Femepost Forum

Avoiding certain foods in pregnancy is recommended for maternal and foetal well-being. Pregnancy is a state of lower immunity and pregnant women catch infections easily. Moreover, not all medications can be used to treat diseases in pregnancy. Hence it is safer to avoid certain foods in pregnancy which can give rise to food poisoning or infections. Fish such as shark, swordfish, king mackerel, and tilefish have high mercury levels and must be avoided. Smaller fish have less mercury content can be chosen instead as their longevity in water is short such as fresh water fish. Similarly, smoked meat or fish should be avoided as they can cause infections. Raw uncooked eggs or poultry, unpasteurised milk and milk products, raw sprouts, unwashed fruits or vegetables are not advisable as well. Pregnant women should carefully avoid excess caffeine, alcohol or tobacco as these could harm the baby. Artificial sweeteners, sugar rich foods, canned foods and foods containing nitrates as in frozen meat are better avoided in pregnancy.

Fenugreek is known for its medicinal properties such as carminative, gastric stimulant, antidiabetic and galactogogue (lactation-inducer) effects. Recently it has been identified to lower blood cholesterol, and lipids. It is also protective against alcohol induced liver damage. Its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, antiulcer action is being used as a household remedy. Fenugreek seeds are now being investigated for its anticancer properties also.

What is the recommendation of vegetables intake in diet? The USDA Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends consuming five to nine servings of fruit and vegetables daily. International dietary guidelines are similar to the ones established by the USDA. Japan recommends the consumption of five to six servings of vegetables daily. French recommendations and guidelines are to set the daily goal at five servings. In India, the daily recommendation for adults is 275 grams (9.7 oz) of vegetables per day.