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23 Snacks Good for Pregnant Women

Editor: Chinese Food Network Mobile site

For the health of their babies, expectant mothers must give up their favorite snacks.Actually, during pregnancy, there are many foods that not only do not require restrictions but also properly chosen snacks can help the baby grow healthier.

"Expectant mothers should be a bit hungrier; eating smaller portions more frequently and enjoying snacks will greatly benefit the healthy development of the fetus.""At the recent release of the '2007 China Maternal Diet Nutrition Survey Results,' Professor Chen Xuecun from the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention's Institute of Nutrition and Food Safety humorously said this."

The survey showed that many expectant mothers only know they need to "eat more" during pregnancy, but they are unclear about what and how to supplement.Dr. Xu Qingmei, deputy director from the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention's Institute of Nutrition and Food Safety, stated: During pregnancy and lactation, the mother is her baby's only source of nutrition; during this period, the levels of DHA and choline in the mother's body drop sharply, which are crucial elements for the baby's brain development.

Related research shows that if expectant mothers start supplementing with high levels of DHA from 18 weeks of pregnancy to three months postpartum, their babies' IQ test scores at age four will be significantly higher.

"To provide sufficient nutrition during the rapid brain development period for your baby, you must increase your own DHA and choline reserves to maintain a high concentration in your body."DHA is mainly found in sea fish and seafood.Eggs,pork,beefare also good sources of choline."Most expectant mothers are unaware of this; for example, they often eat fish during pregnancy but mostly river fish. Actually, you should consume more sea fish—such as”

hairtail—etc.""During pregnancy, if expectant mothers can frequently enjoy healthy snacks, it will greatly benefit the development of their fetus.""Professor Chen Xuecun recommends snacks such aspeanuts,sunflower seeds,hazelnuts,pistachios

as these foods are rich in DHA."Two phenomena from this survey have made us very worried: the severe insufficient intake of vegetables and main grains."Dr. Chen Xuecun points out that vegetables are rich in minerals and vitamins; their fiber can aid digestion, but many pregnant women only eat fruits while rarely eating vegetables;and main grains—mainly various cereal foods—are rich inprotein,”

with daily intake of about 450 grams recommended for pregnant women. However, the majority of them consume less than 150 grams."You can lightly fry these snacks in a pan; they are crispy and protein-rich.They are rich in vitamin A, bringing healthy skin, eyes, and bones to you.

Rich in calcium, protein, and fiber,

carbohydrates have a unique sweet taste that can replenish energy.

Eating snacks like these can increase your fiber intake.

"Potassium plus protein equals a super snack.

It provides necessary protein anytime.

An excellent source of vitamin C.

Rich in vitamin C, this is a favorite for vegetarians.

This food contains abundant vitamin A to help fetal cell growth.

With plenty of vitamin A and C, it gives you a clear mind.

"Food rich in vitamins A and C, loved by vegetarians."

"Cooked and chilled with salt sprinkled on top, containing protein, vitamin A, iron, and calcium."

"Taste this long green leafy vegetable for a delightful treat that includes various vegetables."

"Delicious food containing vitamins and minerals."

"Crispy yet rich in low protein."

"Adding a strip of black syrup can provide more iron."

"Potato skin is rich in iron, making it a healthier and more nutritious choice than regular potato chips.

Not only eating fruits but also getting fiber and calcium very well.

"For pregnant women using computers, eat more carrots,

cabbage,

sprouts,tofu,

red datesand oranges as well as milk,eggs, animal liver,

lean meat, etc., to replenish vitamin A and protein in the body.

"Pregnant women who use computers should add morecarrots,cabbage,sprouts,tofu,red dates,oranges,milk,eggs, animal liver,lean meat,and other foods to replenish vitamin A and protein in the body."Drink more tea water. The active substances in tea leaves such as catechins can help absorb and resist radioactive substances."Orangesandmilkeggs, animal liver,lean meatetc., to supplement vitamin A and protein in the body.More tea drinking can also be beneficial, as the active substances in tea polyphenols help with absorption and resistance against radioactive substances.