Pregnancy is one of the happiest phases in a woman’s life but, it can have its own set of mental and physical stresses. Maintaining a healthy and balanced diet is very important during the period of pregnancy as it helps both the mother and the baby to stay healthy. Most couples want to give birth to brilliant and intelligent children. Well, for a child to be brilliant and start, it begins from the mother’s womb.
The two most important nutrients that play a significant role in brain development are folate and choline. They help prevent neural tube defects. Other essential nutrients include iodine, iron, protein, and vitamin D.
The following are some of the most popular foods to eat during pregnancy to make the baby smart.
Fatty Fish.
Fishes like salmon, tuna and mackerel contain Omega-3 fatty acids which are integral to baby’s brain development. Pregnant women must eat salmon for giving birth to intelligent children. Aim to eat at least two or more servings of fish per week. Another option in seafood includes oysters which are rich in iodine. Pregnant women with low iodine levels should note that their baby’s intelligence can be affected negatively if healthy levels of the same aren’t maintained.
Green Leafy Vegetables.
From spinach and lentils to leafy greens which are rich in folic acid, eating green leafy vegetables and certain pulses is important as it helps keep your baby’s brain protected from tissue damage. Folic acid in vegetables is also known for reducing the risk of neural tube defects, eliminating cleft lip and various heart defects in babies. It also reduce the risk of preeclampsia during pregnancy when you make sure to maintain your intake of foods or supplements rich in folic acid.
Sweet potatoes.
Sweet potatoes are a very good source of beta-carotene, which is converted into vitamin A inside the body and it is essential for the growth of cells and tissues. Vitamin A also helps in boosting the immunity and improving the vision. So, eating more sweet potatoes can be beneficial for both mother and the unborn baby.
Blueberries.
Blueberries are antioxidant-rich foods which will aid your baby’s cognitive development. Other alternatives for blueberries are strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, tomatoes, beans, and artichokes.
