THE BENEFITS AND RISKS OF EATING PICKLES DURING PREGNANCY

During pregnancy, women experience a lot of things that affect their lifestyle. They just need to be careful about the food that they should eat and avoid during their pregnancy. Pregnancy brings cravings for different things. Craving for pickles is common among almost every lady. They crave pickles and other tangy things during their pregnancy. But none of them ever wonder what are the benefits and risks of eating pickles and other tangy things during pregnancy and whether it is safe to eat pickles during pregnancy or not. In this blog, we will try to bring you the fact about eating pickles during pregnancy. Let’s Go!

The benefits of eating pickles during pregnancy? 

Almost all women experience cravings for pickles during pregnancy. Although, some women experience this throughout their pregnancy while some experience this only for one/ two trimesters of their pregnancy. All these cravings are normal that change with time. In this case, many women like to eat mango pickles or sometimes mixed veggie pickles. Having different spices and many beneficial agents, consuming pickles in moderation can be beneficial for pregnant women. Here are several ways, in which pickles can be beneficial during pregnancy.

1. Balance electrolyte levels in the body

During pregnancy, a woman’s body needs an extra amount of electrolytes to fulfil the demand of the developing foetus. Sodium and potassium are important electrolytes during pregnancy. Having a sufficient amount of sodium and potassium, a small number of pickles can balance the electrolytes if consumed during pregnancy. 

2. Offers a better digestion

Eating pickles during pregnancy can help to improve digestion and immune function to some extent. Pickles are filled with healthy bacteria that prevent them from getting spoiled. Eating pickles can improve your digestive system by multiplying the good bacteria in your digestive system.

3. Fight free radicals

Pickles are high in antioxidant properties as they are usually uncooked. Uncooked veggies or fruits have been used to prepare pickles to preserve their antioxidants for example- mango pickles and amla pickles. This way, consuming pickles during pregnancy can prevent your body against free radicals.

4. Boost the immune system

Fresh pickled veggies and fruits, for example, Amla pickles and Mango pickles may help you get important vitamins like vitamins A, C, and K, and minerals such as calcium, iron, and potassium. These vitamins are very important for the body of a pregnant woman to strengthen their immune system. Eating a limited quantity of pickles boost your immune system and lowers the risk of diseases during pregnancy.

Why do pregnant women crave pickles during pregnancy?

The reasons that make pregnant women crave pickles during pregnancy can be two i.e Emotional stress and Hormonal changes.

Emotional Stress:- Women experience emotional stress during pregnancy that can make them crave different things such as tangy pickles, ice cream etc.

Hormonal Changes:- Hormones such as oestrogen, change during pregnancy. This change can affect the senses of smell and taste of pregnant women. Whatever they eat, seems to be tasteless to them. Eating tangy things like mango pickles and amla pickles can help them to get their taste senses back during pregnancy. So, Hormonal changes can be the reason women crave pickles during pregnancy.

Eating pickles during pregnancy? Is it safe or not?

Women eat pickles during their pregnancy but never think about the effects of eating pickles. They need to know whether pickles are safe or not for them during their pregnancy.

The answer is that if they eat pickles in moderation during pregnancy, there is nothing to worry about. Pickles such as mango pickle and Ama pickle contains vitamin A, C and K which are essential for the health of pregnant women. Remember that never make pickles part of your pregnancy diet otherwise, it can harm you and the baby in the womb. Eating an excessive amount of pickles can lead to certain health issues. Hence, keep it in moderation and within a limit while consuming pickles during pregnancy. Consulting our dietician will be the best idea for more information about eating and avoiding food during your pregnancy.

What are the risks of eating pickles during pregnancy?

Although there are many benefits of eating pickles during pregnancy, sill there is no shortage of risks. Anything if consumed in an excessive amount can cause harm and so the pickles. The following are the risks that pickles bring to you if eaten in excessive amounts during pregnancy.

Increases the risk of dehydration

Increase the risk of gestational hypertension

Can trigger heartburn

Can increase your cholesterol

This can lead to premature delivery

Can increase sodium levels in your body