Should women have cucumber during pregnancy?

 

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A post shared by Mona Narula | Child Nutrionist | Food Psychologist (@kidzapzoe)

According to her, the high water content of cucumber keeps one hydrated and removes toxins from the body. “Cucumbers also contain a variety of micronutrients including vitamin C, vitamin K, B vitamins and other minerals like potassium, calcium, iron, zinc which are important for healthy growth and development of the foetus,” she shared.

She also listed three “excellent benefits of consuming cucumbers during pregnancy”

*Cucumber is rich in B vitamins, known as feel good vitamins as they ease anxiety, reduce stress and improve mood.

*The electrolytes present in cucumbers can help regulate blood pressure levels during pregnancy

*Being a diuretic, cucumber helps reduce sodium levels and maintains fluid balance which in turn stabilises blood pressure levels.

While stressing that cucumbers are usually not part of any pregnancy diet, Dr Shobha Gupta, medical director and IVF specialist, Mother’s Lap IVF Centre, New Delhi and Vrindavan mentioned that there is “nothing wrong if you have a little bit of it”. “Consuming cucumbers come with some side-effects like frequent urination due to ample salt and water content, allergic reaction, indigestion, and belching. But keeping side-effects aside, there are plenty of health benefits that you can’t ignore, especially during pregnancy,” said Dr Gupta.

Cucumbers contain plenty of health benefits (Source: Getty Images/Thinkstock)

She also added that as cucumbers are high in water, they aid in “preventing pregnancy-related dehydration”. “Cucumber has a lot of fibre; constipation and haemorrhoids, which are frequent problems during pregnancy, are less likely as a result. Vitamin B, also referred to as the ‘feel-good’ vitamin, is abundant in cucumbers. When you are in a good mood, your baby grows more healthy. Moreover, cucumbers are known to lower blood sugar levels, and their sodium and mineral content can help control blood pressure,” said Dr Gupta.

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