According to Healthline - Milk is an important source of nutrients and minerals, especially calcium. Calcium is essential during pregnancy for the baby's growth and development. In addition to calcium, milk is a rich source of vitamin D, which is just as important as calcium for the growth and bone strength of the fetus.
Some studies suggest that drinking milk during pregnancy may also inhibit the development of food allergies in infants, since the mother's diet also affects the development of the baby's immune system, both during pregnancy and lactation.
Milk derivatives are capable of providing the same nutrients as milk, however, consumption should be done with care to avoid a high calorie intake.
In this sense, one should avoid unpasteurized dairy products, including fresh cheese and cottage cheese, which are generally unpasteurized, because pasteurization eliminates pathogenic microorganisms that may be in the composition of the food product, which represents an added safety for the pregnant woman.
Learn about the 3 main benefits of drinking milk during pregnancy
1. Helps baby growth
As it is a rich source of calcium and vitamin D, milk is a very important food to promote healthy bone and muscle growth in the baby.
In addition to calcium and vitamin D, milk provides many other micronutrients, including protein, B vitamins, phosphorus, iodine, and potassium. Studies have also observed that milk consumption increases the concentration of growth factors, molecules essential for infant growth.
2. Promotes cardiovascular health
Both vitamin D and calcium strengthen cardiovascular health by regulating inflammatory processes and maintaining heart tissue. Vitamin D is responsible for keeping the arteries of the heart flexible, which is essential for controlling high blood pressure, very common during pregnancy (gestational hypertension).
3. Stimulates healthy cognitive formation
Iodine, also present in milk, is important for fetal cognitive development.
Another mineral that promotes this benefit is zinc, which is responsible for many biological mechanisms affecting the baby's neurological system. Therefore, it helps prevent the occurrence of premature death and congenital malformations.
What about coffee with milk? Does it cause any risk in pregnancy?
As we saw previously, milk can be a great ally during the entire gestation and even the lactation phase. However, one of the main milk combinations, coffee, is associated by several studies with an increased risk of miscarriage and low birth weight when its consumption is excessive.
This may occur due to the caffeine molecule's ability to cross the placenta and hinder the development of the fetus, since it absorbs the caffeine, but cannot metabolize it.
Therefore, the experts from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommend that pregnant women maintain a maximum daily consumption limit of 200 mg of caffeine, which is equivalent to approximately 4 cups of espresso coffee. It is worth remembering that caffeine is present not only in coffee, but also in soft drinks, teas, chocolates, and energy drinks.
Important care with food during pregnancy
During pregnancy, the woman's care with her diet and nutrition must be reinforced. Maintaining a healthy diet is fundamental for the development of the fetus and for the mother's quality of life.
In the last trimesters, especially, it is recommended to increase protein intake. The increased need for protein can be compensated for by consuming milk and its derivatives, as well as legumes such as chickpeas, beans, and peas.
It is also recommended that pregnant women increase their intake of whole grains and green leaves.
Finally, foods that should be avoided in pregnancy, according to the National Program for the Promotion of Healthy Eating, include:
Pâtés
Unpasteurized dairy products
Poorly sanitized vegetables
Undercooked or raw meats and fish
Content created and supplied by: Trendyhealth (via Opera News )
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