When it comes to pregnancy, you want to make sure you’re doing everything in your power to have a healthy pregnancy. One of the ways you can do that is by ensuring you’re eating a balanced diet, with plenty of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals.

One food that fits that description is potatoes. Potatoes are an excellent source of several key nutrients that are important during pregnancy. However, as with all foods, moderation is key.

In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of potatoes during pregnancy and how to incorporate them into your diet in a healthy way.

Potatoes are High in Nutrients

Potatoes are a great source of several nutrients that are important during pregnancy. These include:.

Potassium: Potassium is important for regulating blood pressure and maintaining a healthy heart.
Folate: Folate is a B-vitamin that is important for the development of the baby’s brain and spinal cord.
Vitamin C: Vitamin C is important for a healthy immune system and helps the body absorb iron.
Fiber: Fiber helps regulate digestion and prevents constipation.

Improves Digestion and Prevents Constipation

One of the biggest complaints during pregnancy is constipation. Fortunately, potatoes can help. Potatoes are a good source of fiber, which can help regulate digestion and keep things moving.

One large baked potato contains about 6 grams of fiber, which is about 20% of the daily recommended value for women. Additionally, the skin of the potato contains even more fiber, so be sure to leave the skin on when eating potatoes.

Potatoes Can Help Regulate Blood Pressure

During pregnancy, it’s important to keep blood pressure in check. Potatoes are a good source of potassium, which can help regulate blood pressure. In fact, one medium-sized potato contains more potassium than a banana.

Potassium acts as a natural diuretic, which can help reduce the risk of high blood pressure and lower your risk of gestational hypertension.

Potatoes are a Good Source of Folate

Folate is a B-vitamin that is crucial for the development of the baby’s brain and spinal cord.

It’s especially important during the first few weeks of pregnancy, which is why many doctors recommend taking a prenatal vitamin that contains at least 400 micrograms of folic acid. Fortunately, potatoes are also a good source of folate. One medium-sized potato contains about 8% of the daily recommended value for folate.

Easy to Incorporate into Your Diet

Another great thing about potatoes is that they’re easy to incorporate into your diet. You can bake them, mash them, boil them, or fry them. You can even add them to soups and stews for an extra dose of nutrients.

Just be sure to avoid processed potato products, like frozen french fries or potato chips, which can be high in fat and salt. Stick to fresh potatoes that you can prepare at home.

Conclusion: Moderation is Key

Potatoes can be a great addition to a healthy, balanced pregnancy diet. They’re a good source of several key nutrients, including folate, potassium, vitamin C, and fiber.

Additionally, they can help regulate digestion, blood pressure, and prevent constipation. That being said, as with all foods, moderation is key. Potatoes are high in carbohydrates and can be easy to overindulge in, especially when eaten in the form of unhealthy processed potato products.

Stick to fresh potatoes that are prepared in a healthy way and you’ll be on your way to a healthy pregnancy.