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العربيةBenefits Of Honey For Pregnant Women
Honey is sweet, healthy, and nutritious. Everyone young or old has benefitted from honey in one way or another. But aren’t sweet things bad for health? Also, how safe is it to have honey when you are carrying a life inside you? MomJunction helps you understand whether or not honey is safe during pregnancy and its associated risks and benefits.
Is Honey Safe To Eat During Pregnancy?
Honey is safe during pregnancy provided it is pasteurized. Also, it should come from a government certified authority.
One cause of concern about raw honey is that it can cause botulism. However, it only affects babies less than a year old as their digestive system is immature. The gastrointestinal system in adults contains bacteria that prevents botulinum toxin, and it is rare for a pregnant woman to get colonization botulism.
Benefits Of Honey For Pregnant Women
Benefits Of Honey During Pregnancy
Honey benefits in several ways during pregnancy as it is rich in sugars such as fructose and glucose, besides the nutrients.
Boosts immune system: Honey’s antibacterial and antioxidant properties boost body’s immunity. It also treats cuts, wounds, minor burns, and heartburn by neutralizing stomach acids .
Relieves insomnia: Honey’s hypnotic action helps overcome insomnia. Drinking milk mixed with a spoon of honey before bedtime helps you have an undisturbed sleep.
Relieves cold and cough: The antiviral properties of honey inhibit the viral activity in the body preventing cold Honey is an effective cough suppressant. However, there is no scientific evidence for or against its use to fight cough.
Eases a sore throat: The anti-inflammatory properties of honey soothe throat irritation. Add honey to ginger or lemon tea, and sip it warm to relieve a sore throat.
Cures ulcers: Studies have shown that regular consumption of honey decreases the growth of Helicobacter pylori bacteria, responsible for causing ulcers .
Improves scalp health: The antibacterial nature of honey doesn’t just sooth a sore throat, but works effectively at getting rid of dandruff and itchy scalp.Dilute some honey in warm water and apply to the scalp to treat such hair conditions.
Reduces allergies: Though not thoroughly conclusive, honey helps in controlling seasonal allergies as local honey has pollens in it. On regular consumption, it immunes the body towards pollen and seasonal allergies.
How Much Honey Is Safe During Pregnancy?
Three to five tablespoons (180 to 200 calories) of honey a day is safe as one tablespoon contains approximately 60 calories. Calories from simple sugars should not exceed more than 10% of the total calorie requirement during pregnancy (which is around 1800 to 2400 calories per day).
