Various efforts and efforts will certainly be carried out spontaneously and naturally by a pregnant woman to keep her pregnancy condition in good condition, even in terms of the health of the mother and the fetus as well as the condition of fetal development at each gestational age.
This is done by every pregnant woman because by taking care of this condition, pregnancy problems will not occur so that the fetus can be born safely, perfectly, and in a healthy condition.
Pregnant women must really prepare for their pregnancy well because of the many harmful effects both from the environment and from within the body of pregnant women that can cause unwanted pregnancy disorders to occur in their pregnancy.
Various efforts are made by pregnant women in the process of maintaining their pregnancy conditions to avoid various kinds of activities and various bad influences, adequate rest, regular consultations with obstetricians and midwives, and most importantly maintaining nutrition and food intake that should be more taken seriously than before pregnancy like consuming benefits of cashew milk for example.
Regarding the food consumed by pregnant women, to fulfil the amount of needed nutrition intake, pregnant women should also prioritize healthy food for pregnant women and stay away from several types of foods that are dangerous for them according to their gestational age.
Of course, most of you would know a name of a vegetable that’s mostly used for salads. Yes, Cabbages. The shape of this vegetable is indeed less attractive, the taste is often considered bland and less appetizing. But, did you know that cabbage for pregnant women is highly recommended?
Naturally, however, when pregnant, women would want to provide the best nutrition for fetal growth and it is not surprising that finally various questions arise regarding what foods that are needed to be consumed. Many would feel very confused when choosing something that’s healthy for both them and their babies, like benefits of eating dried raisins.
Before discussing the benefits of cabbage for pregnant women, let’s first find out what nutrients are contained in cabbage. In fact, this leafy ball is indeed rich in nutrients needed by the body that is also helpful for women during the period of pregnancy.
You know, a cup of cabbage is high in essential nutrients, and in fact, one serving of cabbage that contains calcium can help the growth or form of strong baby’s bones, and at the same time prevent anemia in pregnant women.
1. Rich with Folate Acid
Unlike benefits of macadamia milk, cabbage is a rich source of folic acid, and folic acid is what builds fetal DNA. Therefore, cabbage can help protect the baby from congenital abnormalities such as neural tube birth defects.
Folic acid is a synthetic form of folate or vitamin B9 and the recommended amount of folic acid intake for pregnant women is around 600 micrograms (mcg) per day. For pregnant women who have given birth to a baby with neural tube defects, daily intake of folic acid needs to be increased by as much as 4,000 mcg.
Adequate daily intake of folic acid before and during pregnancy is also believed to be able to prevent miscarriage which is the loss of pregnancy or fetal death at a relatively young gestational age, which is less than 20 weeks. Apart from miscarriage, folic acid is also believed to reduce the risk of several other pregnancy disorders, such as premature birth and impaired fetal growth in the womb.
2. Relieves Constipation
Constipation is one of many troublesome body malfunctions that could also happen in pregnant women, and in fact, it is something that often happens. The increase in the hormone progesterone that occurs in pregnant women could be one possible cause and it can be prevented by increasing the intake of fiber, water, and exercising.
The hormone progesterone, which increases during pregnancy, has the effect of relaxing smooth muscles throughout the body, including in the digestive tract. Thus, the intestines will move more slowly and absorb more water and this is what causes constipation. In addition, an enlarged uterus and pressing on the intestines, a low-fiber diet, and consumption of blood-boosting drugs also contribute to constipation in pregnant women and if left untreated, this constipation can also cause stomach acid to rise and hemorrhoids over time.
Luckily, like benefits of cucumber juice, cabbage is also very high in fiber. Fiber is considered effective in preventing or relieving constipation because it has two benefits, for accelerating the work of the digestive system and making stools softer. Make sure you are consuming 25-30 grams of fiber per day or a plate of cabbage everyday.
3. Contains A Lot of Vitamin C
During pregnancy, pregnant women need vitamin C intake to maintain the health condition of themselves and the fetus. However, the dose of vitamin C that is consumed must be in accordance with the nutritional adequacy rate for maximum benefits and not cause health problems.
Vitamin C or ascorbic acid is a type of vitamin that dissolves in water. This vitamin cannot be produced by the body, but can be obtained by eating vegetables and fruits that contain vitamin C such as benefits of lime juice and cabbage. This vitamin also needs to be consumed every day because it cannot be stored in the body properly.
4. Prevents Cancer and Heart Attack
Cabbage contains anti-cancer agents called anthocyanins. Regular consumption of these vegetables can help you prevent and fight cancer and other dangerous diseases.
Anthocyanins, like other flavonoid compounds, have antioxidant properties that are very beneficial for the health of the body. As antioxidant molecules, anthocyanins can control excess free radicals to reduce the risk of certain diseases.