Leek
Babyment
During Pregnancy
It is healthy to eat leek during pregnancy.
Leeks are very rich in vitamins and mineral, this makes it a healthy choice for expecting mothers and growing fetus.
In 200 grams of leeks, there is 14 milligrams of iron. Iron is essential for the production of red blood cell.
During pregnancy, many expecting women suffers from anemia due to a greater demand of blood to support the growing fetus. Leeks, which are rich in iron, can therefore help to prevent anemia.
Leeks are a good source of folate. Folate is a vitamin that can help prevent birth defects in newborn. It is therefore important for pregnant women to have sufficient folic acid in the diet.
In one serving of leeks of 200 grams, there is about 152 micrograms of folic acid. This is about 25% of the recommended daily intake of folic acid for pregnant women.
During pregnancy, immune system of the expecting mother is relatively weak. Sulfur compounds, vitamin C presented in leeks can help to boost immune system of the expecting mother and help to protect pregnant women from attacks by free radicals. This in turn prevents infections such as cold and flu.
Leeks are rich in potassium and manganese. Potassium helps to regulate the blood pressure by reducing tension in the blood vessels. Manganese helps to maintain good cholesterol in the body. These two act together can help to prevent heart related diseases.
Leeks are a good source of vitamin K. Vitamin K is important for maintaining the long-term bone health. Vitamin K prevents the bone demineralization. It also assists with the production of the bone protein called osteocalcin, which is essential for maintaining bone mineral density to prevent various diseases of the bone.
Vitamin K is also needed for proper-blood clot formation.
Lastly, manganese in leeks helps support normal skeletal development in the baby.
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