Seaweed has a sweet, salty, and cold nature. It helps dissolve phlegm, soften hardened masses, clear heat, promote diuresis, nourish the kidneys, and calm the heart. It is used for goiter, edema, chronic bronchitis, cough, beriberi, and hypertension. Pufferfish is rich in various nutrients. It nourishes blood, dispels dampness, and fights tuberculosis, making it an excellent nutritional supplement for those recovering from prolonged illness, weakness, anemia, or tuberculosis.A recommended daily recipe is Seaweed Shrimp Flakes Egg Soup, as shrimp flakes are also an excellent calcium source.
2. Animal Liver
During pregnancy, blood volume increases compared to pre-pregnancy levels, diluting the blood and leading to physiological anemia. Iron deficiency anemia, caused by insufficient iron intake, is the most common type.Both the mother and fetus require iron; deficiency can lead to pregnancy-related anemia or premature birth. Therefore, consuming iron-rich foods is crucial during pregnancy. Various animal livers are high in iron, but limit intake to once per week. When eating these foods, pair them with vitamin C-rich or acidic fruits like lemons or oranges to enhance iron absorption in the intestines.
3. Chinese Yam
As a dual-purpose food and medicine with kidney-tonifying properties, 50–200g of Chinese yam daily is sufficient. Beyond nourishing the kidneys, it also significantly benefits the lungs and spleen. Useful before pregnancy, it further supports fetal development during gestation, making it an excellent kidney-tonifying choice for expectant mothers.
4. Honey
Among natural foods, honey contains the highest concentration of energy required by brain neurons. Drinking a cup of honey water before bed can calm the mind, alleviating issues like vivid dreams, frequent waking, and poor sleep quality. Additionally, adding a few drops of honey to water consumed in the morning and afternoon can gently stimulate bowel movements, effectively preventing constipation and hemorrhoids.
5. Fish
Pregnant women should consume fish at least 1-2 times per week to absorb sufficient DHA, meeting the fetal brain development requirements. Eating fish once weekly during pregnancy also helps reduce the risk of premature birth. DHA, an essential fatty acid found in fish, plays a crucial role in forming the cell membranes of fetal brain cells.Researchers studying tens of thousands of pregnant women found that regular fish consumption during pregnancy promotes fetal brain cell growth. Higher intake reduces the risk of fetal brain development issues. Pregnant women who avoid fish entirely throughout pregnancy face an 8% higher risk of fetal brain development problems.