Consuming Tomatoes during Pregnancy – Is It Safe?

Pregnant women are told to be careful about what they eat. Their diet should consist of fruits and vegetables. But many pregnant women wonder whether they can eat tomatoes during pregnancy. We’ll tell you.

Can You Eat Tomatoes During Pregnancy?

Not only are tomatoes safe, but they also have several health benefits. Pregnant women, however, should keep in mind that too much of something is bad.

Nutritional Value of Tomatoes

Tomatoes are loaded with vitamin A,vitamin C, iron, calcium, sodium and other minerals.

Health Benefits of Consuming Tomatoes During Pregnancy

1. Give an Energy Boost

Tomatoes are a good source of carbohydrates. Carbohydrates help pregnant women overcome lethargy and keep the digestive system functioning at an optimal level. Carbohydrates also assist the foetus in developing healthily.

2. Improves Immunity

As mentioned above, tomatoes contain vitamin c and vitamin A. Vitamin C aids iron absorption, while vitamin A strengthens the immune system, fights infections and gives a boost to tissue repair after childbirth.

3. Prevents Blood Loss

These fruits also contain Vitamin K, which prevents blood loss and reduces the risk of a haemorrhage.

4. Improves Digestion

The fibre content of tomatoes keeps the digestive system healthy and robust.

5. Prevents Congenital Deformities

Lycopene, a powerful antioxidant found in tomatoes prevents cell damage, preeclampsia and congenital deformities in babies.

6. Keeps the Heart Healthy

Nicotinic acid reduces bad cholesterol and keeps the heart healthy during pregnancy.

7. Improve the Blood Circulation

Tomatoes can purify the blood and improve its circulation to various parts of the body.

8. Prevents Cancer

Lycopene can also fight cancer-causing radicals, thus preventing pregnant women from cervical cancer, rectal cancer, etc.

9. Helps to Manage Gestational Diabetes

Consuming tomatoes regularly lowers the oxidative stress of gestational diabetes.

10. Promotes Healthy Development of the Foetus

The high vitamin C content in tomatoes aids the formation of the foetus’ skin, bones, gums and teeth.

11. Prevents UTI

As tomatoes contain a lot of water, they stimulate urination and bring the incidence of urinary tract infections down.

Risks of Consuming Tomatoes During Pregnancy

While moderate consumption of tomatoes is safe for pregnant women, these complications can arise if they’re consumed in large quantities.

• Heartburn
• Acid reflux
• Bladder issues
• Kidney problems
• Migraine

Tips for Using Tomatoes

• Never buy tomatoes that have been stored in a refrigerator.
• Always buy loose tomatoes rather than those packed in boxes.
• They should be plump and bright red.
• Avoid buying tomatoes with bruised or blemished skins.
• Ripe tomatoes emit a strong smell when squeezed; unripe tomatoes are hard and can’t be squeezed.
• The best place to buy these fruits is at a farmer’s market.

Recipes

Try these yummy tomato recipes today!

1. Tomato Chutney

This chutney goes well with dishes like idli, dosa and vada.

Ingredients:

• Tomatoes – 2
• Ginger, chopped – 1/2 inch
• Dry red chillis – 2-3
• Urad dal – 1 tsp
• Black pepper – 4-5 nos
• Cloves – 2-3
• Hing – a pinch
• Water (for grinding) – 2 tbsp
• Oil – 1/2 tbsp
• Salt – as required

For Tempering:

• Oil – 1/2 tbsp
• Dry red chilli – 1
• Curry leaves – 7-8
• Mustard seeds – 1/2 tsp
• Methi seeds – 1/2 tsp
• Hing – a pinch

Method:

• In a pan, roast the urad dal until it turns brownish.
• Add red chillis, cloves, pepper and ginger.
• Add the chopped tomatoes, hing and salt.
• Stir until the tomatoes soften.
• Once the mixture cools down, blend it.
• Add water if required.
• To another pan, add mustard seeds. Let them crackle.
• Add the tempering ingredients and saute.
• Add the tomato paste and stir.
• Add more salt if required.
• Serve.

2. Tomato Dal

This recipe is from the state of Andra Pradesh.

Ingredients:

• Arhar dal – 1/2 cup
• Oil/ghee – 2 tbsp
• Mustard seeds – 1/2 tsp
• Cumin seeds – 1/2 tsp
• Onions, chopped – 1/2 cup
• Curry leaves – 10-12
• Green chilli, chopped – 1
• Ginger-garlic paste – 1 tsp
• Tomatoes, chopped – 2
• Red chilli powder – 1/4 tsp
• Turmeric powder – 1/4 tsp
• Hing – a pinch
• Water – as required
• Salt – as required

Method:

• Soak the arhar dal for 15-20 minutes. Drain the water and keep it aside.
• Heat oil or ghee in a pressure cooker.
• Add the mustard seeds, and let them crackle.
• Add the cumin seeds, and let them splutter.
• Now, add the chopped onions, curry leaves and green chillies and saute.
• Add the ginger-garlic paste and saute until the raw aroma goes away.
• Add the tomatoes, red chilli powder, turmeric powder, hing and salt and saute.
• Then, add the lentils and water. Mix well.
• Pressure cook for 5 to 6 whistles.
• Serve.

Tomatoes help pregnant women deal with the stress of pregnancy. They also benefit the foetus in your womb.