Since pregnant ladies should follow a nutritious, balanced diet to support a healthy pregnancy, they are advised to avoid some foods. What about onions? Is it safe to eat onions while pregnant? This is one of the common questions of pregnant women to their doctors as onions are widely used in different recipes.
This article on Hipregnancy will answer the above question and other points regarding the consumption of onions while pregnant.
Follow this article to the end to learn more about onions and their pregnancy safety.
Can I eat onions while pregnant?
Asking about the safety of onions when pregnant is common among pregnant women as most feel nauseous when they eat onion or go anywhere near an onion due to its strong smell. The good news is that you can eat onions while pregnant, whether raw or cooked, but you should have them in moderation to prevent any possible risks.
Onions contain the essential nutrients you need to support a healthy pregnancy. So, if you consume moderate amounts of onions when pregnant, they provide with several health benefits, like boosting your immune system.
Keep reading to learn more about the nutritional profile of onions in the following section.
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Nutritional value of onions
Onion is a member of the allium family of vegetables. Onions are loaded with vitamin C, vitamin B6, manganese, folate, potassium, iron, calcium, phosphorus, and fiber. They also have remarkable anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cholesterol properties, making them a great pregnancy choice.
Consuming onions while pregnant can protect you from many diseases, resulting in a healthy pregnancy and giving birth to a healthier baby. Here is nutritional data for a medium-sized raw onion provided by USDA;
- 44 calories
- 10.3 g carbs
- 1.2 g protein
- 0.1 g fat
Let’s continue to see the health benefits of consuming onions in pregnant women.
[ 1: mylofamily ]
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Benefits of onions while pregnant
The followings are some health benefits of eating onions when pregnant, including;
- Boosting immunity
Pregnant ladies have weaker immune systems than other ladies; because of that, they are more likely to get sick and their recovery takes longer. Therefore, they should eat foods that can boost their immunity. Onions are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants and can boost immunity while pregnant.
- Regulating blood pressure
Eating onions while pregnant can regulate blood pressure and lower the chance of preeclampsia in pregnant women. Moreover, it can reduce the risk of gestational hypertension and preterm labor.
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- Curing a sore throat
Onion juice with a dash of honey is a great option to treat sore throat during pregnancy, especially for those who don’t want to take antibiotics. Consult your doctor to know whether you should take antibiotics or eat onions, as severe cases might need medications to treat.
- Fighting gestational diabetes
Consuming onions during pregnancy can help stabilize blood sugar and lower the chance of gestational diabetes as they contain chromium. If you are dealing with high blood sugar during pregnancy, eating onion while pregnant can help you control it better.
- Curing constipation
Onions are packed with high amounts of fiber which can regulate your bowel movement. Eating onions during pregnancy third trimester is a good way to help you minimize the risk of constipation or cure it.
- Keeping weight gain in check
Consuming onions while pregnant is recommended if you worry about extra weight gain during pregnancy and like to keep your weight normal. Onions are low in fat and calories and help you gain a healthy weight during pregnancy.
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Pickled onions while pregnant
You may wonder whether it is safe to eat pickled onions when pregnant. Here is good news for you if you are a fan of pickled onions.
According to research, pregnant ladies can enjoy pickled onions, but they should opt for pasteurized ones and have them in moderation. Pickled onions are commonly used as a topping for salads and burgers. So, if you want such foods, check the safety of other ingredients besides pickled onions.
Moreover, consulting your healthcare provider to determine how much to eat pickled onions while pregnant is recommended, as having too much of it should be avoided to prevent possible side effects.
Onions in pregnancy side effects
Although onions provide several health benefits to pregnant women, they might cause some side effects if eaten excessively. The followings are common onion during pregnancy side effects, including;
- Allergic reaction
- Breathing issue
- Heartburn
- Diarrhea
You may develop any of the above side effects if you consume onions in excess. Hipregnancy recommends eating moderate amounts of onions while pregnant to improve your health and the developing baby’s health.
Craving onions while pregnant, boy or girl
Food cravings are common among pregnant ladies; one is craving onions. You may wonder whether it can help you determine your unborn baby’s gender. While no scientific evidence proves this idea, there is an old wives’ tale about it.
According to the old wives’ tale, craving raw onions can be a sign of giving birth to a baby girl, and craving pickled onions can show that you will give birth to a baby boy. As we said, no scientific evidence supports these ideas, and the most accurate way to determine the baby’s sex is an ultrasound.
Conclusion
Onions are good sources of nutrients to support a healthy pregnancy and improve a fetus’s growth. Consuming onions while pregnant provides several health benefits like reducing the chance of cancers, boosting immunity, regulating blood pressure, etc. However, having too much of them can cause diarrhea, heartburn, and allergic reactions.
This article on Hipregnancy covered the top points pregnant ladies need to know regarding onion consumption. Hope you enjoyed it.
If any questions about onions and pregnancy still need to be answered, share them with us via comment.
The Hipregnancy team is always here to help you!