salvia hispanica (originally taken from Southern Mexico and Northern Guatemala). These are rich in healthy fatty acids, dietary fiber, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. Alongside the nutritious nutrients, the seeds possess antimicrobial and antioxidant qualities.
In the nine weeks of pregnancy, there is no doubt that you’ll have to adapt your lifestyle to modifications to your life. This includes exercising regularly and eating a healthy diet. In addition to the numerous healthy foods you can consume during pregnancy, you could be wondering if the chia seeds you consume during pregnancy are safe.
Chia seeds were once only available in health stores. These days they appear everywhere, including food trucks and supermarket menus for restaurants and even your Insta feed — and with an excellent reason.
These simple seeds, which are white and black seeds, may weigh just 1 millimeter the diameter but are a superfood brimming with numerous vital nutrients, such as those that are particularly useful during pregnancy.
We are sure you don’t wish to inject anything into your body that could cause harm to the baby you love dearly. While it’s important to be cautious of being cautious, Chia seeds are healthy for pregnant women in the majority of cases.
If you dig deeper and deeper, you’ll have the chance to learn more about the health benefits and security concerns of chia seeds in pregnancy.
Health Benefits of Chia Seeds During Pregnancy
We’re sure you’re caring for your child right from the time they are in the mother’s womb. Let’s take a glance at the ways that chia will benefit you in various ways.
Chia Seeds During Pregnancy Help in Digestion
Constipation is a common pregnancy complication because fluctuating hormones can cause digestive distress. Meanwhile, getting less physical activity and having a low-fiber diet — often because of nausea and vomiting — can contribute to constipation. Chia seeds, rich in fiber, can help prevent or relieve this issue.
Constipation that is caused by pregnancy isn’t unnatural. Consuming foods that are rich in fiber can help make your bowels easy. Studies have shown that the Chia seeds’ fiber content is high. (They contain between 34 g and 40 grams of dietary fiber). Consuming them with other food items can aid in reducing constipation during pregnancy.
Chia Seeds during Pregnancy Help in The Calcium Build-up
Each ounce — about 2 tablespoons — of chia seeds contains 179 milligrams (mg) of calcium. This is almost 18% of a pregnant woman’s recommended dietary allowance (RDA) of calcium, which is about 1,000 mg daily.
Calcium is especially important during pregnancy because it supports the development of the baby’s teeth and bones.
Getting enough calcium may also reduce the risk of preeclampsia, a pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure and liver and kidney damage. Untreated preeclampsia can have severe or fatal outcomes for the mother and child.
It might occur to you that drinking glasses of milk might suffice to meet your calcium requirements. What if you tried mixing Chia seeds in your milk? Mixing them with milk will increase your baby’s and your calcium benefits. Just 1000 mg of calcium is sufficient. It could make you feel stronger and less prone to pre-eclampsia while pregnant and aid with your baby’s teeth and bone development. You’re still comfortable in your baby’s womb.
Chia Seeds In Pregnancy Provide Protein, Calcium, And Iron
A pregnant woman’s nutritional needs are higher than any other woman’s. It is because she has to aid in the growth of her baby. Calcium and protein are crucial during pregnancy because they help develop bone and tissues.
Iron is another essential mineral, as the baby’s and mother’s blood needs rise during this time.
Finding a single food item that meets all of these requirements can be difficult unless you own an assortment of Chia seeds at home.
Chia seed consumption can provide pregnant women with about 15 percent of their protein requirements, three-quarters of all the fiber she requires, and nearly all of their calorie needs in the first trimester.
Chia Seeds in Pregnancy are a Good Source of Omega - 3
Omega-3s are essential fatty acids. This means the body must absorb them from the diet to stay healthy. These fatty acids help fight inflammation, which can benefit the body by staving off heart disease, diabetes, and depression. During pregnancy, omega-3s are particularly important because they support fetal brain development. Evidence suggests that omega-3s also reduce the risk of premature birth. Chia seeds are one of the best plant sources of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a form of omega-3.
However, most clinical investigations into the effects of omega-3s during pregnancy have not focused specifically on ALA but on other forms, such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). The body converts ALA to EPA and DHA, although conversion rates are low, typically less than 15%. Therefore, supplementing the ALA from chia seeds with other omega-3s, such as those in fish- or algae-based supplements, is a good idea.
Chia Seeds in Pregnancy Make You Feel Energized
Healthy fats are essential as you progress through your pregnancy to aid in your baby’s development. Chia seeds are rich in fat and have a fat content that is to help balance your diet.
Chia Seeds During Pregnancy Make You Feel Full For a Long
Chia seeds are a good source of protein and fiber, with each ounce containing 4.7 grams (g) and 9.8 g, respectively. Also, chia seeds absorb a significant amount of water. This absorption, coupled with high protein and fiber content, allows chia seeds to help people feel fuller for longer.
A surge in hormones and nausea can make you hungry when pregnant. Eating too much can make you feel ill; however, it can also be an effective way to gain a few kilograms. Chia seeds can make you feel fuller for a prolonged time.
This is especially important during pregnancy when nausea and hormone fluctuations can cause hunger increases.
Chia Seeds in Pregnancy Provide Other Nutrients and Antioxidants
Chia seeds are a rich source of several nutrients, some of which function as antioxidants. Antioxidants may have several benefits, including reducing cancer risk and premature aging. During pregnancy, antioxidants may also help prevent adverse outcomes.
Research indicates, for example, that deficiencies in chia seeds’ antioxidants, such as zinc, selenium, and manganese, can increase the risk of preeclampsia and fetal growth restriction. These deficiencies can also increase the risk of diseases in adulthood, including diabetes and heart disease.
Eating chia seeds and other antioxidant-rich foods may reduce these risks. Other nutrients in chia seeds, such as magnesium, are also beneficial during pregnancy. Consuming enough magnesium may, for example, protect the baby from developing eczema, an itchy and painful skin condition.
Each ounce (about 2 tablespoons) of chia seeds contains:
- 95 mg of magnesium (approximately 27% of the RDA during pregnancy)
- 0.8 mg of manganese (approximately 39% of the adequate intake during pregnancy)
- 15.6 micrograms of selenium (26% of the RDA during pregnancy)
- 1.3 mg of zinc (approximately 12% of the RDA during pregnancy)
Chia seeds can also replenish nutrients and help keep the mother and child health. They also decrease the absorption of sugar, which could cause rises in blood sugar which is connected to preeclampsia and high birth weight.