If you are a breastfeeding mom, you may be wondering if it is safe to eat lentils. This is a valid question, as there are both benefits and risks associated with consuming lentils while breastfeeding.
There is a lot of conflicting information out there about what foods you should and shouldn’t eat when you’re breastfeeding. It’s hard to know what’s safe and what’s not.
Lentils are a great source of protein and fiber, and they’re low in calories. This makes them a perfect food for breastfeeding mothers
Are lentils good for breastfeeding mothers?
The good news is that lentils are a safe food to eat while breastfeeding. They are packed with nutrients, and they’re low in calories. This makes them a perfect food for nursing mothers. Lentils are a great source of protein and fiber, and they can help you meet your daily calorie needs.
However, it’s important to note that all foods should be eaten in moderation while breastfeeding. You don’t want to overload your system with too many nutrients, or you could end up with an upset stomach.
What Are the Benefits Of Eating Lentils When Lactating?
Packed with nutrients: Lentils are a great source of:
Protein
Protein is required for the formation of breast milk, which is then sent from the mother to the infant to nourish and support growth. As a result, nursing mothers require an extra 25 grams of protein every day. It is essential to consume a variety of protein-rich foods on a daily basis to guarantee a continuous supply of milk.
Fiber
Essential for digestive health, the fiber and other nutrients contained in whole grains, fruits, lentils and vegetables help to improve breast milk quality by supplying vitamin B, folate, magnesium, and selenium, which help to avoid immunological and neurological system disorders.
Iron
Helps transport oxygen throughout the body. While pregnant or nursing, eating an iron-rich diet and taking a daily iron supplement will help avoid iron deficiency anemia. Women who do not obtain enough iron may experience fatigue and other difficulties.
Zinc
Aids in wound healing and supports the immune system, according to the National Institutes of Health, zinc can assist the immune system fight viruses and germs.
Folate
Important for pregnant women and those who are breastfeeding, as it helps prevent certain birth defects of the baby’s brain and spine. According to research, the levels of folate in breastmilk are maintained at the expense of the mother. As a result, it’s simple to feel drained. Folate is vital for a nursing mother because it aids in the production and repair of her DNA.
Are There Any Risks Associated With Eating lentils While Breastfeeding?
Lentils are a healthy dietary option since they are low in fat and high in protein and fiber. However, these legumes may be harmful to some people. Lentils include antinutrients as well as phytates.
Antinutrients
Lentils include antinutrients such as trypsin inhibitors and phytic acid, which limit the absorption of some nutrients, proteins, and amino acids. Phytates are molecules that prevent minerals from being absorbed by our bodies.
Avoid Raw Lentils
Lentils and other legumes are harmful when eaten uncooked because all beans, including lentils, contain lectins that can induce allergic responses. Raw or undercooked lentils are extremely dangerous and can even cause death in some people.
Allergy
Lentils may cause allergy reactions in a small number of persons. Lentils are classified as legumes since they are related to beans and peanuts. You may be allergic to lentils if you are allergic to peanuts.
Do lentils make baby gassy?
They might. You may notice that your baby becomes gassy after you eat lentils as they are what’s know as gassy foods. This is because the high-fiber content of lentils and such foods can cause gas in your baby’s digestive system.
Beans and lentils contain sugar, as well as high fiber content, which can induce bloating, and are not readily broken down and absorbed by the intestines. Consuming these high-fiber and other gas inducing foods more than once a week may cause you and your baby to have excessive gas. However, whilst it’s better to get your fiber from solid foods you can table fiber supplements like benefiber as a breastfeeding mom.
If you consume fiber-rich lentils on a regular basis, you may experience gas and bloating. This is because lentils are a high-fiber food. When you add fiber to your diet, your body needs time to adjust. You may notice more gas and bloating when you start eating lentils, but this will eventually go away as your body gets used to the extra fiber.
What foods can bother breastfed babies?
Whilst it used to be thought that spicy food wreaked havoc on baby’s we now know that they do not necessarily negatively affect breast milk or baby. However, there are a few foods that can be bothersome to breastfed babies. These include dairy products, caffeine, citrus fruits and juices, as well as artificial sweeteners
Spicy foods and dairy foods should be introduced with a food diary so you can see if your baby has any reaction to cow’s milk or a hot sauce! Good nutrition and introducing babies to a varied diet with different tastes is important.
It’s best not to avoid a particular food or certain foods unless there is a history of allergies and you have been advised to have a special diet. Choose foods that means your and your baby’s nutritional needs and wide range of flavours so that your baby will easily accept solid foods when offered.
Do lentils increase breast milk?
If you need help with your milk production then protein-rich foods like lentils might be a good option for you. Lentils are high in protein and can help you meet your daily calorie needs. Mix them with other milk boosting foods like oat milk and coconut water to boost milk supply.
Lentils are a simple item that you may incorporate into your nursing diet to help you produce more milk. Protein, fiber, magnesium, and folate are all abundant in lentils. They can aid in the improvement of your digestive health and the stabilization of your blood sugar.
Consuming nutrient-rich foods like lentils, lean meat, foods rich in vitamin c can help ensure that you have enough energy and nutrients to support your breast feeding goals. You can eat beans and eat peanuts as long as you do not have any previously known allergies. Heck, you can even drink alcohol in moderation.
What about a Vegetarian diet and breastfeeding?
There are no specific concerns about a vegetarian diet and breastfeeding, as long as you are consuming a variety of foods to get the nutrients your body needs.
Breastfeeding moms need extra calories and need a diet rich in nutritious foods. Whilst it’s not good to avoid while breastfeeding a food group entirely if you are a vegetarian, lentils can provide the protein and nutrients you need to produce milk and keep up your energy levels.
Ensure you eat a balanced diet with plenty of leafy green vegetables, whole grains, fruits, and lentils to get the nutrients you need while breastfeeding. If you make healthy choices for mom’s diet then a breastfed baby should thrive on a vegetarian-only diet.
Low Down on Lentils for Breastfeeding Mom
Lentils are a good source of protein for vegetarians, and they contain all the essential amino acids needed for human health. So, eating lentils while breastfeeding is a healthy choice for both you and your baby.
Lentils are a healthy choice for both breastfeeding moms and their babies. They are high in protein and other essential nutrients, which can help nursing mothers produce milk and maintain energy levels. If you are a vegetarian, lentils can provide the protein you need to meet your daily calorie needs. So, eating lentils while breastfeeding is a good way to ensure that both you and your baby get the nutrients they need.
