Pregnancy Nutrition Requires Whole Foods

The best pregnancy nutrition should include adequate varieties of high fiber low fat whole foods for a sound, balanced diet. Expectant mothers are smart to monitor their nutritional needs closely. When seeking the healthiest pregnancy nutrition, know that it is more effective to consume vitamins, minerals and other nutrients that are associated with whole foods, not isolated supplements. The body performs better when nutrients come from whole foods, whereas isolated vitamins and minerals are often flushed out before the body can actually use them.

The extra pressure of pregnancy can create an increased demand for vitamins in the mother's body. When stressed, more adrenal hormones are produced, and this cranks up metabolism. This can bring about a fast depletion in nutrients stored in the mother's body, consequently robbing the mother and the fetus of beneficial vitamins and minerals.

There are some excellent concentrated whole foods and whole food vitamins that supply complete pregnancy nutrition. Some of the most useful elements of these products incorporate calcium, protein, phosphorus, potassium, and folate (found in Vitamins A, B, D, C, and E).

Calcium is a critical mineral for anyone, especially nursing mothers and expectant mothers who need foolproof pregnancy nutrition. However, it is challenging to get plenty of calcium from whole foods like fruits and vegetables. Some of the more typical sources of calcium are broccoli, yogurt, cheese, milk, and beans.

For those about to take a calcium supplement, not only is it essential for pregnancy nutrition that the calcium originates from whole foods, it is correspondingly important that Vitamin D2 is present. Vitamin D2 is necessary to aid the body in absorbing calcium and is a fundamental component for healthier bone strength and density.

Folate, also called Folic Acid and Vitamin B9 is another required nutrient for sound pregnancy nutrition. Folic acid is a B vitamin that helps the body to make healthy new cells. That is why folate is vital for pregnancy nutrition as hopeful mothers create new life. Moms who include plenty of folic acid in their diets are taking positive steps toward preventing birth defects.

For proper pregnancy nutrition, a woman needs around 800 mcg of folic acid daily. Nursing mothers may reduce that to about 500 mcg. This level may not be easy for some to get to, as it requires up to six servings of whole foods such as leafy green vegetables, broccoli, or beans, every day. If a pregnant woman is not getting plenty of folate from whole foods, then whole food vitamins or supplements should be investigated.

Healthy sources for folate include an assortment of fruit, peas, nuts, beans, and green vegetables. Enriched bread and cereals often contain folic acid. Again, it is particularly important for pregnancy nutrition to be sure that the folate originates from whole foods that include an array of B vitamins.

Exploring the Internet will reveal some healthy options for whole foods, vitamins and supplements not usually found in retail stores. Just be sure to search "natural whole food vitamins for pregnancy nutrition".

About the Author

Author Cliff Everett Smith is CEO of http://www.besthealthfoodstore.net/index.html, an online health food store that specializes in whole foods, health drinks, vitamins and herbal supplements for pregnancy nutrition. The formulas he promotes are not offered in mainstream stores. View the catalog and uncover other healthy diet tips.