Pregnancy is an incredible journey where your choices resonate not just in the moment, but ripple into the future.
How you nourish yourself during this time can have a lasting impact, shaping both your postpartum journey, and your long-term well-being.
Amongst the many foods to consider during pregnancy, there's one often overlooked superfood that deserves a prominent place on your menu – sardines!
Even if you're not a fan of fish, there are many reasons to consider sardines. The benefits they offer make finding a way to incorporate them into your diet truly worthwhile!
Healthy Bones:
Think of sardines as a natural calcium source. Calcium is crucial during pregnancy as it builds your baby's bones and teeth, regulates their heart rate, and ensures proper blood clotting.
It's not solely about your baby's needs, but also yours too! Your own bone health is equally crucial as your baby relies on your calcium reserves for proper development. To make the most of sardines calcium benefits, be sure to eat the bones, as this is where most of the calcium is concentrated.
Nurturing Your Baby's Brain:
Sardines are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, including DHA and EPA, which are vital for your baby's brain development, particularly for cognitive and visual functions.
These essential fatty acids don't just benefit your baby; they also support your cognitive function and emotional well-being during pregnancy. This can lead to a more positive and balanced state of mind, while simultaneously providing anti-inflammatory advantages that alleviate joint discomfort, enhancing your overall pregnancy experience.
Iron Boost:
Sardines are a wonderful source of iron, a vital component crucial in transporting oxygen to your body's cells and supporting your baby's development. By including sardines in your diet, you ensure a steady supply of the iron necessary for a healthy pregnancy.
Beyond Vision:
Sardines contain vitamin A, a crucial nutrient that extends well beyond healthy vision development in your baby. This essential vitamin plays a significant role in promoting overall growth and development, contributing to the formation of healthy skin and mucous membranes – your baby's first line of defence against infections!
Vitamin A also supports the development of a strong immune system, helping your baby fight off illnesses and infections, and plays a role in the growth and development of vital organs like the heart, lungs and kidneys.
Immune System:
Sardines are a wonderful source of selenium, a mineral that not only boosts your immune system, but also aids in protecting your baby's developing immune system. This mineral acts as a powerful antioxidant, defending against infections and supporting your body's defence mechanisms.
Source of Vitamin D:
Sardines serve as a valuable source of vitamin D, offering a range of benefits for both you and your baby during pregnancy. This essential nutrient plays a crucial role in building strong bones, bolstering your immune system to fend off infections, and potentially improving your mood, which can enhance your overall well-being during this special time.
Incorporating sardines into your pregnancy diet can be a game-changer, offering a holistic boost for both you and your baby. If you're not a fish lover, we've got you covered with a delicious sardine pancake recipe that gives a very mild fish taste!
Click here for the recipe!