Top 10 Superfoods needed for breastfeeding and nursing mothers
Breastfeeding is a natural way for feeding a newborn instead of relying on cow’s milk or artificial infant formulas. Breastfeeding provides many benefits for the health of the mother and the baby. Mother’s milk is much easier to digest and can significantly reduce the chances of your baby developing allergies, respiratory problems, infections and constipation.
Nursing also creates a closer bond between mother and the baby and breastfed infants are known to be more intelligent than babies who are fed by cow’s milk or infant formulas. In fact, a study on 1,000 children showed that polyunsaturated fatty acids, in particular the docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in mother’s milk can significantly increase the neural development.
However, babies who are fed with infant formula do not receive DHA which is very important for baby’s intellectual and neural development. Children who are fed with mother’s milk are also less likely to develop asthma, wheezing and respiratory allergies.
Mother’s milk also prevents Clostridium difficile which is the intestinal bacteria that causes inflammation and diarrhea. Mothers who cannot breastfeed their babies either because of medical conditions or because they don’t have enough milk should be aware that most infant formulas have high amount of GMO soy in them. http://www.seattleorganicrestaurants.com/vegan-whole-food/soy-health.php
Beside the possible health risks of GMO soy, the phytochemicals present in soy known as isoflavones can create problems in endocrine system. Click here to find out why you should not feed your baby on non-organic infant formulas that have GMO ingredients in them.
It is important to eat a well-balanced and nutritional diet that can stabilize your metabolism and give you enough energy throughout the day. You can have small servings of these foods every three hours to give you enough nutrients that your body needs. Here are the lists of top 10 superfoods that you should include in your daily diet for healthier you and for a healthier baby (preferably organic ONLY: http://www.seattleorganicrestaurants.com/vegan-whole-food/pesticides-ridden-food-health-effects.php).
1. Blueberries
Women usually become B vitamin deficient. Nursing and breastfeeding mother should have at least two servings of blueberries every day for its rich antioxidant and nutritional properties. Besides being an incredible source of B vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, blueberries are great for boosting energy. http://www.seattleorganicrestaurants.com/vegan-whole-foods/berries/
2. Broccoli
Broccoli provides a wide range of micronutrients for nursing mothers and babies. Broccoli is also known for its anti-cancerous properties, preventing stomach disorders and curing stomach infections. http://www.seattleorganicrestaurants.com/vegan-whole-foods/green-superfoods/
3. Kale
Kale has the right balance between magnesium and calcium and the calcium in kale helps with the mothers sleeping pattern. Besides having tremendous minerals and vitamins, Kale has specific antioxidants like carotenoids and flavonoids that are anti-cancerous.
4. Cranberries
Cranberries have tremendous amount vitamin C that allows body to absorb other nutrients properly. Cranberries are also antibacterial, lower the cholesterol level and reduce the chances of stomach cancer.
5. Wild salmon (preferably, fresh and non-frozen)
Wild sockeye salmon is a great source of polyunsaturated fatty acids, in particular the docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) that helps with proper brain formation, increase eyesight and stronger nerves and reduce depression. Wild salmon is a great source of vitamin B12 that’s essential for breastfeeding mothers and growing kids. Wild salmon is also a great lean protein and the lowest mercury-containing fish. http://www.seattleorganicrestaurants.com/vegan-whole-foods/wild-sockeye-salmon/
6. Apples
Apples are wonderful for pregnant and nursing mothers and they can give fetuses essential nutrients that they need for development.
7. Celery
Celery has rare micronutrients and tremendous amount of vitamin C that helps with absorption of other nutrients. Celery can also increase the body’s immune system against infections and inflammatory diseases.
8. Pineapple
Pine apple is a great anti-inflammatory fruit that helps against Bloating. Pineapple also helps gastrointestinal to remain optimum for breastfeeding and nursing mothers. http://www.seattleorganicrestaurants.com/vegan-whole-foods/top-10-anti-inflammatory-foods/
9. Lots of Romaine lettuce and seaweed for vitamin K
Your body might be deficient of vitamin K, but while pregnancy or nursing you want to make sure you don’t have vitamin K deficiency. Romaine lettuce and seaweed are great source of vitamin K and other nutrients that are essential for the health of breastfeeding and nursing mothers and babies.
10. Herbs including Parsley, oregano and & herbal extracts
Extra herbs including parsley and oregano can help pregnant women or breastfeeding and nursing mothers by boosting their immune system. Also herbal extracts can be very useful and beneficial for breastfeeding mothers and babies. Check out Mountain Meadow Herbal extracts for breastfeeding and nursing mothers: For more info Click Here