Raw Honey and Pregnancy

Pregnancy is the most important phase in a woman's life where she is most pampered and taken care of. It is a roller coaster ride and of course once in a lifetime feeling generally associated with many food restrictions and problems. Whatever it may be, along with the regular tests and check up, what really matters is the pregnancy diet. I mean it's really important to eat the right kind of food in right amounts and most importantly healthy food. The diet should be planned according to the requirement of the mom as well as the baby because the main aim is to provide maximum nutrients and vitamins to the growing fetus. One of the foods to eat during pregnancy is the unpasteurized yet healthy food, raw honey.

We are all well-aware of honey being the universal ayurvedic remedy for many illnesses and ailments owing to which it should be a part of our regular diet. Honey has been extensively used for healing and as a natural sweetener almost always.

Although a pregnant female should indulge in a healthy diet, it shouldn't be high on calories. According to observations, many women crib about weight gain that is popularly associated with pregnancy. Substituting raw honey in place of conventional sugar is the best option to opt for if you really don't want to gain those extra pounds.

Morning sickness and lameness which is one of the earliest signs of pregnancy can be overcome by consuming raw honey since it helps freshen your mind and makes you feel good. Also if you happen to suffer from constipation which many pregnant females do, raw honey is the best remedy.

Another raw honey benefit is the fulfillment of the energy needs. Raw honey is a good source of carbohydrates which helps boost energy and strengthens the muscles. Hence it should be included as a part of a pregnancy diet.

While going through the testimonies, I found out that many women and gynecologists trust on raw honey. Owing to the health benefits of raw honey, it can be proved that it is safe to consume without any major side effect. However, an evident danger is that it is not a pasteurized and processed product. We all know what pasteurization is; it involves the killing of certain harmful bacteria after exposure to high temperatures. Raw honey has spores of Clostridium botulinum, which is an endospore producing harmful bacteria causing food poisoning or botulism in humans. Although you could surely avoid this by going for a trustworthy local brand that sells good quality raw honey.

Incorporate Raw Honey in Your Diet

If you want to consume raw honey, it's better to supplement it with milk or yogurt since this would suit the body, best. Along with the fruits that are recommended during pregnancy, you could just pour a spoonful of honey and then have. You could also make smoothies or honey mustard salad by mixing oil, vinegar, salt, pepper and mustard with either raw fruits or vegetables. Another way to go about it is by mixing honey with fruit juices, cinnamon, apple cider vinegar and lemon juice. However, too much consumption of raw honey is not good for the would-be-mom as well as the baby and is definitely not advisable.

Though raw honey is extremely safe to use, it is not good for children below one year of age. However, this cholesterol-free, nutritious and natural sweetener is healthy in all ways!