Lentils when breastfeeding: benefits and harms

After the birth of a baby, every mother faces the question of creating a balanced, but safe food program. And sometimes this seemingly simple task grows into a real problem. First, all the products that every day a nursing mother on the table, get a few hours in the fragile body of the little man. Therefore, a woman has a very limited choice. And the second difficulty is that with numerous "taboos" caring mother just have to fill her diet with vitamins, minerals and other useful supplements, which are so necessary for the complete growth and development of the baby.

Indeed, the list of useful but safe products is small, but even in it you can find something that will diversify the diet of a nursing mother and provide the baby with everything he needs. And this option - lentils. This humble representative of the family of leguminous crops in the past enjoyed great popularity in Russia. Unfortunately, exotic foreign products eclipsed the former glory of one of the oldest crops, from which a lot of tasty and very useful for nursing mothers dishes can be prepared. We will try to correct this mistake. We will tell you about the unique properties of lentils, their composition and the rules of consumption.

Can I eat lentils when breastfeeding?

Every breastfeeding mother has a unique chance to create the most favorable conditions for the growth and full development of her baby. After all, in the first months of life the baby is an active formation of all organs and systems. Therefore nutrition at this stage is of paramount importance. According to nutritionists, lentils are ideal in every respect because they have the following characteristics:

1. This legume crop has a low caloric value. This means that the presence of this grain in the menu of a nursing woman will not contribute to weight gain. This is a very important advantage of lentils will help to restore the previous shape of the figure very quickly.
2. All beans retain most of their composition and useful properties even after a long thermal treatment.
3. Lentils are a clean and environmentally friendly product, because they do not tend to accumulate pesticides and other toxic substances.
4. The composition of the beans is rich in health benefits that will help the mother to quickly recover from childbirth, and the baby - to grow and develop.

In short, lentils can be considered an ideal product for the daily menu of a nursing woman.

This is interesting! Ancient people have been eating lentils since the Neolithic era. This fact is confirmed by many scientific studies. In many Asian countries, this cereal still forms the basis of the diet today, replacing bread and even meat.

In the first month

Of course, the possibility of a particular food product in the diet of breastfeeding mothers depends, first of all, on the age of the baby. So, the first month - it's the most responsible and difficult period for newborns. The small fragile body is just adapting to the new conditions of life. Therefore, at this time, the mother's diet should not be changed or supplemented. A strict ban is imposed even on those products that the woman was using during pregnancy. Pediatricians and nutritionists believe that beans can be introduced only after three months from the time of delivery.

In the second month

By the end of the second month of life, the baby will be a little older and stronger, and he will have his first skills. For him to grow up strong and healthy, the mother can diversify her own diet a little. Lentils are the most suitable for this role, especially if a woman has consumed this cereal in some form during pregnancy. But as any new product, the introduction of useful beans need to be very carefully, constantly monitoring the reaction of the baby to the expansion of the program of maternal nutrition. To start, you can use lentils as a light dressing for soup. For the first tasting, 8-10 grains will be enough. If the baby does not develop digestive disorders or other negative reactions after that, you can continue to consolidate the positions of lentils in the daily menu.

Useful tip: It is best to conduct the first sample during breakfast.

How to eat lentils correctly

There are no and can't be any little things in a nursing mother's diet. After all, the slightest mistake is a risk to the baby's health. If lentils are consumed in excess of the norm, both the baby and the mother may develop flatulence and intestinal colic. It is especially important to consider this point if a woman was not previously familiar with this cereal. Therefore, before expanding the diet at the expense of legume-cereal culture, you should first study the rules and norms of its consumption.

