Health benefits of leek during pregnancy
Leeks are very rich in vitamins and mineral, this makes it a healthy choice for expecting mothers and the growing fetus.
Health benefits of leeks
Prevent anemia during pregnancy
In 200 grams of leeks, there is 14 milligrams of iron. Iron is essential for the production of red blood cell.
During pregnancy, many expecting women suffers from anemia due to a greater demand of blood to support the growing fetus. Leeks, which are rich in iron, can therefore help to prevent anemia.
A good source of folate (folic acid)
Leeks are a good source of folate. Folate is a vitamin that can help prevent birth defects in the newborn. It is therefore important for pregnant women to have sufficient folic acid in the diet.
In one serving of leeks of 200 grams, there is about 152 micrograms of folic acid. This is about 25% of the recommended daily intake of folic acid for pregnant women.
Improve Immune System
During pregnancy, immune system of the expecting mother is relatively weak. Sulfur compounds, vitamin C presented in leeks can help to boost immune system of the expecting mothers and help to protect pregnant women from attacks by free radicals. This in turn prevents the infections such as cold and flu.
Healthy heart
Leeks are rich in potassium and manganese. Potassium helps to regulate the blood pressure by reducing tension in the blood vessels. Manganese helps to maintain good cholesterol in the body. These two act together can help to prevent heart related diseases.
Maintain Bone Strength
Leeks are a good source of vitamin K. Vitamin K is important for maintaining the long-term bone health. Vitamin K prevents the bone demineralization. It also assists with the production of the bone protein called osteocalcin, which is essential for maintaining bone mineral density to prevent various diseases of the bone.
Vitamin K is also needed for proper-blood clot formation.
Manganese in leeks helps support normal skeletal development in the baby.
Rich in calcium
In 200 grams of leeks, there is 62 milligrams of calcium.
Calcium is needed for the healthy bone development of both mothers and the growing fetus.
Calcium also aids in fighting some common complaints during pregnancy like insomnia, back and leg
Other minerals and vitamins
Other minerals and vitamins that are present in leeks include vitamin A, E, B1, B2, Niacin, panthothenic acid, magnesium, phosphorus, copper and zinc.
Precaution of eating leeks during pregnancy
Leeks are a safe and healthy vegetable during pregnancy. However, it is essential that pregnant women wash leeks thoroughly prior to eating them. Unwashed leeks may contain harmful bacteria and parasites that can cause food-borne diseases such as toxoplasmosis and listeriosis.
In conclusion, leeks are packed with minerals and vitamins which offer many health benefits to the pregnant women and the growing fetus.
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