When you are mothers-to-be and you actually are interested in the question: corn during pregnancy first trimester. You will discover lots of helpful details on this topic, as well as tips, advice, thoughts, and answers in order to questions around pregnant state, appropriate nutrition and diets.
Corn, also known as corn, is one of the most consumed cereal grains in the world. Packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals, crunchy corn is worth craving during pregnancy. But is it safe to eat corn when pregnant?
This MomJunction post answers the question and discusses the value corn adds to your diet, the risks if any, storage tips, and recipes.
Can you eat corn during pregnancy?
Yes you can. Corn contains folic acid, fiber, vitamins B1, B5 and C, improves digestion, strengthens circulation and also helps lactation.
Nutritional value of corn
The nutrition present in 100 grams of raw corn is the following (1):
Water | 75.96 g td > |
Calories | 86kcal |
Carbohydrates | 19.02 g |
Protein | 3.22 g |
Fiber | 2.7 g td> |
fat | 1.18 g |
Sugars | 3.22 g |
Folic acid (vitamin B9) | 46mcg |
Niacin (vitamin B3) | 1.7mg |
Riboflavin (vitamin B2) | 0.06mg < / td> |
Pyridoxine (vitamin B6) | 0.055mg |
Thiamine (vitamin B1) | 0.2mg |
Vitamin A | 1IU |
Vitamin C | |
Vitamin e | 0.07mg |
Vitamin K | |
Potassium | 270mg |
Sodium | 15mg |
2mg | |
Iron | 0.52 mg |
Phosphorus | 89mg |
Magnesium | 37mg |
Zinc td> | 0.45mg |
Saturated | 0.182g td > |
Monounsaturated | 0.347 g |
Polyunsaturated | 0.559g |
g = grams; mg = milligrams; mcg = micrograms; UI = international unit
(Read: Foods rich in fiber for pregnancy )
What are the health benefits of corn during pregnancy?
1. Fiber treats constipation:
The fiber content in corn can address digestive issues like constipation that you may experience during early pregnancy (2).
2. Prevents macular degeneration:
Corn contains a carotenoid substance called zeaxanthin that has oxidative properties and prevents macular degeneration of the eye (3). Therefore, it helps your baby fight macular degeneration in the later stages.
3. Folate reduces birth defects:
Corn has folic acid that reduces the risk of spina bifida and other neutral malformations (4).
4. Increases the memory of the fetus:
Thiamine in corn helps memory development in both mother and baby (5).
5. Improves the immune system:
The beta-carotene in corn provides vitamin A that is required for the functioning of the immune system and for the healthy growth and development of the baby (6).
From fresh raw corn to cooked, baked and popped, corn is available in a variety of edible forms. But can you eat them all?
Corn products to eat and avoid
Fresh corn off the cob (gluten free) | Popcorn microwave corn (contains toxic chemicals, diacetyl and perfluorooctanoic acid) |
Non-GMO labeled corn | Corn syrup (contains sugars rich in fructose) < / td> |
Organic corn (rich in nutrients) | Cornstarch (non-food substance) |
Popcorn plain (no butter, salt and caramel) | Corn oil (full of fat and calories) |
Frozen corn (contains fewer calories and less sodium) | Canned corn (goes through a lot of processing) |
So how can you enjoy the permissible forms of corn in pregnancy?
(Read: Constipation during pregnancy )
Ways to consume corn during pregnancy
Corn is one of the best foods you can generally eat when you’re hungry.
- Sweet corn is a delicious addition to salads, soups, toast and sandwiches.
- Add to pizzas, pastas and other dishes to enhance their flavor.
- Grill or roast the cob and eat corn directly from it.
- Boil the sweet corn and add the seasoning of your choice.
Choose the correct variety of corn to enjoy the flavor of these dishes.
Tips for buying and storing corn
Follow these tips while shopping for corn (7):
- Look for green shells.
- Choose only fresh corn. You can check for freshness by removing the peel and piercing the grain with a fingernail.
- If the corn kennel is firm but soft and releases a little juice when punctured, it is fresh. On the other hand, if it’s discolored or dented, it isn’t.
- Corn exposed to high temperatures may lose some of its sweet flavor as the sugar turns into starch.
- Let the corn remain in the husk and put it in the refrigerator.
- If you have husked the corn, put it in a plastic bag and refrigerate it.
- If you want to eat fresh corn, eat it as soon as you bring it home.
Fresh corn has a certain appeal that can force you to have more than you should. And that can be a bad thing.
Possible Side Effects of Eating Corn During Pregnancy
Possible side effects of corn can occur due to overconsumption.
- Corn contains a large amount of fatty acids, so if you are at risk for heart problems, reduce your daily intake (8).
- May cause indigestion (9); therefore, it is best to have fresh corn in limited quantities.
But what if you crave corn so badly and want to have it all the time? Is it normal?
(Read: Benefits of corn flakes in pregnancy )
Is the corn craving during pregnancy related to Pica syndrome?
Yes, sometimes you can crave cornstarch during pregnancy. This could be due to a condition called Pica syndrome, which involves a craving for non-food substances like clay, ice, dirt, and more (10). If you experience such symptoms, talk to your doctor.
Why is microwave popcorn unsafe during pregnancy?
Microwave popcorn is not safe for two reasons (11).
- They contain a chemical called diacetyl, which is used to mimic the taste of butter. Research shows that workers at a popcorn factory developed a lung disorder called bronchiolitis obliterans (popcorn worker’s lung), as they are prone to inhaling this chemical.
- A toxic chemical called perfluorooctanoic acid, which is known to be found in microwave popcorn bags, breaks down when heated. It is a carcinogen and is likely to cause several types of cancer.
Here are some common questions about eating corn during pregnancy.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is overeating popcorn harmful during pregnancy?
Too much of anything is harmful. The same goes for popcorn, as it can contain dangerous seasonings like butter, salt, or caramel. Too much salt will lead to water retention, blood pressure fluctuations, and more, and too much sugar could lead to a host of other health problems. Similarly, excess butter will cause a build-up of fat and sodium in the body.
2. Does eating cornstarch during pregnancy cause amylophagia?
Yes. Binge eating cornstarch in large amounts during pregnancy causes amylophagia, a form of pica disorder. It leads to elevated blood sugar levels, premature labor, abnormalities in the development of the baby, and high birth weight (12).
3. Can corn cause weight gain during pregnancy?
Corn is rich in carbohydrates and nutrients and is an important source of energy that can lead to weight gain during pregnancy.
(Read: Benefits of folic acid during pregnancy )
4. Is eating undercooked corn on the cob dangerous for pregnant women?
No, it is not dangerous to have undercooked corn on the cob. Just be careful not to have it in excessive amounts.
In case you feel uncomfortable after taking corn, contact your doctor. If you plan to include corn in your diet, discuss the likely benefits and risks with your doctor. As long as you use moderate amounts of corn, you can enjoy a wide range of delicacies to quench your pregnancy cravings. Remember to be safe and buy organic and non-toxic varieties.
Tell us about the different ways you’ve tried corn in your pregnancy diet.Use the comment section to share your opinion.
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