5 Surprising Health Benefits of Beetroot During Pregnancy

Pregnancy is that time when every bite you take matters.

Yes, a lot!

Therefore, expecting mothers are often on the lookout to search for nutrient-dense superfoods that can benefit their baby’s health.

If you’re looking for one such food source, beetroot may be your answer. It is packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Usually, most people find beets synonymous with better heart health and stamina, but the truth is—their benefits during pregnancy go beyond that.

Read this article to explore five surprising health benefits of beetroot during pregnancy and why you must add this superfood to your diet.

Pregnancy significantly increases your body’s demand for iron, which in turn is necessary for red blood cell production. Conversely, low iron levels in your body can lead to anemia, resulting in fatigue, dizziness, and other complications. Did you know that nearly 40 percent of pregnant women worldwide suffer from iron deficiency anemia?

Beetroot is a natural iron booster. It provides a good dose of non-heme iron, which significantly aids in hemoglobin production. Besides, it also contains vitamin C, which further improves iron absorption.

Yes, beetroot is also rich in folate, which plays a big role in preventing neural tube defects in the brain and spine of developing babies. According to the CDC, folate can reduce the risk of birth defects by a whopping 70 percent.

Surprisingly, just a 100 g serving of beetroot can provide around 109 mcg of folate, contributing to the recommended daily intake of 600 mcg for pregnant women. Besides, folate also plays a vital role in ensuring proper oxygen and nutrient supply to the baby.

High blood pressure during pregnancy affects nearly 10 percent of pregnancies. Also known as gestational hypertension, it significantly increases the risk of preeclampsia, a condition that can pose serious complications for both mother and baby.

Since beetroot is loaded with natural nitrates, it actually helps relax blood vessels and improve blood circulation. Did you know that beetroot can lower blood pressure by 4-10 mmHg within hours of consumption?

It is not uncommon for pregnant women to experience constipation and bloating, which typically happens due to hormonal changes and prenatal iron supplements. The high dietary fiber content in beetroots, which is about 3.4 g per 100 g, helps in smoother bowel movements while preventing digestive discomfort.

Additionally, beetroot also works as a natural detoxifier by flushing out toxins from the liver and keeping digestion in check.

At the end, a strong immune system is what matters the most during pregnancy when it comes to fighting off infections. Beetroot is rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, and betalains that significantly work to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress.

Moreover, even studies have proven that beetroot can improve your body’s immune response and reduce the risk of common infections in pregnant women.

Beetroot is a nutrient-rich superfood that has multiple benefits during pregnancy, from boosting hemoglobin levels to regulating blood pressure and digestion. Whether you blend it into juice, grate it into salads, or prepare a nutrient-rich beetroot hummus, consuming it in any way can do wonders for your body.