Originally published January 26 2014
7 superfoods that will prepare your body for pregnancy
by Katherine Leonard, MS, NC
(NaturalNews) These foods are powerhouses for priming your body for pregnancy. Supporting the growth and development of a child is no small feat! And your body will need to be nourished with high-quality organic foods in order to prepare your body for the new life it will soon support.
Eggs and egg yolks Egg are rich in protein and nutrients necessary for the healthy growth and development of a baby. Yolks are high in choline, which is critical for the development of the brain, neurons, and the synapses where two neurons can communicate. Four yolks and at least one egg white each day will provide about 500mg of choline. Yolks are also rich in cholesterol, a crucial nutrient for production of sex hormones and healthy development of a baby's brain, nervous system, intestinal tract, and hormones.
Butter Butter from grass-fed cows is a rich source of cholesterol and vitamins A, E, D, K. Fat-soluble vitamins and cholesterol are essential for the development of healthy organs, especially a brain. Butter is also rich in minerals such as selenium, copper, chromium, and zinc which necessary for many metabolic processes. Butter provides arachidonic acid, fatty acid that is essential for skin, intestinal integrity, brain function, and immune response.
Cod liver oil Cod liver oil is rich in several valuable nutrients such as vitamin A that support healthy gene expression, strong bones, healthy skin and lungs, good eyesight, mineral metabolism, hormone production, mental stability, and protection against environmental chemicals and estrogenic substances in pesticides and plastics.
Raw cheese From grass-fed cows! Raw dairy products are more wholesome and easy to digest compared to pasteurized and homogenized dairy. Raw dairy has been shown to build strong bones and teeth, strengthen the immune system, and protect against allergies and asthma.
Bone broth Homemade bone broth is a hydrating beverage rich in gelatin, amino acids, and fatty acids that will contribute to stronger bones, tendons, connective tissue, and your digestive tract. High in an amino acid called glycine, bone broth provides nutrients needed for the placenta and it helps you and your baby deal with stressors. Enjoy on its own with Himalayan sea salt or use it as a base in soup.
Leafy green vegetables Dark green vegetables are a fantastic source of folate and calcium. They should be cooked and served with butter or coconut oil in order to enhance the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.
Fermented foods Lacto-fermented foods are rich in enzymes, lactic acid, and good bacteria. They are a digestive powerhouse that not only helps you digest your food, but boost your immunity, remove toxic compounds from your body, and produce vitamins and short-chain fatty acids that nourish your gut and your brain. Don't you want that for your baby too?
Sources for this article include:
The Nourishing Traditions Book of Baby and Child Care by Sally Fallon and Dr. Thomas Cowan.
http://science.naturalnews.com/V/Vitamin_E_and_oxidative_stress.html
http://science.naturalnews.com/M/Methionine_and_blood.html
http://science.naturalnews.com/Egg_yolk.html
About the author:
Katherine Leonard is a Holistic Nutritionist and naturopathic medical student with a passion for supporting people regain their health by reducing exposure to environmental toxins and transitioning to a nourishing and health-promoting lifestyle. Katherine has particular interest in helping women prepare their bodies for pregnancy. She has a master's degree in Holistic Nutrition and is currently enrolled in a 4-year doctorate degree in Naturopathic Medicine from Bastyr University.
Katherine believes that optimal health is achieved through organic whole foods, a toxin-free environment, stress management, and physical activity. Her passion is to design personalized programs to help others live nourishing lifestyles.
For more information and to sign up for a complimentary 15-minute consultation,
visit www.holistic-nourishment.com.
Follow her on Facebook: facebook.com/HolisticNourishment
Follow her on Twitter: https://twitter.com/PhytoNutrition
Katherine Leonard is a Holistic Nutritionist and naturopathic medical student with a passion for supporting people regain their health by reducing exposure to environmental toxins and transitioning to a nourishing and health-promoting lifestyle. Katherine has particular interest in helping women prepare their bodies for pregnancy. She has a master's degree in Holistic Nutrition and is currently enrolled in a 4-year doctorate degree in Naturopathic Medicine from Bastyr University.
Katherine believes that optimal health is achieved through organic whole foods, a toxin-free environment, stress management, and physical activity. Her passion is to design personalized programs to help others live nourishing lifestyles.
For more information and to sign up for a complimentary 15-minute consultation,
visit www.holistic-nourishment.com.
Follow her on Facebook: facebook.com/HolisticNourishment
Follow her on Twitter: https://twitter.com/PhytoNutrition
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