Is Sweet Potato Safe for Pregnancy?

Sweet potatoes are packed with essential nutrients required by women during pregnancy. They are swamped with potassium, magnesium, fibre, calcium, etc. Let us take a closer look at the nutritional value of 200 grams of cooked sweet potato.

Also Read: Health Benefits of Sweet Potato

Yes, sweet potatoes are considered safe to consume during pregnancy. They contain various nutrients that are essential for mother and foetus health. One such nutrient is iron, which helps maintain the haemoglobin level in mothers and their unborn children.

Furthermore, the beta carotene in sweet potatoes helps with foetal development. Additionally, vitamin B and folate in sweet potatoes help prevent congenital disabilities.

Sweet potatoes and female fertility are linked. Due to its high nutrients, it is one of the best foods to eat during pregnancy. Some of the common benefits of consuming sweet potatoes during pregnancy's first trimester are:

Sweet Potato Helps Growth of Foetus

One significant benefit of sweet potatoes for conceiving is that they help in foetal growth. They are swamped with vitamin A, which is essential for foetal development. These nutrients help in the development of organs like the lungs, liver, kidneys, hearts and more.

According to the source, pregnant women need to intake 800 micrograms of vitamin A for the betterment of their health. This daily intake can be easily found in half a cup of baked sweet potato.

Sweet Potatoes Assist in Brain Development

Another benefit of eating sweet potatoes during pregnancy's first trimester is that they help develop the foetus's brain. Pyridoxine is needed for cognitive functioning and brain development, as it ensures the proper functioning of the brain.

Vitamin B6 or pyridoxine also helps produce blood and prevent nausea in pregnant women. Around a cup of baked potatoes contains around 1/3rd of the daily intake of pyridoxine.

Sweet Potatoes Helps in Bone Development

Bone development of the foetus is also essential during pregnancy. According to research, a pregnant woman should include 90 mg of vitamin C. A cup of baked sweet potato contains around 1/3rd of vitamin C, which is important for bone development.

Vitamin C assists in bone growth, tendon growth, enzyme activity and skin development. It also speeds up the absorption of iron, which helps in the production of iron. Sweet potatoes also contain manganese, which helps in the development of cartilage and bones.

Sweet Potatoes Prevent Constipation

Another sweet potato benefit for females is that it helps prevent constipation, a common problem among pregnant women. Sweet potatoes are high in fibre, which aids in improving digestive health.

Studies have shown that a pregnant woman should consume at least 30 grams of fibre daily. A cup of baked sweet potato contains around 1/3rd of the daily fibre intake. Regular intake of sweet potatoes ensures proper bowel movement.

Sweet Potato in Gestational Diabetes

Another benefit of sweet potato in pregnancy’s third trimester is that it helps treat gestational diabetes. Most of the women who are expecting suffer from gestational diabetes. During this time, controlling blood sugar levels is crucial.

Having food that has a low glycemic index is crucial. Sweet potatoes are fruits that have a lower glycemic index, which ranges between 44 to 60, which means sugar enters the bloodstream slowly. Due to this, it lowers the chances of developing gestational diabetes.

Sweet Potatoes Helps in Preventing Hypertension

Hypertension is one of the main causes of heart disease. During pregnancy, the blood volume is expected to increase by 50%, which disturbs the electrolytic balance and blood pressure is elevated in pregnant women.

Sweet potatoes are high in magnesium and potassium, which help lower blood pressure. Consuming heart-friendly food like sweet potatoes helps prevent the chance of heart ailments like stroke, attack and more.

Sweet potatoes are versatile and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Whether you prefer them baked, in a curry or as a healthy snack, there are sweet potato recipes to suit your taste. Here are some delicious and nutritious sweet potato recipes to try at home:**

Cinnamon-flavoured Baked Sweet Potato

Ingredients

• 400 grams of chopped cube-shaped sweet potato

• 2 tablespoons of maple syrup

• 1 tablespoon of brown sugar

• 1 tablespoon of cinnamon powder

• 2 tablespoons of butter

How to Prepare

Step 1: In a saucepan, boil the sweet potatoes and keep them aside.

Step 2: Next, add boiling water, sugar, cinnamon powder and maple syrup to another pan. Add butter and stir the mixture continuously.

Step 3: Next, add the boiled potatoes to the liquid and cook it for 5 to 10 minutes until the mixture is dry.

Step 4: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and bake the dish for about 35 to 40 minutes.

Mashed Sweet Potato with Sour Cream

Ingredients

• 400 grams of boiled sweet potatoes

• 1 tablespoon of butter

• 2 tablespoons of sour cream

• Chopped coriander leaves

• 1 chopped tomato

• 1 chopped capsicum

• 1 chopped green chilli

• 2 tablespoons of olive oil

• 1 teaspoon of coriander powder

• 1 teaspoon of cumin powder

• 1 teaspoon of turmeric

• Salt and black pepper (s required)

How to Prepare

Step 1: In a bowl, mash the boiled sweet potatoes. There should be no chunks in it.

