Chicory has the following effects on the body of pregnant women:
- Calms the nervous system, helps to fall asleep;
- Normalizes blood sugar levels, which is important for women who are expecting a baby, since gestational diabetes mellitus sometimes occurs – that is, that arises during pregnancy;
- Increases hemoglobin, this reduces the likelihood of oxygen starvation in the fetus;
- Normalizes the activity of the gastrointestinal tract, fights constipation;
- Improves blood circulation.
The drink has a rich taste, which makes it similar to coffee. But at the same time, it does not excite the nervous system and does not affect the level of blood pressure.
Chicory can be consumed at any stage of pregnancy, both early and late. You can buy chicory root at the pharmacy and prepare a decoction, or buy chopped root – it is brewed in the same way as coffee. The drink can be sweetened to taste, milk or cream can be added to it.
By itself, the drink does not lead to weight gain, but it tends to stimulate the appetite. This is something that overweight women need to keep in mind. It is especially important for them to monitor their weight gain during pregnancy.
Chicory and pregnancy are perfectly compatible, but it also has contraindications. First of all, these are allergies and individual intolerance to chicory. In this case, even herbal tea with its addition can harm.
Also, it is better not to use chicory in the presence of diseases such as:
- Phlebeurysm;
- Hemorrhoids;
- Gastritis;
- A stomach or duodenal ulcer;
- Bronchial asthma.
If a woman is allergic to foods high in vitamin C, then she needs to be careful with chicory.
Pregnancy is not a reason to deny yourself delicious food or the pleasure of drinking a delicious drink. But you need to be careful about your health and the health of your future baby and choose only healthy and natural foods and drinks.