For mothers who are planning to have children or are pregnant, uterine-nourishing foods are very important. This is because the uterus is an organ that is important for fertilization and embryo implantation. Maintaining good health and eating foods that nourish the uterus will help strengthen the uterus, which may increase the chances of pregnancy, promote the health and growth of the fetus, and may reduce the chances of miscarriage or premature birth.
What are some foods that nourish the uterus?
There are many types of foods that are beneficial to the uterus. There are scientific studies that support the properties of foods that may help nourish the uterus and promote the development of the fetus, as follows:
1. yolk
Egg yolks are rich in choline, a nutrient that is good for nourishing the uterus. It helps create fat that helps strengthen the structure of cell membranes, brain membranes, muscles, and nerve cells. It helps the body repair and produce DNA, and helps produce neurotransmitters necessary for muscle control, memory, vision, and heartbeat control. And It is also good for the development of the brain and spinal cord of the fetus. A study published in the journal Nutrition in August 2019 studied choline, an essential nutrient for health. It found that women of childbearing age normally need 425 milligrams of choline per day. However, pregnancy and breastfeeding may cause the body to need extra choline. Pregnant women should receive 450 milligrams of choline per day, and breastfeeding women should receive 550 milligrams of choline per day, as choline helps nourish the fetus, placenta, and uterus.
2. Milk and dairy products
Milk and dairy products such as yogurt and cheese are rich in calcium and vitamin D, which help promote bone health and may help prevent uterine tumors. A study from Cambridge University published in the British Journal of Nutrition in March 2021 studied the effects of dairy products, vitamin D and calcium on the risk of ovarian cancer. It was found that consuming low-fat milk and food products containing calcium or vitamin D may reduce the risk of ovarian cancer.
In addition, there is another research published in the journal Fertility and Sterility in January 2021 studying the relationship between vitamin D3 levels and uterine fibroids. It was found that if the blood has low levels of vitamin D, it may affect the development of uterine fibroids more. Therefore, vitamin D deficiency is an important factor that may cause uterine fibroids. And vitamin D supplementation helps reduce the size of uterine fibroids.
3. Sea fish
Sea fish such as salmon, tuna, and mackerel are rich in omega-3 fatty acids that help reduce the production of prostaglandins, a group of compounds synthesized from unsaturated fatty acids. These compounds act like hormones that stimulate uterine contractions , causing the uterus to contract violently. Eating sea fish may help reduce these symptoms. In addition, omega-3 fatty acids also help maintain a healthy body and uterus. A study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology in June 2006 studied omega-3 fatty acids in the production of prostaglandins in response to inflammation. It was found that omega-3 fatty acids help reduce the production of prostaglandins in the uterine wall, helping to reduce violent uterine contractions and reduce the risk of premature birth.
4. Cereals, legumes and seeds
Whole grains, legumes and seeds such as sunflower seeds, chia seeds, quinoa and peanuts are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which may help prevent tumors and ovarian cancer, help balance hormones and maintain cholesterol levels in the body, as well as prevent premature birth. A study published in The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews in November 2018 studied the consumption of omega-3 fatty acids during pregnancy and found that consuming omega-3 fatty acids during pregnancy may help improve the health of the mother and fetus, and prevent pregnancy complications such as premature birth, miscarriage, postpartum depression and preeclampsia.
5. fruit
Many fruits such as strawberries, blueberries, and oranges are rich in vitamin C, which helps boost immunity, reduce inflammation, and inhibit tumor growth. It may also help control the balance of estrogen hormones, which is beneficial for the uterus and pregnancy. A study published in The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews in September 2015 looked at the benefits of vitamin C supplements for pregnant women and found that consuming vitamin C supplements may help reduce the risk of complications during pregnancy, such as preeclampsia and anemia in pregnant women.