Upstream Health Solutions

Protein, iron, and calcium are found in soy…

Regardless of whether a woman follows a vegetarian diet or not, protein from tofu and other soy products can provide plenty of protein. getting enough protein is a nutritional concern during pregnancy, as well as the right kind of protein. A Journal study done by the American Dietetic Association found that women who got their protein during pregnancy mainly from soy were more likely to have good amounts of iron stores within their system than pregnant women who got their protein primarily from meat.

Iron is another main nutrional concern during pregancy, as any pregnant woman can tell you. Getting enough iron is of such importance that many doctors routinely prescribe iron supplemented pre-natal vitamins for their pregnant patients.

Tofu, soybeans, and other derived products are rich in iron. Because mild anemia during pregnancy is normal quite often, it is important to get lots of iron and best from natural food sources. Iron supplementation can mess up the body’s absorption of zinc, copper, and manganese.

A third major concern is calcium. You may not be aware that you can get calcium from tofu, but you can! Eating tofu made with calcium silicate is a good way to get more calcium into your diet. It’s also a change from the multiple glasses of cow’s milk routine that is so common in the household’s of many pregnant women.