Onions are widely used in most recipes around the world. However, using onions during pregnancy could be tricky since most pregnant women find their strong scent unpleasant. However, onions add to the flavor of dishes, and some women develop cravings for them when pregnant. If you want to know more about the side effects, advisable quantities for consumption, and ways to include onion in your pregnancy diet, then read on as we discuss these aspects and more regarding onion consumption during pregnancy.
Can You Eat Onions When Pregnant?
Yes, You can go right ahead and eat onions safely during your pregnancy and tantalize your taste buds. However, remember to do so in moderation as an excess of anything can prove harmful to you and your baby during this delicate phase. Moreover, some women feel that onions make them nauseous during pregnancy. Jesse Feder, CPT, CSCS, a Florida-based personal trainer and registered dietitian, says, “During pregnancy, hormones can make your sense of smell as well as your stomach extra sensitive. Since onions are very potent in taste and smell, they can trigger a bout of nausea during pregnancy.”
Health Benefits Of Eating Onions During Pregnancy
1. Detoxifies Your Body:
Amino acids, such as cysteine and methionine, found in onions help detoxify the body. These compounds work as a free radical scavenger.
2. Boosts Immunity:
Onions are rich in vitamin C. The antioxidant properties of this vital nutrient can help boost the immunity of the expecting mother and safeguard the development of the baby (1).
3. Cures Constipation:
Onions are a rich source of dietary fiber and can help regulate your bowel movement. If you are suffering from constipation while expecting, eating raw onion during pregnancy will effectively alleviate your toilet ordeal (2).
4. Regulates Blood Pressure:
Raw onions are a storehouse of phytonutrients that help regulate blood pressure. Adding onions to your meal plans can help keep high blood pressure related complications during pregnancy like preeclampsia, gestational hypertension and preterm labor at bay.
5. Fights Gestational Diabetes:
Onions contain chromium that helps prevent insulin resistance and regulate blood sugar levels. It is a super food to fight gestational diabetes.
6. Keeps Weight Gain In Check:
Pregnant women are always worrying about piling on those extra pounds. Onions are a must-have during pregnancy as they are low in calories and fat. Go ahead and add onions to your salads and sandwiches to manage your hunger pangs in a healthy way!
7. Helps Prevent Pregnancy Gingivitis:
Hormonal changes during pregnancy make your gums and teeth more vulnerable to plaque build-up, inflammation, and bleeding. Munch on onions as its antibacterial properties will help to improve your oral health during pregnancy (3).
8. Cures A Sore Throat:
If you are suffering from a sore throat during pregnancy and want to avoid antibiotics. Have onion juice to treat the throat infection effectively. You can add a dash of honey to the juice for better taste (4). According to Catherine Gervacio, a registered nutritionist-dietitian and certified nutrition exercise coach from the Philippines, “Onions are generally safe to eat during pregnancy, and they provide a lot of nutrients to your body. If you are sensitive to the smell, you can open the windows while cutting and cooking the onions, adjust the exhaust hood to high, or use other scents like essential oils to mask the smell. “It may also be better to eat the onions cooked since raw onions retain their strong odor. You can also try making pickled onions! Nonetheless, listen to your body while going through this journey. You don’t have to tolerate onions if your body has an aversion to it.”
Side-Effects Of Having Onions During Pregnancy
Even though there are numerous health benefits of eating onions while pregnant, you should also consider its side-effects and limit your intake. Here are some potential side-effects of eating onions in pregnancy:
1. Heartburn And Diarrhea:
Eating an excess of onion in pregnancy may increase your discomfort due to heartburn (5).
2. Breathing And Allergic Problems:
Some expecting females can suffer from breathing problems and an allergic reaction due to excessive consumption of onions. In extreme cases, you may also suffer from an anaphylactic shock that may adversely affect your pregnancy (6). Did you eat onions while expecting? How did it benefit you? Share you experience with other expecting moms here by leaving a comment below.
