Pregnancy is a time for mixed feelings. On the one hand, you are all glowing with the hope of new life and motherhood; on the other, you are faced with a bunch of restrictions, especially in terms of your diet. There are a million things that you once considered safe but now have been struck off your diet chart for the entire nine months. There are other things that you once loved to eat, but now the mere mention of the same makes you nauseous. Even what is actually staple food has now come under scrutiny. Take the potato, for instance. You have always known that the potato is one of the most important and most consumed vegetables in the world, but now that you are pregnant, there are questions surrounding it as well. In this article, let us see whether it’s safe to consume potatoes when you are pregnant.
In moderate amounts
If you have been warned off eating potatoes, it is probably because of some myth. Ideally, everyone knows that eating too much of potatoes is not a very good idea, irrespective of whether you are pregnant or not. Potatoes are loaded with carbohydrates and starch, none of which is too good for your health if consumed in immoderate quantities. However, potatoes are also loaded with a bunch of important nutrients, which is actually very beneficial for you and your baby during pregnancy. So, to cut a long story short, there is no harm in eating potatoes during pregnancy if you are doing so in moderate amounts.
Low in fat
Potatoes contain a lot of starch and carbohydrates, which is why you are advised to keep the consumption low. However, they actually have a very low-fat content, which is why you would rather load your plate with them instead of cheeses and red meat. They are delicious and can be cooked in a variety of ways, which mean that you can safely consume them for breakfast, lunch, dinner or anytime you are feeling peckish. By adding some other vegetables and fruits to your plate, you will ensure that you are getting the required calories and nutrients without adding on unwanted numbers on the scale.
Good for health
Potatoes are also very high in dietary fiber, which will keep your metabolism super smooth and your digestion in shape. This is a boon for the pregnant woman, who will invariably face digestive issues. They also have vitamins V6 and C, so you will have fewer chances of falling sick on your already compromised immunity, and your baby’s immunity system will develop admirably. The most important benefit, however, is the fact that potatoes contain folic acid, which is indispensable for the baby’s health, as it ensures that the baby does not develop any spinal and neural defects.
Also read: Can I eat fries during pregnancy?
The great thing about potatoes is that they can be prepared in many ways. Eat them boiled with a sprinkling of butter, salt, and herbs. Eat them curried with other vegetables, fish, or meat. Eat them baked. Avoid the fried versions though, as they contain too much oil and salt.