SUPER FOODS FOR A SUPER MUM OR MUM TO BE
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There are so many changes that occur to your body during pregnancy and one of them is your digestion. Some women have an increased appetite, others a diminished one and others find it difficult to eat at all, especially in the first three months due to morning sickness. Eating for two can be a tricky business but when you know what food packs a good punch with nutrition, you're more than half way there. So not matter if you're preparing to conceive, are pregnant or are a mum, this food is for you!
Spinach - known for its flavoursome dark green leaves, this vegetable has plenty of fibre and iron as well as Vitamins A, B complexes, C, E, K, calcium, zinc and folic acid. Fibre is needed to lessen the incidence of constipation during pregnancy. Your body naturally slows down the movement of food through the intestines to allow the most absorption of nutrients for your baby, so you will need a good quantity of fibre to ensure everything flows smoothly through your gastro intestinal tract. Iron deficiency is linked to maternal anameia resulting in an increased risk of premature labour and postpartum haemorrhage, so ensuring you have sufficient is important. Energetically Spinach is sweet and cool in nature and enters the Large Intestine and Stomach energy channels helping to moisten dryness and nourish blood.
Broccoli - ah the little dark trees of goodness that brighten up anyone's vege selection. It tastes great on its own, or in stews or stir fries. When it's steamed it provides much needed Folic Acid to reduce the risk of Spina Bifida. It also contains vitamin A, B Complexes, C, E, K, iron and calcium. It is rich in fibre, as well as containing an abundance of antioxidants (which prevent free radical damage to your cells), carotenoids and weight loss regulators. Energetically broccoli is sweet, slightly bitter and cool. It enters the Spleen, Stomach and Bladder energy channels and helps to clear inflammation and pain as well as brightening your eyes.
Broad Beans - These are the flavour of spring. They contain fibre, protein and are great blood sugar regulators. Protein is important during pregnancy as it forms the structural material of muscles, tissues and organs. It is also important for regulating the function of enzymes and hormones. Proteins are made up of amino acid chains. When consuming vegetable protein, it is necessary to combine it with eating grains in the ratio of two parts grain (wheat, rice, barley, rye, oats, millet, corn) to one part beans (or lentils or peas). Adding nuts and seeds will also increase the range of amino acids available. These foods do not have to be combined in the same meal but need to be consumed within the same day. Energetically, broad beans are sweet and so they support the digestive system. They help to reduce swelling and ease diarrhea.
All of these foods are great to eat during pregnancy in Spring because they are green and Spring time is associated with the colour green in Chinese Medicine, as well as the organs and energy channels of the Liver and Gall Bladder. The Liver is responsible for the free flow of energy throughout the body, the harmony of digestion, emotions, menstruation and pregnancy. The Gall Bladder aids the liver in digestion and also helps the body make decisions. A woman with a lot of "gall" is said to have a strong Gall Bladder and lots of courage. These green veges get the thumbs up for packing the punch on nutrition so eat up!
