Can eating soya bean products during pregnancy give your baby fairer skin? Read on for more pregnancy food myths debunked by dietitians from the Department of Dietetics at Singapore General Hospital (SGH).
Myths and facts about what to eat during pregnancy
Dietitians from the
Department of Dietetics at
Singapore General Hospital (SGH), a member of the
SingHealth group, shares 4 pregnancy food myths and facts.
Myth: “Cooling” food like oranges, watermelons and peas should be avoided because women’s bodies “lose heat” after delivery.
Fact: New mothers should not avoid food that can provide much-needed vitamin C.
Myth: Mothers must drink milk to produce milk.
Fact: To produce sufficient breast milk, mothers should eat balanced meals and drink plenty of fluids, such as water, milk and fruit juices. A healthy diet of vegetables, fruits, grains and proteins can provide women with all the nutrients needed to produce milk. Calcium can also be obtained from a variety of non-dairy food, like dark green vegetables, nuts and fish such as sardines whose bones are eaten.
Myth: Breastfeeding mothers have to eat more to produce enough milk.
Fact: This is not true as even women on very low-calorie diets can usually produce enough milk. Mothers should eat a balanced diet.
Myth: Pregnant mums who eat more tofu and soya bean products will have fairer babies.
Fact: Skin colour is genetic, and no food can change a child’s genetic makeup.
Ref: O17
