When you enter your pregnancy phase, you have to be careful about what you eat. During pregnancy, you have to be conscious of your diet from the first to the third trimester. One of the foods that you can enjoy during pregnancy is chana or roasted chana or gur chana. Chana is good for pregnancy as it is loaded with high levels of proteins, minerals, and folic acid, which are essential during pregnancy. 

Let's understand the health benefits and side effects of eating chana during pregnancy. 

Also Read: Cashews in Pregnancy

6 Health Benefits of Eating Chana in Pregnancy?

Chana/roasted chana is beneficial for both the fetus and the mother in multiple ways, like: 

1. Prevents Anemia

Iron performs a variety of key functions in your body. Anemia in women is one of the significant health issues that can arise from the iron shortage. Iron supports the fetus' growth and development and helps provide oxygen to the developing child.

Premature birth risk can increase in pregnancy when there is a lack of iron. Your immune system, which helps protect you from illness during pregnancy, will greatly benefit from the iron in roasted chana. Additionally, it can aid in weight maintenance throughout pregnancy.

Also Read: 7 Dry Fruits & Seeds That Increase Hemoglobin

2. Manages Gestational Diabetes

When a woman's body can't create enough insulin during pregnancy, gestational diabetes develops, which may result in excessive blood sugar levels. Untreated high blood sugar may endanger the mother and the fetus. Therefore, adding roasted chana to your diet will help avoid a rise in your blood sugar levels since they are a rich source of fibre which causes a much lower insulin response. 

3. Aids in Digestion

Roasted chana is a rich source of soluble fibre, which enhances gut health. It lessens the chance of having constipation and indigestion. Additionally, the minerals in roasted chana aid in regulating bowel motions in a pregnant woman. 

4. Promotes Fetus Growth

Do you know that 100 grams of chana contain 43 grams of choline? Choline, a vitamin found in chana (chickpeas), supports proper nerve growth and brain development in the fetus. Therefore, when you munch on chana during pregnancy, the fetus's brain and spinal cord will develop more quickly. 

The vital mineral folate, which is needed during pregnancy to produce red blood cells and aid in the development of your fetus, is abundant in chana. Additionally, it lessens the risk of neural tube defects in the fetus.

5. Boosts Energy

Pregnancy time is no less than a roller coaster ride. As the pregnancy goes on, you'll feel more and more worn out and drained, so you'll need more energy to support the increasing weight inside your womb. Munching on kala chana during pregnancy gives you the energy you need to handle the physical demands of pregnancy.

6. Promotes the Overall Health of Mother-to-be

Black chana is a superfood that decreases bad cholesterol, regulates blood sugar, lowers chronic inflammation, and helps to manage blood pressure. Your weight may become a problem during pregnancy, however, chana can aid in weight management and the prevention of obesity.

Apart from roasted chana and black chana, you can safely eat gur chana during pregnancy in moderation. Gur is a rich source of iron and a natural source of sugar, which boosts the general health of the pregnant woman. Moreover, gur chana is known to purify blood and breast milk. You can order gur chana online from Healthy Master. 

Also Read: Health Benefits of Eating Almonds in Pregnancy

Side Effects of Eating Chana in Pregnancy

Along with the benefits, you should also know the side effects of overeating chana during pregnancy. Let’s take a look at them as well.

1. You may have allergic reactions if you have a history of sensitivity towards chana.
2. If you are suffering from diarrhoea, chana should be avoided in pregnancy as the dietary fibre in it may worsen the situation.
3. Overeating chana can lead to stomach ache and discomfort. 

Also Read: Benefits of Eating Walnuts in Pregnancy

Conclusion

Important nutrients like iron, folate, potassium, protein, and fibre are found in chana, which is a beneficial source during pregnancy. You can have roasted chana or gur chana during your pregnancy. However, if you have gastrointestinal problems or diarrhea, eating high-fiber-containing chana is not recommended. However, you must consult your gynecologist before adding chana to your pregnancy diet. Once your gynecologist recommends you to add chana to your pregnancy diet, don’t forget to order premium-quality chana online from Healthy Master.  

Also Read: 10 Healthy Snacks For Every Pregnant Woman