You have to be very careful about your diet when you are pregnant as your immune system becomes weak during pregnancy. Certain things that might look harmless could affect your health and put your baby at risk. A weaker immune system cannot protect you against viruses, bacteria, and parasites that can cause food-borne illnesses. Some of these bugs, like Toxoplasma and Listeria can affect your baby as well. Toxins in your food, such as mercury can also cause serious problems. Therefore, you should ask your doctor about your diet.

Is It Safe to Eat Sesame Seeds in Pregnancy?

Most women believe that it is not safe to consume sesame seeds during pregnancy. It is nothing but a misconception. They were believed to cause miscarriage because they are 'hot' in nature. In reality, there is no scientific evidence to confirm that sesame seeds are bad for pregnant women. In fact, they actually offer several benefits when consumed in moderation.

Sesame Seeds Nutrition and Benefits

Eating sesame seeds in pregnancy may actually provide benefits mainly because they contain some health-promoting nutrients. Sesame seeds are a great source of calcium, iron, and fiber that you really need during pregnancy. You just need to eat in small quantities to enjoy their benefits.

Nutrients Breakdown of Sesame Seeds

A tablespoon of toasted whole sesame seeds provides you with 2g of protein, 1gof fiber, 2g of carbs, 89mg of calcium, 4g of fat, 1.3mg of iron, and 51 calories in total. They also provide you with many other beneficial nutrients, including potassium, magnesium, and B-vitamins. Even though sesame seeds are high in fat, most of it is unsaturated fat that is actually beneficial for your cardiovascular system.

Health Benefits of Sesame Seeds

Here are some health benefits of consuming sesame seeds in pregnancy:

• Sesame seeds provide you with some of those nutrients that you really need for a healthy pregnancy. Some of them are calcium, proteins, iron, and vitamins B, C, and E.
• Sesame seeds help keep your digestive system healthy mainly because they contain fiber. Eating fiber-rich diet helps bulk up your stool and prevents constipation, which is extremely common during pregnancy.
• Sesame seeds have vitamin-C that boosts your immune system. Since your immunity is already low during pregnancy, these seeds really help make your defense system stronger and protect you from common cold and flu.
• Sesame seeds have calcium that keeps your bones stronger and even helps keep your baby growing in a healthy way. They also prevent dental problems.
• Eating sesame seeds during pregnancy may help resolve a common problem of frequent urination. They work naturally to normalize urine output in pregnant women.
• Sesame seeds help boost energy and strengthen your nerves and muscles as well. They also help reduce mental stress and weakness.

Ways to Add Sesame Seeds in Your Diet

Now that you have learned how beneficial it can be to eat sesame seeds in pregnancy, you may be wondering how you can include it in your diet. You can do it in a number of ways actually. For instance:

• You can prepare a sesame dip and make it even better by making some vegetable sticks. It takes little time but serves as a healthy snack.
• You can add a small amount of sesame seeds to basic mint and coriander chutney to enhance its nutritional benefits.
• You can consider making chutney using sesame seeds and use it as an accompaniment with your meals.
• You can use sesame seeds as a garnish. Be sure to use toasted sesame seeds for this purpose, especially when using them in your noodle dishes and gravies.
• You can prepare Indian sweets, such as ladoos and til chikkis by including sesame seeds in the recipes. They can serve a perfect dessert option.