8 types of healthy snacks that are delicious for pregnant women

There are a variety of healthy snacks for pregnant women (pregnant women) that can be an option. It's just, pregnant women are advised to pay more attention to the nutritional content of each snack, so that the snacks consumed are not only filling, but also healthy. Snacks high in fat and sugar, such as ice cream, cakes, biscuits, cream, oil, butter, and soft drinks are tempting. However, this type of snack should be limited, because it does not contain the nutrients needed during pregnancy. For that, pregnant women are recommended to choose healthy snacks.

Healthy snack for pregnant women

Healthy snacks for pregnant women must contain various kinds of nutrients the body needs, such as protein, calcium, iron, folic acid, and various types of vitamins. Some healthy snacks that can be selected include:

• Yogurt

The calcium content in yogurt is good for healthy bones and pregnant teeth, and the fetus is in the womb. In yogurt also contains prebiotics, which are good bacteria for digestive health. The content of prebiotics in yogurt can suppress the growth of bacteria that cause infection so that the risk of preterm labor, the risk of infection during pregnancy, eczema and allergies in infants can be reduced. As a snack, pregnant women can eat plain yogurt with a mixture of nuts, raisins, and fresh fruit. Yogurt can also be used as smoothies. The way is to mix yogurt with fruit juice, or vegetables such as spinach and celery.

• Chocolate

Chocolate consumption during pregnancy can benefit the health of the blood vessels of pregnant women, so it is believed to help reduce the risk of high blood pressure and preeclampsia. Although it brings benefits, pregnant women are not recommended to consume too much chocolate. We recommend choosing dark chocolate or dark chocolate, compared to milk chocolate which contains a lot of sugar.

• Avocado

To meet the needs of folic acid, pregnant women can consume avocados as a snack. The natural folate content found in avocados is quite high, so as to minimize the risk of birth defects in the brain and spinal cord. In addition to the folate content which is quite high, avocados also contain healthy fats that are useful to support the development of the fetal brain. To be able to obtain these benefits, pregnant women can consume avocados directly. Avocados can also be served as a substitute for butter on toast or sandwich.

• Orange juice

The content of folic acid and potassium contained in orange juice is useful for preventing abnormalities in the fetus, maintaining muscle function, and metabolism of pregnant women. Vitamin C in orange juice is also useful in preventing colds, increasing absorption of iron, and maintaining healthy bones and teeth of pregnant women, and fetuses in the womb. In addition to orange juice, other fruit juices that can be an option include mangoes, strawberries and tomatoes. Make sure not to add a lot of sugar and milk when making juice.

• Sweet Potato

The nutritional content of sweet potatoes includes B vitamins, vitamin C, iron, potassium, mineral copper (copper), and beta carotene which are then converted into vitamin A in the body. In the fetus in the womb, vitamin A is very important for the formation of eyes, bones and skin. Sweet potatoes can be cooked as mashed potatoes, roasted, or fried.

• Oatmeal

The high complex carbohydrates and fiber in oatmeal makes it count as one of the super foods for during pregnancy. Not only that, in oatmeal also contains magnesium and zinc minerals which are quite high. The magnesium content in oatmeal carries a variety of benefits in immune function, muscles and nerves. Meanwhile, the zinc content in oatmeal is beneficial in supporting cell growth and DNA formation in the fetus.

• Edamame beans

Edamame nuts are rich in B vitamins, including folic acid. Edamame also contains various minerals that the body needs such as iron, copper, zinc, and magnesium. To enjoy edamame beans as a snack, pregnant women can boil edamame beans and sprinkle a little salt.

• Popcorn

Popcorn is a high-fiber snack that can help relieve constipation experienced by pregnant women. However, avoid making popcorn with butter or salt in excess.

Likely during pregnancy, pregnant women will feel more hungry. However, that does not mean pregnant women have to eat for two people. The recommended diet during pregnancy, which is eating a healthy breakfast every morning. It is important to pay attention to the nutritional content of food consumed, so that it can support fetal development. Pregnant women can consult a healthy diet with a gynecologist or nutritionist.