Can carrots be breastfed?

The exact time of occurrence of carrots is unknown. But you can be sure that this event happened a very long time ago. Even in antiquity, this root crop was very popular. In various countries, carrots were included in the composition of gourmet dishes, desserts and seasonings were prepared from it.

The benefits of this garden culture were legends. For example, in some countries, to this day, there is a tradition of giving carrots to the bride for a wedding. This custom is explained by the fact that in these countries carrots symbolize strong family relationships and established home life. Presenting the root vegetable to the newlywed, the donors express the hope that the girl will become a good mistress. Perhaps this belief has its own meaning. But the usefulness of this vegetable for breastfeeding a young mother is beyond doubt. With the proper use of this garden culture, the baby's body will also receive tremendous benefits.

Valuable composition

In addition to high nutritional properties, carrots have healing qualities. It is still used in home treatments for minor burns. There are many popular folk recipes that are used to resolve many pathologies of the human body. Carrots can give mood, because under its influence the hormone serotonin is produced. It also has magical powers. So, the ancient Greeks believed that with the help of the “orange beauty” one could achieve the disposition of the person with whom one wants to connect fate.

Although in all of the above facts there is some mythicity, the very composition of this inhabitant of fields and gardens causes great respect. It is difficult to find such a combination of useful elements. After all, carrots have everything you need to maintain vital functions:

• proteins;
• cellulose;
• carbohydrates;
• carotenes;
• fats
• organic acids;
• vitamins;
• micro and macrocells.

I want to dwell on the last point separately, because a significant part of the periodic table is presented in one carrot. In carrots there are even such rare trace elements as: molybdenum, nickel, chromium, cobalt. True, these substances are contained in microscopic doses.

Vitamin "A" - the protagonist of the carrot saga

In general, in carrots, each member of its famous composition deserves a separate story. But retinol, better known as vitamin A, is the main active ingredient here. The usefulness of this vitamin has long been scientifically proven. In fairness, it is worth noting that it was retinol that was isolated from carrots the very first. With its discovery, the era of vitamins began. Other carotenoids later became known.

Vitamin A is invaluable to the human body. It is especially useful for the growth and full development of babies. Here are just some of the functions that it regulates in the body:

• participates in protein synthesis;
• possesses antioxidant properties, which helps to quickly cleanse the body of toxins;
• strengthens the immune system, protecting the child from infections;
• contributes to the normalization of metabolic processes.

All these properties are more useful in a hundredfold also because the baby receives them naturally, that is, together with mother's milk. The benefits of retinol are also shown in the ability to improve the condition of hair and skin, which is important for maintaining the beauty and prolonging the youth of any woman.

Other useful features

It was as if nature specially selected the composition that is most useful to humans and placed it in carrots.A unique set of components makes the root crop a safe product suitable for feeding a nursing mother. Moreover, for a number of indicators, it is mandatory. For example, 650 grams of carrots contains the same amount of calcium as a glass of whole milk. And this element is necessary for bone tissue. But the ability of a vegetable is not limited to this property. Carrots are also distinguished by the following qualities:

1. Lowers cholesterol. Scientists have proven that it is enough to eat only 150 grams of carrots daily to reduce the level of this harmful component by 20%.
2. Strengthens the structure of blood vessels. Potassium contained in the product has a positive effect on the tone of the vascular walls, increasing their throughput. As a result, blood circulation and cardiac activity are being established.
3. Normalizes hemoglobin levels. Since carrots are included in the list of iron-containing products of natural origin, I recommend eating it to prevent anemia. For preventive purposes, a vegetable is used to prevent rickets in a child.
4. Problems of the organs of vision. Carrots have a beneficial effect on vision - this is also a proven fact. True, in such a situation, it can only be used as a preventive measure, because it does not make sense to correct already violated functions with its help. But with regular use of the vegetable due to the high content of retinol in it, visual disturbances can be prevented. Although you should not get carried away excessively with carrots, because a high concentration of keratins is manifested by pigmentation on the skin.
5. Regulates energy balance. Carrots can relieve fatigue and charge with vital energy. So a portion weighing 225 grams, which will take about three average root crops, increases efficiency. A lactating woman needs such an influx of living energy.
6. Powerful antioxidant. This ability of carrots has already been mentioned above. But there it was a question of retinol, that is, vitamin "A". But carotenes also have the ability to remove toxins. Their mechanism of action is as follows: beta-carotene, entering the body, interacts with fats, which starts the process of retinol synthesis. But, in fact, this element is a pigment that gives the root crop its characteristic orange color. This substance has long been called the "elixir of youth" for its ability to successfully fight free radicals. It is believed that beta - carotene can even destroy cancer cells if certain conditions are created. But the most remarkable is that during heat treatment this element is not destroyed.

Note! There is evidence of increased lactation with carrots. Through research, the presence of this relationship has been proved: after all, 90% of the composition of carrots is water. Low calorie content of the product (35 kcal / 100g) makes the root crop safe in terms of weight gain. All these qualities make carrots an extremely useful product for the diet of a nursing mother.

Precautionary measures

The positive characteristics of the product can not be considered a reason for its excessive use. With uncontrolled use of the product, there is a risk of allergies. Its manifestation in a baby is especially undesirable. Therefore, carrots, like other products that have a bright color, should be introduced into the diet very carefully.

In addition, you need to consider the period after childbirth. It is recommended to supplement the diet with vegetables only a month after the birth of the baby. And first you need to eat them better in boiled or stewed form. If there are no signs of allergy on the baby’s skin, the serving can be gradually increased.

Menu Rules

If the baby has adapted to a richer mother’s diet, a woman must take into account several key recommendations when eating carrots.

1. Cooking method. Nursing mother should not eat fresh carrots, but you can try to drink juice in small portions. It is recommended to mix carrot and apple juice. You can make nutritious mixes with grated root vegetables and milk.
2. Restrictions apply only to women with digestive ulcers or allergies to this product.
3. The dosage should be within a reasonable measure. During lactation, the optimal amount per day is no more than 150 grams.
4. Storage conditions. Carrots last longer at low temperatures. Therefore, the most suitable place for it is a refrigerator. But before sending it there for storage, it is recommended to thoroughly wash the root crops.
5. Tips for choosing. Instances of good quality have a uniform color, they are hard to the touch. When buying, you should give preference to vegetables that do not have chips, cracks and growths.

The Japanese believe that with the systematic use of carrots, a person has a chance to extend his life by seven years. In order for an amazing vegetable to ensure the health and longevity of the mother and baby, you should definitely consult a pediatrician.

Video: vegetables for a nursing mother