Why Should You Eat Chana in Pregnancy?

Feb 03 2023

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. Roasted chana is good in pregnancy. Roasted chana in pregnancy is beneficial for pregnancy as it is rich in high levels of protein, minerals, and folic acid, which are essential during pregnancy.

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

6 Health Benefits of Chana During Pregnancy.

The answer to the question “Can pregnant women eat roasted chana?” is here. 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 a significant health issue that can arise from an iron deficiency. Iron supports the fetus's 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.

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 movements 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 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.

Types of Chana You Can Eat in Pregnancy

Chana comes in different varieties, and each has a unique role in a healthy pregnancy diet:

Black Chana (Kala Chana):

Many of you search “Can I eat black chana in pregnancy?”

The answer is yes! Black chana in pregnancy is an excellent source of protein and iron. It helps maintain hemoglobin levels and energy.

White Chana (Kabuli Chana):

Softer and easier to digest, white chana is rich in folate and protein. It supports fetal growth and can be consumed as curries or salads. Healthy Master offers Roasted Kabuli Chana in spicy and masala flavors for a light snack option.

Roasted Chana:

Roasted chana is good in pregnancy as a wholesome snack. Varieties like Roasted Salted Chana, Spicy Roasted Masala Chana, or even Gud Chana combine taste with nutrition while being pregnancy-safe in moderation.

Sprouted Chana:

Sprouted chana provides extra enzymes, vitamins, and minerals. It’s lighter on the stomach and can be enjoyed as a sprouted salad with cucumber, tomato, and lemon.

Chana Dal:

Chana dal is soft, protein-rich, and versatile. It can be cooked into dals, soups, or khichdi for easy digestion during pregnancy.

Nutritional Value of Chana

Chana in all its forms, whether Roasted Cheese Chana or simple boiled black chana, offers essential nutrients for pregnancy:

Protein: Helps in muscle and tissue development.
Fiber: Reduces constipation and promotes gut health.
Iron: Prevents anemia and boosts red blood cell production.
Folate: Supports brain and neural tube development in the baby.
Magnesium: Regulates blood sugar, muscle health, and blood pressure.
Other Vitamins & Minerals: Provides vitamin B6, calcium, zinc, and potassium.

Can You Eat Chana During the First Trimester?

Yes, chana during pregnancy first trimester is highly beneficial. Folate in black and white chana helps prevent birth defects, while iron boosts hemoglobin.

Benefits: Roasted chana in pregnancy is a healthy snack for energy without excess calories.
Precautions: Some women may feel bloating or gas. Choosing softer options like Roasted Spicy Kabuli Chana or boiled/sprouted chana can be gentler on digestion.

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 aches and discomfort.

Safe Ways to Consume Chana During Pregnancy

Here are easy, safe ways to add chana to your diet:

Soaked and Boiled Chana: Gentle and nutrient-rich.
Lightly Roasted Chana: Options like Magic Roasted Chana or Roasted Salted Chana are crunchy, satisfying snacks.
Chana Chaat with Veggies: Mix boiled chana with cucumber, tomatoes, and lemon.
Sprouted Chana Salad: A refreshing, protein-packed option.
Avoid Excess Oil or Spices: Stick to lightly prepared snacks rather than fried ones.

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 in 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 that you add chana to your pregnancy diet, don’t forget to order premium-quality chana online from Healthy Master.