Copper: Required for the Formation of Blood Cells
Copper is very essential in the diet of a pregnant woman. It is required for the formation of blood cells. You need to include at least 1mg per day in your diet if you are pregnant and about 1.3mg if you are nursing your baby (breastfeeding). You should be very careful in including the required amount of nutrients in your diet, because not getting enough of copper can affect your health in a significant manner.
Why is it required?
When you are pregnant, your body puts a lot of effort into supporting both you and your baby. In does double the work, so it needs the proportionate amount of nutrients to keep it healthy and working. Along with the nutrients, it also needs double the amount of the nutrient carrier – the blood. And since blood constitutes of blood cells, these blood cells are the things that need to be manufactured in twice the normal amount. Copper is the mineral which helps in the formation of these blood cells. It also helps the body in mending tissues, breaking down sugars. It also helps in keeping your hair growing and looking healthy. As for the baby, it helps it in the development of the heart, skeletal and nervous system, arteries and blood vessels.
Is a supplement needed?
You will not require a supplement if you eat a proper, healthy diet. It helps you in getting enough amount of copper. It is present in organ meats (like liver), seafood, nuts, seeds, wheat bran cereals, cocoa products and whole grain products. However, you need to take a good prenatal multivitamin supplement if you do not get enough of these things in your diet. Consult your provider if you are planning to go for it.
Best food sources
Here are some of the food products that contain a considerable amount of copper:
- Liver
- Steamed oysters
- Canned crab meat (make sure it is considerably fresh)
- Cooked brown rice
- Baked potato
- Cooked pinto beans
- Cooked kidney beans
- Cooked black beans
- Boiled spinach
Do not cook food in un-insulated copper pots because unlike iron pots (which help in enhancing the body’s ability to absorb vitamin C), copper pots react with food and destroys the vitamin C, folic acid and vitamin E present in it.
A proper and healthy diet is one of the things that one needs to take care about during pregnancy. It’s the first of the few secrets of a healthy baby and mother.
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Filed Under: Health & Diet
