Whether you are pregnant or planning a baby, your body will be subjected to a unique adventure. While constantly indulging in fancy combinations like pickles with ice cream, you also need to keep track of your intake of essential nutrients to ensure a healthy pregnancy. Balancing pleasure with the need for given nutrients can be a difficult task, and this is where micro-plants come to the rescue.
Microgreens contain many nutrients that can be in harmony with your body’s needs while giving your taste buds pleasure. From providing nutritional density to boosting immunity, micro plants can accompany you on this exciting adventure, ensuring you look after yourself and your future child in the best way possible.
Microplants and folate
For diet during pregnancy, few nutrients matter as much as folate – an essential element that stands at the forefront of ensuring a healthy pregnancy.
Folate is found in many vegetables and green plants, but in some microgreens it is particularly saturated. Studies show that the nutrients in microgreens are up to 40 times more concentrated than in their full-grown counterparts: a cup of microgreen Chinese cabbage has three times more folate than mature Chinese cabbage.
Other folate-rich microplants are:
- Beets – red and pink beets, especially in their microgreen form, are good sources of folate. They can add earthiness with a sweet aftertaste to your dishes;
- Arugula – their microgreens contain decent amounts of folate. They have a peppery and slightly bitter taste, making them a perfect addition to a salad;
- Sunflower – folate is also available. They are slightly nutty in taste and can add a nice crunch to your dishes.
Folate is an important nutrient because it helps prevent serious problems with the developing brain and spinal cord. Intake of this nutrient has been shown to reduce the risk of preterm birth and low birth weight babies.
Other nutrients
Other vital nutrients for pregnancy are iron, vitamin C, protein, calcium and vitamin K, which form the pathway to a healthy developing foetus.
Pregnancy often leads to an increased need for iron. Microgreens such as sunflower, chickpeas, and chickweed contain the element, which can help prevent anemia, supply sufficient oxygen, and support increased blood volume during pregnancy.
Pregnant women should take Vitamin C, which is needed to absorb iron and strengthen the immune system. It is found in microgreens such as organic peas, organic chia, red mizuna, which are rich in the vitamin.
It is also necessary to consume enough protein because it helps maintain muscle and body tissue. The substance is key for the growth of the baby – especially in the second and third trimesters. Some microgreens such as sunflowers and peas contain satisfactory amounts of protein.
During pregnancy, the consumption of 1000 milligrams of calcium every day is recommended. The developing fetus relies on the intake of the element from the mother to build a strong bone system. Also, sufficient calcium is associated with a lower risk of developing pre-eclampsia, a potentially serious condition characterized by high blood pressure and other complications. The micro plant oriental green mizuna (mustard) contains 144 mg of calcium.
Microplants such as spelt, red mizuna, arugula, etc. are excellent sources of vitamin K, which is important for proper blood clotting and bone health.
Each of these essential elements plays a separate but crucial role, together ensuring health and well-being during the transformative adventure of pregnancy.
Preparation and consumption of micro-plants
Thanks to their nutrient-dense and low-calorie content, microgreens can be eaten daily as the perfect addition to your favorite meals. Their delicate textures also make them pleasing to the palate and stomach. After all, pregnancy is hard enough, why not make things simple and delicious?
It is important to note that organic microplants are the safest option because of the careful way they are grown and the reduced exposure to pesticides and other chemicals that are hazardous to the growing process. That’s why our microgreens are grown with just soil, water and light – no chemicals, pesticides or anything else. We aim for the best quality for the sake of your health and that of your child.