The benefits and harms of eating cucumbers during pregnancy

Cucumbers can vary the nutrition of any pregnant woman. This article will tell you more about the benefits and harms of eating these vegetables during pregnancy.

Cucumbers are quite helpful. They contain a lot of active ingredients that are necessary for both the expectant mother and her baby. Fresh vegetables are rich in water. This fluid is necessary for the cells of the female body to ensure their excellent work. The use of cucumbers helps to normalize the indicators of water and electrolyte balance in the body of a pregnant woman. Fresh vegetables, in addition to natural water, also contain important minerals that favorably affect the functioning of all organs. Mineral compounds are also needed for the full intrauterine development of the fetus.

These useful vegetables also contain elements such as:

• pantothenic acid;
• complex of vitamins of group B;
• vitamin C;
• choline;
• beta carotene;
• potassium;
• magnesium;
• sodium.

All these minerals, getting into the body of a pregnant woman, improve the course of intracellular processes. Mineral compounds are also needed for the formation of organ systems in the baby. Insufficient intake of these substances can lead to the formation of various pathologies of both the expectant mother and the baby in her womb. You can enjoy fresh cucumbers without harm to your own figure. Thus, 100 grams of vegetables contain only 14–16 kilocalories, while the content of proteins and fats is minimal. That is why cucumbers can be included in the diet of women who watch their weight.

A common problem that occurs during pregnancy is the appearance of edema. They usually appear after the second trimester. However, in some women, edema during pregnancy may occur much more frequently. Coping with a strong swelling can be difficult. In order to reduce the severity of adverse symptoms, doctors recommend that expectant mothers suffering from this pathology, carefully monitor nutrition. The menu should not be too salty foods. At the same time, fresh vegetables, including cucumbers, help reduce the appearance of edema on the body.

So that the swelling is no longer disturbed, eat better fresh vegetables. Pickled cucumbers contain too much salt, vinegar and spices. Such a vegetable snack can not only provoke the appearance of abdominal pain, but also cause heartburn. Such dyspeptic symptoms can darken the course of any pregnancy. After eating fresh vegetables, these symptoms do not occur.

Women who consume enough fresh cucumbers look better. The water in vegetables helps to improve skin tone, which makes the skin look fresher and more rested. In order to maximize the diuretic effect after eating cucumbers, they should be eaten fresh without adding large amounts of salt. Salting cucumbers contributes to the fact that the body gets too much sodium chloride - a substance that contributes to water retention.

Constipation is another common problem that many expectant mothers may face. The contractile function of the intestine due to changes in hormonal levels during pregnancy begins to decline. This often leads to constipation in a pregnant woman. Even women who did not have difficulties with defecation before pregnancy may face this problem. In order to normalize the work of the intestines, doctors recommend including more food products that contain fiber in the diet. Natural fibers activate the contractile function of the intestines, which leads to the fact that the chair becomes more regular. If the expectant mother regularly uses vegetables rich in dietary fiber, then the risk of constipation is significantly reduced.

In order to speed up the motor function of the intestines, eating cucumbers is better along with the peel. It contains the maximum amount of fiber to help improve digestion.Fresh cucumbers also contain substances that are able to favorably affect the lipid balance. Thus, regular consumption of these vegetables helps to reduce cholesterol deposits in the blood vessels. Such exposure reduces the risk of the formation of dangerous vascular pathologies.

Delicious fresh crispy cucumbers are a great product. They contain almost no substances that can harm the body of the future mother or her baby. However, even the use of cucumbers has several contraindications. Cucumbers are contraindicated for people who are allergic to them. It is worth noting that this pathology is quite rare. This pathological condition can manifest itself in different ways. Most often, an allergy is manifested by the appearance of a rash on the body, which is very itchy and causes discomfort.

And also should not eat cucumbers for women who have an individual intolerance to these vegetables. In this case, after eating vegetables, the future mother may develop a strong pain syndrome in the abdomen, as well as a violation of the chair. Expectant mothers suffering from chronic diseases of the stomach, eat crunchy vegetables should be carefully. In case of peptic ulcer, be sure to consult your doctor before including fresh vegetables in the menu. And also seek pre-counseling should also be women suffering from chronic enteritis, which occurs with the appearance of frequent diarrhea.

A moderate portion of vegetables will only benefit the body. Moms-to-be better to give preference to fresh vegetables. Canned pickled cucumbers contain quite a lot of salt and vinegar - ingredients that can harm the body. Pickled cucumbers are strictly contraindicated in peptic ulcer and pancreatitis. This should be remembered expectant mothers who suffer from these diseases. As well as pickled vegetables should not be eaten by pregnant women suffering from hypertension.

The abundance of salt in such a vegetable snack can contribute to high blood pressure, which in turn will lead to the development of complications of the disease.

It is possible for future mothers to include these crunchy vegetables in their diet. If you do not abuse cucumbers, then no adverse symptoms should arise. Eating cucumbers should be moderate. So, a small portion of vegetable salad is quite enough to fill the body with the minerals it needs. Cucumbers are great for cooking various salads.

A tasty dressing based on vegetable oil, sour cream or yogurt will make the dish really tasty. Cucumbers are so useful that they can not only be used to prepare delicious dishes, but also used for cosmetic purposes. So, cucumber juice is an excellent ingredient for the preparation of various moisturizing masks, tonic lotions and other means that can be quite simply prepared at home.

About what products are harmful to use during pregnancy, see the video below.