Pregnancy is the most delicate period for you and your unborn baby. When you are bringing a new being into this world, it is important to take extra care of yourself and your unborn baby. Taking extra care of yourself goes beyond hygiene. What you eat will also determine how healthy you and your baby will be throughout your pregnancy. Nausea, irritation, and vomiting during the first few months of pregnancy can make this very difficult. But always try to eat a well-balanced diet to keep you and your baby nourished. But first, let's settle the matter of akamu, or ogi, or pap, or cornmeal. So is pap good for a pregnant woman? Find out below:
Is Pap Good For A Pregnant Woman? 5 Reasons To Take Pap While Pregnant
Pap is locally known as ogi or akamu in the Southwestern and Southeastern parts of Nigeria. It is prepared using raw, fermented starch from ground white or yellow maize. Akamu is a good source of calories and carbohydrates. A complex carbohydrate, cornstarch intake provides you with energy. It also brings significant weight gain to your children.
- Corn pap is 100% natural, as it has no additives or artificial content.
- It is rich in carbohydrates, which give you the energy to combat fatigue in pregnancy.
- Corn pap is easy to digest because it has fine texture. This is great for nausea that you'll probably face in pregnancy.
- It retains more nutrients because it does not undergo long processing. This is great for pregnant women who constantly need nutrients for their babies.
- It is good for breakfast because its texture makes it exert little stress on the digestive system.
Now that you know that akamu is great for you during pregnancy, here are other healthy foods that will nourish you in pregnancy.
Eggs
Eggs are a very rich source of protein which is essential for expecting moms. They help to promote cell growth in the body of both mother and unborn child. Also, some women may develop allergic reactions to the smell or sight of meat or fish. Eggs are very good alternatives for this. It contains all essential amino acids needed for pregnant women.
Avocado
Avocadoes are a unique source of nutrition for pregnant and breastfeeding women. Nature has so blessed us with this rich source of good fat, folate, fibre, potassium and vitamin K.
Folate is very important especially during the early stage of pregnancy. It can help reduce the risk of defects associated with childbirth. More so, it helps prevent brain disorder and maintain the general health of the brain.
You will recall your doctor prescribes folic acid. This is because folic acid is a man-made form of folate. As a matter of fact, consuming a regular potion of Avocado will help keep you and your baby nourished during pregnancy and beyond.
Sweet Potatoes
Every mom would want the best for her unborn child. To achieve this, you should focus more on natural foods like sweet potatoes. Sweet potatoes are enriched with vitamin C, Vitamin A, Vitamin B6, potassium and Calcium. All these compounds help in the development of your baby’s skin, eyes, growth, and formation of their bones and teeth.
Leafy Green vegetables
Meet the powerhouse of Vitamins and Minerals. They contain low calories and are packed with enough Vitamins and minerals for you and your baby. The rich antioxidant content will help to effectively support and protect your baby’s cell growth, immune system and also aid proper digestions in pregnant moms.
A good intake of green vegetables as part of your pregnancy diet can also help prevent your baby from developing allergic symptoms later in life. Leafy green vegetables are of different varieties; they include spinach, broccoli, lettuce, waterleaf, pumpkin leaf, bitter leaf. They are all rich antioxidants.
Lean meat
Did you know your body needs twice the normal amount of iron you consumed before you started expecting? Lean meat is packed with iron needed for the development of the red blood cells of your unborn baby. And your body requires iron to make extra blood for your baby in there.
Moreover, lean meat is an excellent source of protein, which makes it a good recommendation for pregnant women. With this, you should ensure a rich intake of lean mean to reduce the risk of anaemia and to enable you to meet your body’s new nutritional needs.
Is pap good for a pregnant woman? Absolutely, and so is lean meat,
Legit Ng