Rules and norms of consumption

1. The main principle of introducing a new product into the complex of the diet of a nursing mother - it is gradualness.
2. The second rule: the optimal time for expanding the diet - is the 3rd month of life of the child.
3. The ideal dish to try - broth with beans. But the cereals themselves should not be eaten, you can try only a few spoonfuls of broth.
4. After the first experience, you need to wait two days. If the child's condition is stable, and the stool is normal, you can continue tasting the different ways of eating lentils.
5. In the next stage, it is allowed to eat a few boiled fruits. You should not force the process, and for a couple of days you need to monitor the condition of the baby again. If there is no change for the worse, you can move on to the next level of familiarity - cooking individual dishes.
6. You should not cook any serious dishes with lentils at once, because it can nullify the results achieved in the first two stages. At first, you can try a light soup, a steamed casserole made from lentil grains, and a salad.
7. When the child gets used to lentils, the mother will have the opportunity to pick up a more complex and tasty dish.

Note: If in the process of acquaintance with the new product the baby had minor adverse reactions in the form of colic and bloated tummy, you should not give up lentils forever. As an alternative replacement - sprouted grain legumes.

How much you can eat per day

There are different intake rates for each food item. For this reason, nutritionists always calculate the acceptable daily allowance when formulating different programs. Since lentils are part of the legume family, you need to determine the optimal portion for this food group when formulating your diet. Here are some norms for the consumption of lentil grains, which correspond to the diet of a nursing woman:

1. The first week it is allowed to consume up to 10 fruits per day, if the baby has no negative manifestations.
2. In the second week, the daily portion is allowed to increase to 25 beans.
3. Then each subsequent week you can add 10-15 fruits, but the portion of cereal should not be more than 25 grams in dry form.
4. If the introduction of a new product had a negative impact on the baby's condition, for a month, all attempts should be stopped, and then try again to supplement the menu with lentils.
5. Meals of this crop should be present in the menu no more than 3 times a week.
6. During cooking, the grains should be subjected to a long heat treatment, and before using it, be sure to soak overnight.

An important point: usually the introduction into the diet of legume products goes smoothly in those women who have consumed them during pregnancy.

Is it possible to eat at night and on an empty stomach?

The ideal time for lentil dishes is the first half of the day. Although the natural product contains proteins that are well digested by the digestive tract, all leguminous grains take a relatively long time to digest. But, in addition, even in small portions they can cause increased gas. For this reason, it is not recommended to burden the gastrointestinal tract at night with such food. Dishes made of lentils are nourishing and nutritious, so it is better to prepare them for breakfast.

The benefits of lentils during breastfeeding

During pregnancy and childbirth, a woman's body loses a huge amount of resources. Therefore, there is often a deficit of vitamins, minerals and other substances necessary for the baby and the mother herself during lactation. By introducing lentils into the diet you can compensate for this deficiency. After all, this kind of cereal is a record-breaker in natural vegetable protein, which accounts for almost a third of the composition. A growing kid's body in the first year of life needs a lot of protein, as it is the basic building material for muscle tissues. In addition to protein, lentils contain such valuable components:

1. Folic acid (vitamin B9) - this element is necessary for hair, skin and nails.
2. Iron supports normal hemoglobin levels.
3. Potassium strengthens blood vessels and provides a normal state of the nervous system.
4. Lysine is an essential amino acid, which is a natural immunomodulator.
5. Fiber is also found in large quantities in lentils beans. It promotes normal intestinal function and facilitates the removal of toxins from the body.
6. Isoflavone is a complex organic compound from the group of phytoestrogens is an effective preventive agent against cancer. Consumption of lentils during lactation will reduce the risk of breast cancer.
7. Mineral elements. Lentils contain a huge stock of substances of this group, high content of boron, nickel, silicon, manganese and other minerals.
8. Vitamins are represented in the grain as a whole complex. In addition to folic acid, the product contains vitamins B1, B2, B6, nicotinic acid and gamma-tocopherol.
9. Also in lentils at a low level of sugars in a significant amount present starch, ash and pectin.

