Honey contains antioxidants, vitamins and many important minerals, which can help in boosting energy and strengthening immunity.
During pregnancy, women need to be especially conscious about their eating habits. Even small carelessness towards eating habits can affect both the child and the mother. Often women have this question in their mind, can honey be eaten during pregnancy? Consuming honey during pregnancy is generally safe, but it is very important to be careful about the quantity and method of consumption. Honey contains antioxidants, vitamins and many important minerals, which can help in boosting energy and strengthening immunity (benefits of honey in pregnancy).
Dr. Poonam Aggarwal, Unit Head and Senior Consultant, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shri Balaji Action Medical Institute Delhi has explained the benefits of eating honey during pregnancy. However, he has asked to pay special attention to the quantity and method of consumption (benefits of honey in pregnancy).
Know the benefits of eating honey during pregnancy (benefits of honey in pregnancy)
1. Boosts immunity
You need a strong immune system to avoid any disease-causing agents during pregnancy, as any major irritant can adversely affect your baby. The antioxidant and anti-bacterial properties of honey help boost the immune system and fight infections. Thus it can prove beneficial for women.
2. Honey reduces swelling
Honey has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help in reducing inflammation in the body. Sore throat and cough in pregnant women bother them a lot. If honey is taken with ginger or lemon tea, it has a soothing effect on the throat due to its anti-inflammatory properties. It is traditionally known to provide relief from cough and help in recovery from sore throat.
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3. Helps fight cold
The anti-viral and immunity boosting properties of honey help in providing relief from cold and flu. Pregnant women can consume honey in various forms to avoid flu.
4. Helps prevent allergies
Some local varieties of honey are known to improve allergy resistance. Regular consumption of honey helps the body build immunity against antigens that may act during pregnancy. However, if you are allergic to pollen, you should consult your doctor before consuming honey.
Know what amount of honey is safe during pregnancy
However, always use pure and branded honey, as adulterated honey can cause harm to pregnant women. Consuming one to two teaspoons of honey a day is sufficient. Because consuming honey in excessive amounts can increase blood sugar and can lead to the risk of diabetes during pregnancy.
Honey contains fructose, glucose and maltose, so just one teaspoon of it contains about 60 calories. Calorie intake from simple sugars during pregnancy should not exceed 10 percent of the total calorie requirement per day, which would be approximately 1800 to 2400 calories. Therefore, 2 teaspoons will suffice.
Know the right way to eat honey during pregnancy
It is beneficial to take honey mixed with cold or lukewarm water and milk, but avoid consuming it with hot water or hot milk, as it can increase body heat. If you are allergic to honey, do not consume it and if allergy symptoms like itching, swelling or difficulty in breathing occur, contact a doctor immediately.
However, if your doctor has recommended a sugar-free diet, or you have gestational diabetes, avoid honey altogether. Overall, consumption of honey is safe and beneficial during pregnancy only when it is taken in limited quantities and as per the doctor’s advice.
Also read: Eating roasted ginger will solve many health problems, know the benefits it provides to the body.
