Since ages, debates on eating fruits like papaya during pregnancy have been doing the rounds. Now, questions on the potential health benefits and risks related to vegetables such as brinjal (eggplant or aubergine) are being raised by both experts and laymen. Without a doubt, these medical concerns are certainly important to ensure a safe maternity experience.
Being one the best pregnancy hospitals in Mohali, we decided to break down everything around eggplant and pregnancy into titbits.
Is It Safe To Eat Brinjal During Pregnancy?
Till now, there’s not been a simple ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answer to this question. This is because brinjal can provide rich nutrition as well as be a big threat to the well-being of an expectant woman and the fetus. The effects it can have vary from one person to another. In other words, your healthcare provider would need to consider all your past and present medical records along with your dietary requirements, to give you the right advice.
Nutrition For Pregnant Women – Brinjal Benefits Vs Risks
While it’s not easy to say exactly how eggplant affects pregnancy, here are some things to keep in mind, when including it in your diet.
Note: The following recommendations regarding brinjal are general information recognized by almost every pregnancy and gynecology clinic. However, we do not advise you to consider these as replacements for personal medical consultation and treatment.
Health Advantages:
Rich Fiber – Brinjal can be a valuable dietary resource, effectively helping with common pregnancy problems such as constipation. Moreover, it has vitamin K to avoid problems of blood clotting and vitamin C, for boosting the immune system.
Balances High BP – You are more likely to have high blood pressure during pregnancy because of the hormonal changes in your body. Eggplant contains potassium, thiamin, bioflavonoids, and riboflavin, which can help control high blood pressure, ensuring an optimal heart rate.
Boosts The Number of RBCs –
Red blood cells (RBCs) help grow a fetus’s nerves, brain, and muscles. They also make sure both you and your baby have enough iron. Eggplant contains folate, which turns into folic acid, increasing the RBC count.
Keeps Cholesterol In Check –
Eggplants are believed to reduce the “bad” cholesterol, known as low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and increase the “good” cholesterol, called high-density lipoprotein (HDL). This cholesterol control not only helps with your baby’s heart health but also improves your cardiovascular well-being.
If you live in Mohali or nearby, you can easily find the best fertility specialist in Chandigarh to better understand the benefits of eggplant in your case.
Side Effects:
Allergies – Some people can be allergic to brinjal and experience skin rashes, itching, swelling, or digestive issues like stomach pain. Allergies, if not managed properly, can cause risks during pregnancy. If you know you have allergies or if you feel unwell after eating eggplant, seek advice from your doctor.
Indigestion – While expecting a baby, you may go through heartburn or acid reflux. If you already have a weak digestive system, eating eggplant can make you feel more uncomfortable. In this case, you must completely avoid including it in your diet.
Premature Birth – When you’re pregnant and come into contact with toxoplasmosis (the soil in which brinjal grows), it can raise the chances of your baby being born too early. This can cause several problems because your baby’s organs and body systems might not be fully developed yet to survive outside the womb. Always wash eggplants thoroughly and handle them with complete hygiene.
Gestational Diabetes Mellitus – If you have GDM or are at risk, watch how many carbs you eat, including those in eggplant. The glycemic index in it can lead to high levels of sugar in the blood. If you’re struggling with diabetic problems in pregnancy, consult only the certified and the best maternity hospital in Chandigarh and around to receive appropriate treatment.
The Right Way to Have Brinjal During Pregnancy
Now that we know both the upsides and downsides of eggplant let’s dive into the possibilities of making it a part of your diet in a safe and fun way.
Mind These Precautions:
1. Eat in a moderate amount and not so frequently.
2. Buy ones that are small, smooth, and firm with no marks or holes.
3. Wash eggplants under running water and peel off the skins.
4. Soak them in warm salt water before cooking. This can help get rid of any bacteria and pesticides.
5. Cook or roast eggplants properly; don’t eat them raw or overcooked.
Make It Tasty
1. Prepare A Delicious Aloo Sabzi/Bharta – You can make a yummy Aloo Sabzi (potato curry) or Bharta (mashed eggplant) during your pregnancy. These dishes provide you with energy (from potatoes) and vital vitamins (from eggplants).
2. Add It Into Your Sandwich Filling – When you make sandwiches, try adding slices of grilled eggplant. It’s a great way to eat more veggies and make your sandwich more delicious.
3. Top It Over Your Favorite Pasta – You can put grilled or roasted eggplant on your pasta. It adds a different flavor and goes well with tomato or creamy sauces. Plus, it gives you fiber and vitamins.
4. Make A Delightful Mix Veg Soup – Prepare a soup with different veggies, including eggplant. Mixing them will completely level up your overall health.
5. Enjoy It The Barbeque Style – Grilled eggplant gives you vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber. Try grilling eggplant on a barbecue. It’s not only tasty but also healthy. You can use your favorite spices for extra flavor.
The Takeaway
Brinjal is a good source of essential nutrients like fiber, vitamins, and minerals. However, there are also a few health concerns to it. The points mentioned above can help you easily compare its good and bad effects. To sum up, brinjal can be a nutritious addition to your pregnancy diet when consumed sensibly, offering both flavor and essential nutrients. But as mentioned before, you must seek advice from doctors and experts at any best maternity hospital in Mohali (or surrounding cities) to always be sure and safe.