The presence of such a diverse complex of substances allows lentils to be considered a valuable foodstuff. But with such a rich arsenal, the caloric value of 100 grams of fresh beans is about 290-350 units. This figure depends on the variety of legumes.

Useful properties
Due to its diverse composition, lentils even in minimal quantities have a beneficial effect on the body of the mother and baby. Of the beneficial effects, the following properties can be noted:

• strengthens the immune system;
• provides a purification of the body from toxins and toxic products;
• prevents the development of anemia;
• regulates blood glucose and reduces bad cholesterol;
• improves the condition of blood vessels;
• Stimulates the metabolic processes;
• normalizes the work of the intestines;
• helps to recover quickly;
• It has a positive effect on cardiac activity.

In fact, lentils are a low-calorie and very nutritious product. It is satiating but does not increase body weight, which is very important for all women during the postpartum period.

Are sprouted lentils useful?

Natural nutritionists have long appreciated the benefits of lentils and made them a staple in their diets. After all, this crop can compete with meat in terms of protein content. This is why many European and Asian countries cook lentils not only for everyday meals but also for festive occasions.

Sprouted lentils deserve a special attention as they gain completely new properties. Sprouted beans are considered to be the most popular trend in modern diet nutrition in general. This product is even mentioned in the Old Testament. And healers claim that sprouted lentils have medicinal properties. After its use, a person becomes calm, composed and patient. This phenomenon is explained by the fact that during the germination process in lentil grains are synthesized special carbohydrates and amino acids. These compounds are resistant to high temperatures, so they are retained in food even after prolonged heat treatment.

It is enough to eat 150 grams of sprouted lentils to provide the body with a daily supply of vitamins and minerals. The product has a low caloric value, which makes it possible to include sprouts in the diet of breastfeeding women. Such a supplement will be very useful for the growing body of the baby, especially for the bones and muscle tissues.

How to sprout lentils
Ready sprouted beans can be bought, but it is better to sprout the grains yourself at home. These beans are similar in taste to fresh green peas and contain twice as many vitamins and minerals as usual lentils.

To get such a valuable and nutritious product, you should do the following:

1. Pick the grains, remove debris and spoiled specimens.
2. Then wash the beans well, changing the water several times.
3. Place the beans on a clean, damp cotton cloth and cover them with another piece of cloth.
4. The beans will germinate for 48 hours. If the cloth dries out, be sure to sprinkle it with water. Beans need moisture to germinate properly.

The most useful are the newly opened grains, which have sprouted up to 2 mm. Sprouts older than 3 days no longer have such properties.

Note: From sprouted lentils you can cook porridge or soup, it is added to salads, make from such beans mashed potatoes and cutlets. Nutritionists recommend sprouted beans for people of all ages, including young children.

What are the dangers of lentils during lactation?

Despite the impressive list of worthy qualities and great potential for use as a medicine, lentils have a number of contraindications when it comes to its use by breastfeeding women. The product is strictly prohibited:

• If the child is prone to flatulence;
• Biliary dyskinesia in the mother;
• Kidney and gallbladder stones;
• Gout and joint diseases;
• Hemorrhoids and intestinal dysbacteriosis;
• pancreatic dysfunction;
• In the period of exacerbation of gastritis and peptic ulcer disease.

As already mentioned, the product should be introduced into the diet with caution. During lactation, it is better to use lentils in the form of mashed potatoes. Such a dish will be quickly digested, reducing the risk of side effects.

Attention! Lentils can accumulate arsenic in small amounts. Therefore, you should not abuse this product.

How to choose and store lentils

How to choose

Today it is rare to meet enthusiasts who grow lentils in their garden. Therefore, we have to be content with what is sold in stores or on the market. When choosing beans, you need to pay attention to the following criteria:

1. Packaging. It must be airtight. It is necessary to study the information on the label about the manufacturer and the expiration date.
2. Smell. This parameter can be evaluated if the groats are sold by weight. The aroma of lentils resembles the smell of young walnuts.
3. Size. Quality beans will be of the same size and in one piece.
4. A high quality grits is indicated by the absence of debris and dust. Grains should not stick together, and even more so have signs of mold damage. Such a product is dangerous for the mother and child.

