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8 Superfoods For First Trimester in TCM Perspective
Fruit Edition
If you are a fan of snacking, switch to fruit as a snack. It’s healthier for you and your fetus! You may also have heard that you should not consume fruits that are too ‘cooling’ or ‘heaty’.
Did you know that these fruits mentioned below are ‘warming’ in TCM perspective and can provide you with enough nutrients and vitamins for your body and can even help curb your nausea during pregnancy!
During the first trimester, some mothers might experience some discomfort due to pregnancy symptoms. As more blood and nutrients are required for your baby’s growth and development, you will start feeling moody and exhausted. This is normal as your body is sharing blood and nutrients with your baby and this will continue to increase as your baby grows bigger.
You might have thought of eating more, but during the first trimester, you may not know how to choose the right snack or quick bites to satisfy cravings and reduce morning sickness at the same time. From a TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) perspective, having some “Yang” or “Warm” food may help to alleviate pregnancy discomfort in the first trimester. Below are the 8 superfoods that have “Warming” benefits and are safe to consume during the first trimester.
Apple
An apple a day keeps the doctors away! Apple has been known as a great source of insoluble and dietary fibres, vitamin C, antioxidants and potassium. Studies have been showing that eating 1-2 apples per day has wonderful benefits for both the mother and baby. Eating apples during pregnancy helps lower sugar levels and prevent gestational diabetes in the long run. The dietary fibres from the apple will improve digestion and allow better bowel movement in the body especially if you were having constipation.
Raspberries
Cherry is known as a “warming” fruit from the TCM perspective. It helps to improve blood flow to the placenta, a lifeline to supply nutrition and oxygen to the baby. The juicy water content and sweet and source taste in the cherries can prevent dehydration and alleviate discomfort if you experience severe waves of nausea. Moreover, the potassium in cherries helps to provide a boost of energy when pregnant.
Cherry
Raspberries have been a popular source of vitamin C and antioxidants fruit. It has been a highly sought-after fruit, either raw or whipped up in a smoothie to quench pregnancy discomfort. Moreover, raspberries are considered a super nourishing food to prevent miscarriage from a TCM perspective.
Kiwifruit
Kiwifruit is always labeled an immune-boosting fruit due to its vitamin C and antioxidants. A kiwifruit contains roughly 230% of the daily recommended intake of Vitamin C*. Hence, mommies are encouraged to have it daily to boost their immunity. The antioxidants found in the kiwifruit helps to eliminate harmful radicals, reduce oxidative stress, lower cholesterol, and improve immunity.
Food Edition
If you are a fan of snacking, switch to fruit as a snack. It’s healthier for you and your fetus! You may also have heard that you should not consume fruits that are too ‘cooling’ or ‘heaty’.
Did you know that these fruits mentioned below are ‘warming’ in TCM perspective and can provide you with enough nutrients and vitamins for your body and can even help curb your nausea during pregnancy!
Vegetable
In TCM perspective, vegetables such as broccoli, spinach are “warming” foods that are safe to consume during the first trimester. Besides offering the same vitamins and minerals as other leafy greens, these vegetables have high folate, which is an essential nutrient in preventing abnormalities and defects in your developing baby.
Ginger
There is no doubt that ginger is one of the most popular ingredients used in the confinement period. From a TCM perspective, ginger can be consumed for many mommies-to-be during their pregnancy. Ginger’s “warming” properties are beneficial for the digestive system and dispel “cold” in the body. Having a cup of ginger tea or adding a few slices of ginger to the cooking food will relieve the stomach and reduce morning sickness in the first trimester.
Red date (Jujube)
Due to their abundance of health benefits, red dates have been used in many Chinese dishes and soups. The fibre content in red dates helps soften the stool and reduce the risk of constipation, a common problem many mummies face in the first trimester. Moreover, the unique antioxidant in the red dates helps to reduce anxiety and improve sleep quality. Having red dates is definitely an excellent and healthy choice of the day!
Red beans
Consuming a bowl of warm red bean soup is always an excellent choice of dessert during pregnancy because it is inexpensive yet rich in fibre, folic acid and iron, which are the vital nutrients for a baby to thrive. From a TCM perspective, it is highly recommended to pregnant mothers because it is a “nourishing” food to bring more “blood” and “qi” to your body.
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