During the transformative journey of pregnancy, the significance of maintaining a healthy diet takes on profound importance. The choices made at this juncture have far-reaching implications, influencing not only the immediate health of both mother and baby but also laying the groundwork for a future filled with strength, resilience, and the promise of a thriving life.
In this Blog we will explore the profound importance of eating Amla during pregnancy, delving into the benefits it offers to both mother and child, and the enduring legacy it creates for generations to come.
About Amla
Amla, scientifically known as Phyllanthus emblica, is a fruit commonly referred to as the “Indian gooseberry.” It is a small, greenish-yellow fruit that grows on the amla tree, native to India and the surrounding regions.
Amla holds a special place in traditional Indian medicine, known as Ayurveda, for its numerous health benefits.
How does eating Amla by pregnant women help the new born baby?
Eating amla during pregnancy can provide several potential benefits to both the pregnant woman and her unborn baby.
Here’s how the consumption of amla can be advantageous:
1. Rich in Vitamin C:
Amla is an excellent source of vitamin C, which is essential for the development of your baby’s bones, teeth, and connective tissues. It also helps your body absorb iron from plant-based foods, which can help prevent anemia during pregnancy.
💡 DID YOU KNOW! Amla contains up to 20 times more vitamin C than oranges.
2. Antioxidants:
Amla is packed with antioxidants that can help protect your body from oxidative stress and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
3. Immune Support:
Vitamin C in amla can boost your immune system, which is important during pregnancy when your immune system is naturally suppressed to protect the fetus.
4. Digestive Health:
Amla is known to aid digestion and help alleviate common digestive issues like constipation, which is a common problem during pregnancy.
5. Skin Health:
Some people use amla oil or paste as a natural remedy for skin conditions. Maintaining healthy skin can be important during pregnancy when some women experience skin changes.
6. Folate Content:
Amla also contains folate (vitamin B9), which is essential for fetal neural tube development and can help prevent neural tube defects in the baby.
7. Iron Absorption:
Some studies have examined the ability of amla to enhance the absorption of non-heme iron from plant-based foods. Vitamin C in amla can increase the bioavailability of iron, which is important for preventing iron deficiency anemia.
8. Antimicrobial and Anti-Inflammatory Effects:
Amla has been studied for its potential antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects, which could have implications for various health conditions.
9. Gut Health:
Amla contains dietary fiber, which aids digestion, prevents constipation, and promotes overall gut health. Regular consumption of amla can contribute to meeting your daily fiber requirements.
💡 DID YOU KNOW! A single Amla fruit contains around 4-5 grams of dietary fiber.
10. Other Nutrients:
Amla also contains small amounts of essential minerals like calcium, potassium, and magnesium, as well as B vitamins, such as folate (important during pregnancy), vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid), and vitamin B6 (pyridoxine)
Remember this when Eating Amla:
It’s essential to consume amla in moderation. Eating excessive amounts of amla or any food during pregnancy can have adverse effects. Additionally, some people may experience digestive discomfort when consuming amla in large quantities.
How much quantity of Amla is sufficient for pregnant women’s?
The appropriate quantity of amla (Indian gooseberry) for pregnant women can vary from person to person, depending on individual dietary needs and preferences. However, as a general guideline, consuming one or two fresh amla fruits per day during pregnancy is considered safe and beneficial for most pregnant women. You can consume amla in various ways:
Fresh Amla:
Eating 1 or 2 fresh amla fruits per day is a healthy choice. You can wash them thoroughly, remove the seeds, and consume them as a whole or chop them into smaller pieces to add to salads or yogurt.
Amla Juice:
Freshly squeezed amla juice is another option. Dilute it with water if it’s too strong for your taste. Remember that amla juice can be quite hard/bitter, so adjust the water to your liking.
Amla Supplements:
Some people may opt for amla supplements, such as amla capsules or powders. Fithumarabharat suggest to take Amla naturally.
At the End
Pregnancy is a crucial period, it not only marks the creation of new life but also underscores the profound connection between a mother’s nutritional choices and the well-being of her developing child. Eating healthily, like Amla daily during pregnancy is not merely a recommendation; it is a powerful act of nurturing that shapes the foundation for a lifetime of well-being. As the expectant mother’s body embarks on this remarkable voyage, it becomes a vessel for nourishment, growth, and vitality. In this delicate dance of biology and nutrition, every morsel consumed becomes a building block, a source of energy, and a symbol of love.
Thank You🙏
- Functional and Nutraceutical Significance of Amla (Phyllanthus emblica L.): A Review
- Clinical evaluation of Emblica Officinalis Gatertn (Amla) in healthy human subjects: Health benefits and safety results from a randomized, double-blind, crossover placebo-controlled study
- A comparative clinical study of hypolipidemic efficacy of Amla (Emblica officinalis) with 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme-A reductase inhibitor simvastatin
- Nutrition Recommendations in Pregnancy and Lactation
- Anticancer Properties of Phyllanthus emblica (Indian Gooseberry)
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