How to store

Lentils should be protected from moisture. Do not mix grains of different varieties. After opening the store packaging, you should immediately pour the groats into a dry jar and close it tightly with a lid. Before cooking, be sure to check the beans for bugs. If the presence of insects is found, the product should be thrown out.

How to introduce lentils into the diet of a nursing mother

In the first months of breastfeeding you should be very careful about even the usual foods, not to mention beans. No matter how useful lentils are, they should be very carefully introduced into the mother's diet.

Start with literally microscopic doses. We have already noted that the first allowed to eat is a non concentrated decoction.

For the first sample, only two tablespoons are enough. If there are no problems with digestion in the child in two days, you can again eat a little broth at breakfast. The portion should be exactly the same as the first tasting.

Usually after the first week it becomes clear whether the product is suitable for addition to the diet of a nursing woman, or it is worth to delay its introduction.

We would like to remind you again that such gastronomic experiments should be carried out at the end of the second month after childbirth, if lentils are not a new product for the mother. If beans did not appear on a woman's table before pregnancy, it is better to wait until the baby is 3-4 months old. By this time, the baby's body will be stronger and ready for more complex foods.

After liquid broth, you can move on to boiled beans. Lentils go well with meat, chicken, vegetables. Therefore, there will be no lack of choice of dishes.

Important: Before cooking, it is necessary to make sure that the groats should be over-selected, rinsed well. It is best to pre-soak it for the night.

Recipes for dishes with lentils

Unfortunately, lentils are not as common today as they were a few decades ago. You can prepare a huge number of tasty and healthy dishes with this uniquely valuable foodstuff. For example, in olden times in Russia, both peasants and the rural nobility cooked soup with lentils. Cereals do not require special preparation, and dishes made of them are cooked quickly. However, the taste depends a lot on the variety of beans. This should be taken into account carefully, because not all types of lentils are equally tolerant to heat treatment.

On the shelves of our stores you can find beans of different colors. It is the color that is the main indication of the lentil variety.

1. Red beans are suitable for mashed potatoes.
2. The brown variety has a distinct nutty flavor. Cereals of this shade are best used for soup.
3. Black and green lentils are not boiled, and therefore they can be used as a side dish. But such lentils should be soaked for 10-12 hours before cooking.
4. Yellow beans are good for any dish. It is a universal variety.

After such a detailed description of the characteristics and features of lentils, you can read the recipes for popular dishes that will be useful for nursing mothers and their babies.

Chicken and lentil soup

Delicious and hearty soup with chicken breast and lentil beans is well worth becoming a basic dish of the daily diet of a nursing woman. The necessary set of products includes:

• chicken fillet - 350 g;
• Fresh zucchini - 250 g;
• celery - 1 pc;
• Medium carrots - 1 pc;
• Potatoes - 3 root vegetables;
• red lentils - 150 g;
• A small head of onion or half a large one;
• herbs, salt.

Step-by-step cooking process:

1. First, boil the chicken meat, cut into cubes.
2. It is recommended to drain the broth after 4 minutes of cooking.
3. Pour a new portion of water over the meat, put it back on the fire.
4. When the broth boils, try to remove all the foam. Then the broth will be clear.
5. Add diced potatoes.
6. In 10 minutes, add celery to the broth.
7. Let the soup rest for another quarter of an hour.
8. Then, add lentils and sliced zucchini.
9. Salt the soup and keep it on the heat for another 7-10 minutes.

The finished chicken soup can be served and garnished with finely chopped herbs to add color and freshness.

Light salad with raisins and lentils

This recipe can be considered a godsend for women who breastfeed their newborn babies. A simple but nutritious dish will bring variety to the daily menu. And the original taste of such a light salad will delight not only the mother, but also the rest of the family.