Step 2: Next, in a pan, heat the oil and then add onions.

Step 3: Add chilli, tomatoes and capsicum and stir all the ingredients well.

Step 4: After mixing it well, add the spices and salt and let it cook for 2 minutes.

Step 5: Next, add the mashed potatoes and let them cook for 15 to 20 minutes.

Step 6: After that, add the butter and sour cream and stir it well for 5 to 6 minutes.

Step 7: Garnish it with chopped coriander leaves and then serve it.

Sweet Potato Dessert

Ingredients

• 3 cups of washed and peeled sweet potatoes

• 1 cup of granulated sugar or sugar alternative

• 1 cup of milk

• 3 teaspoons of clarified butter

• 1 teaspoon of cardamom powder

• 2 tablespoons of dry fruits

• 5 to 6 saffron strands

How to Prepare

Step 1: Boil the sweet potatoes and then mash them gently.

Step 2: Next, heat oil in a pan and then add clarified butter.

Step 3: Add the mashed sweet potatoes to a pan and stir it well. Also, add cardamom powder and cook for 5 to 6 minutes.

Step 4: Once the potatoes are light brown, pour in milk and close the lid. Let it cook for 10 to 15 minutes.

Step 5: Next, add dry fruits and saffron and cook it for 10 minutes more on low flame.

Step 6: Stir the mixture occasionally so that it does not get stuck to the bottom.

Step 7: Switch off the flame and let it cool.

Step 8: Garnish it with grated dry fruits and serve.

Consumption of sweet potatoes in moderation does not impose any risk on pregnant women. However, if it is consumed in excessive quantity, it may impose certain health risks such as:

Sweet Potatoes May Cause Kidney Stones

One of the main side effects of consuming too much sweet potatoes is it can cause kidney stones. A sweet potato is high in oxalate content, which is the key ingredient in the formation of kidney stones.

Kidney stones can cause severe pain and other gallbladder issues which require immediate medical care attention. This can cause difficulty for pregnant women.

Sweet Potatoes May Impact Blood Sugar Level

Sweet potatoes are high in starch content, which may cause a spike in blood sugar levels. Due to this, it can create problems for pregnant women who have gestational diabetes.

Further, women who are overweight may also face some serious health problems from eating sweet potatoes.

Sweet Potatoes May Cause Stomach Discomfort

Another disadvantage of consuming too much sweet potato during pregnancy in the first trimester is stomach discomfort.

It is packed with a special type of sugar called Mannitol, which may cause stomach aches, diarrhoea and other issues if consumed in excessive quantities.

Incorporating healthy food choices like sweet potatoes into a pregnancy diet is suitable for both the mother and foetus. However, pregnancy can also be a financially challenging event in a couple's lives.

It can bring additional hospitalisation expenses, which can be mentally and emotionally taxing for parents. Considering such a situation, having a health insurance policy is also crucial for couples.

Medical insurance offers top-notch coverage to you and your family during unexpected medical emergencies. Whether it is a planned medical expense like pregnancy or an unfortunate incident like any disease treatment, a health insurance plan safeguards individual financial assets based on the policy conditions and terms.

TATA AIG offers various health insurance plans, such as individual health insurance, family floater plans, critical illness coverage and more, tailored to individual specific needs. We also offer benefits like maternity coverage, newborn coverage and more to enhance medical protection.

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Sweet potato is indeed a delicious and healthy food pregnant women should incorporate into their diets. It offers various health benefits, such as preventing constipation, bone development, brain development and more.

However, it should be consumed in moderation. Excessive consumption of sweet potatoes during pregnancy may impose certain health risks, such as stomach discomfort and more.

If you are facing any serious health complications, then it is best to consult your gynaecologist for a better course of action.

How much sweet potato can I eat during pregnancy?

During pregnancy, you can safely enjoy about one medium-sized sweet potato, which is around 130-150 grams per day. It is a good source of essential nutrients like beta-carotene, fibre and vitamin C.

Can sweet potatoes help in conceiving?

Yes, sweet potatoes can support fertility and help in conceiving. They are rich in beta-carotene, which the body converts to vitamin A, an essential nutrient for hormone production and maintaining a healthy reproductive system.

Additionally, sweet potatoes contain antioxidants, fibre and other nutrients that promote overall health, potentially improving fertility.

Are sweet potatoes and female fertility interlinked?

Yes, sweet potatoes and female fertility are somewhat interlinked due to the nutrients they provide. Sweet potatoes are high in beta-carotene, which is crucial for maintaining healthy reproductive tissues and supporting hormone production.

They also contain folate, which is vital for foetal development and can reduce the risk of neural tube defects.

Disclaimer: This is a general guide on Is Sweet Potato Safe for Pregnancy?. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice and should not be relied on as health or personal advice. It is advisable to consult a qualified health professional for treatment in severe cases.