Healthy Seafood For Pregnant Women
Seafood is often called a source that contains lots of protein and nutrients, such as vitamins (vitamin D and choline), minerals (iron, zinc, iodine, copper and selenium).
. In addition, a lot of seafood contains Omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids such as docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), which is very helpful in the mental development of the child.
Thus, seafood especially fish rich in omega 3, making it excellent for women who are pregnant.
Studies have shown that the intake of seafood to reduce the risk of preterm birth, and low birth weight babies.
The following types of seafood are good for pregnant women and fetuses
1. Smoked Fish
Smoked Fish contain many important nutrients for pregnant women, such as vitamins A and D and protein. Vitamins A and D are widely available in cod liver oil. Smoked fish is also rich in B-complex vitamins, especially B6, B12, and niacin. Actually smoked fish has been cooked, because the parasites die when smoked fish. Important minerals are also widely available in smoked fish, such as iron, iodine, phosphorus, zinc, potassium, selenium and omega-3 fatty acids, which is required for the development of the baby's brain, eyes and nervous system.
2. Shellfish
Shellfish, and also other seafood such as shrimp should be cleaned properly and cooked to be safe to eat. Shellfish is a source of protein and omega 3 fatty acids, which will be used for the development of the baby, especially the brain, nerves and eyes.
Shellfish including low in saturated fat. Pregnant women can consume shrimp or crab for a healthy diet. However, shrimp or crab should be cooked, such as pan-fried that fish oil does not disappear when cooked. Although highly nutritious and good for the fetus, but preferably should be careful when processing shellfish, because shellfish can contain some environmental pollutants - PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls), dioxins, pesticides and other contaminants. For that limit the consumption of shellfish, are quite simply two servings a week.
3. Oily fish
Fish that contain lots of oils such as herring, pilchards, mackerel, sardines and salmon are very good for pregnant women. This is because they are a source of essential fatty acids, which is necessary for pregnant women. In addition, fish also contains a variety of vitamins and essential minerals such as calcium, and omega-3 fatty acids This is a list of fish that is good for pregnant women - Pilcards, fresh tuna, sea eel, salmon, herring, mackerel, trout, sardines, kippers, anchovies, salted fish.
Oily fish may just as well with other seafood, namely the possibility of mercury content. Therefore, pregnant women should limit their intake of these fish are only two portions a week.
4. Fish oil:
Fish oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acid, which has been described that help women during pregnancy. Intake of fish oil during pregnancy will reduce risks such as premature birth, high blood pressure and to miscarriage. Fish oil can be obtained from eating fish or taking supplements. Fish oil is usually made from fish such as salmon, cod liver, certain fatty fish, tuna etc. Many fish oil products that are specially made to meet the needs of pregnant women.