Basic ingredients:

• medium apple - 1 pc;
• dried apricots - 5 halves;
• raisins - 50 grams;
• lentils - 100 gr;
• feta cheese - 100 gr;
• parsley - a few sprigs.

For the dressing you will need a pinch of salt, 2 tbsp of olive oil, juice of 1/2 lemon.

How to cook:

1. Soak the lentils, preferably of the green or yellow variety, overnight.
2. In the morning boil the beans for 40 minutes, but so that they remain intact.
3. Peel the apple, cut into thin slices.
4. Fry the apple slices in olive oil.
5. Add the apricots and raisins to the apples, and drizzle with lemon juice.
6. Toss in the parsley. At this time, let the salad stand for 5 minutes to soak up the lemon juice.
7. After that, add the chopped parsley and cheese.
8. At the end of the cooking process, add dried apricots with raisins and lentils.
9. Stir the salad thoroughly, after which you can proceed to the tasting.

I would like to draw attention to the fact that in this dish in a single ensemble act dried fruits and lentils. This alliance only increases the usefulness of the dish, because dried fruits have a lot of vitamins and mineral additives.

Pilaf with chicken

For a breastfeeding mother, the healthiest and safest type of meat is chicken. Therefore, all dishes of the first and second category in this period, it is recommended to cook with chicken, it is best to take the sirloin part of the carcass.

For a dietary pilaf you will need:

• rice - 2 cups;
• chicken fillet - 400-500 grams;
• carrot - 1 pc;
• Onion - 1/2 head;
• vegetable oil - 2-3 tbsp;
• lentils - 0.5 cup;
• salt and herbs - to taste;
• water - 2 liters.

Algorithm of actions:

1. First of all, pour the lentils into a separate pan and put it to boil for 10 minutes.
2. At this time, heat the oil in a frying pan, and then put the chicken fillet cut into pieces.
3. When the meat is a little fried, add grated carrots and finely chopped onions.
4. All salt.
5. Fry the pilaf billet until the carrots are soft.
6. When the root vegetable reaches the desired consistency, pour water.
7. In the boiling mass add washed rice and lentils. After boiling, be sure to flip the beans on a sieve to drain the water.
8. Put a lid on the pot, until all the liquid has evaporated.
9. If the rice is not ready, add water.

Decorate the finished pilaf with chopped greens, and for dressing you can take a few spoonfuls of sour cream.

The gastronomic review, in which the main participant is lentils, can go on for a long time. After all, this ancient legume can be used to prepare hearty cutlets and tender casseroles. Lentils are a universal product.

In conclusion, we would like to give some useful recommendations that will help prepare delicious dishes from lentils:

1. When soaking the beans, you should stick to the proportion: per glass of groats - 2.5 cups of water.
2. Lentil grains should be added to boiling water.
3. Cooking time directly depends on the type of food.
4. Salt is added to lentil dishes 15 minutes before the end of cooking. If you add salt at the beginning of cooking, then the cooking process will almost double.
5. Any spices should be added together with salt.
6. The readiness of beans can be easily determined by using a fork. If it enters easily into the fruit, the dish can be considered ready.
7. Do not use different varieties of lentils for the same dish. Each variety of bean has its own cooking time, and when mixed, some grains will boil while the beans of another variety will not reach the desired degree of readiness.
8. It is necessary to strictly follow the rules of storage of groats and periodically check them for the presence of insects.

Conclusion
A balanced diet is the main condition for preserving and strengthening the health of the mother and baby. Therefore, it is impossible to refuse because of old myths and rumors from such useful products such as lentils. If there are no contraindications for introducing beans into your diet, you should definitely use this unique product for the benefit of your health. Lentils are a valuable natural source of vegetable protein, it contains a lot of vitamins and mineral elements, that is everything that the mother herself and her newborn baby needs.