What an expectant mother eats is very important in delivering safely and having a healthy baby. As a pregnant woman, there are certain foods you must and mustn’t eat, drinks you must drink and mustn’t drink.
Hence in this article, we take a look at some local foods for pregnant women in Ghana. These foods contains nutrients that are essential for both the expectant mother and the baby.
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ABEDRU/ SƐBƐBIBII
Abedru or sɛbɛbibii is widely used in most Ghanaian homes. It contains high amount of iron and helps in treating anemia.
In simple terms, one can say “it gives alot of blood” which a pregnant woman will need during and after pregnancy. It can be eaten raw or cooked; blend and pour into a cup to serve.
OKRO SOUP
Okro Soup is a local soup that is very popular among the ga’s and ewe’s. It goes well with banku or akple.
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The Okro contains dietary fiber that helps to prevent constipation and is also rich in Vitamins and minerals (calcium and zinc)
MPOTOMPOTO
Mpotompoto is a local sauce made with sweet potatoes that is good for pregnant women. The sweet potatoes contain fiber, vitamin A and C, potassium and Iron.
To avoid constipation which is common in pregnancy, the dietary fiber in sweet potatoes helps to prevent constipation.
The vitamin C is needed to repair worn out tissues and boosts the immune system whiles the vitamin A boosts eyesight. Talk of local and healthy and MPOTOMPOTO is definitely one of the best foods for pregnant women in Ghana.
OAT PORRIDGE
Oats contain folic acid that us good for producing red blood cells.
It also helps in the development of the baby’s neural tube to the brain and spinal cord.
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BEANS/ PEAS
Beans and peas are legumes which contains lots of Iron, Calcium, Zinc and Folate that is good for the unborn baby. The folate in legumes helps to prevent neurological disorders in babies.
Research proves that mother’s who eat more legumes deliver healthy babies.
