Brilio.net - Stunting is a serious problem in children's growth that is triggered by malnutrition during pregnancy and the child's early growth. However, the role of nutrition in mothers before pregnancy and during pregnancy is also crucial. The reason is, maternal nutrition affects the quality of the fetus in the womb. There is a study that has proven the link between maternal nutrition and cases of stunting.
In research in the Journal of Midwifery and Health Science of Sultan Agung, it was proven that a mother's low nutrition during pregnancy can cause stunting in children. When a mother experiences malnutrition, the baby she is carrying is susceptible to stunting, that is, stunted growth. Stunting not only affects physical, but also cognitive development and children's future learning abilities.
Malnourished mothers often have greater health problems , such as anemia, vitamin and mineral deficiencies, and a higher risk of pregnancy complications. Malnutrition in mothers can also have a negative impact on breast milk production, thereby affecting the quality of nutrition received by the baby after birth.
Therefore, it is important for mothers to get adequate nutritional intake before pregnancy, during pregnancy, and while breastfeeding. Prevention of nutritional stunting in mothers can be done by providing education about the importance of a healthy and balanced diet from an early age. Programs for providing additional food and nutritional supplementation for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers also need to be improved.
Thus, it is hoped that greater attention to maternal nutrition can reduce stunting rates in children in the future. Below, brilio.net has summarized fertilizing foods to support children's health to reduce stunting cases from various sources, Thursday (23/5).
1. Nuts.
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Legumes such as green beans, red beans and soybeans can be a source of fertility because they are rich in nutrients. The reason is, nuts contain vegetable protein, fiber, vitamin B complex, iron, folic acid and other minerals which are important for fertility. The vegetable protein in nuts can help improve the quality of egg and sperm cells.
Meanwhile, folic acid can help prevent neural tube defects in the fetus. Nuts also have a low glycemic index, so they can help maintain stable blood sugar levels which is important for female fertility.
2. Berries.
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Berries such as strawberries, blueberries and raspberries can be a source of fertility because they are high in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. The antioxidants in berries can help protect reproductive cells from damage caused by free radicals, thereby increasing fertility.
In addition, berries are rich in vitamin C which is important for the production of reproductive hormones and healthy egg cells. Vitamin K in berries can also help maintain the health of the uterus and overall reproductive system.
3. Tubers.
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Tubers such as sweet potatoes, cassava and cassava can provide fertilizer with their various nutrients. Tubers are rich in complex carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins and important minerals such as vitamin A, vitamin C, iron and folate. Folate or folic acid is very important in the formation of red blood cells.
Not only that, folic acid is also very important during pregnancy because it can prevent neural tube defects in the fetus. Additionally, the complex carbohydrates in tubers provide steady, gradual energy that can support reproductive health and fertility.
4. Oyster shells.
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Oyster shells are a food source that is rich in nutrients and can be a source of fertility, because they contain high protein which is important for the formation of reproductive cells. Apart from that, oyster shells also contain iron, selenium and zinc which are important minerals for fertility.
Iron helps increase red blood cell production and improves blood flow to the reproductive organs, while selenium and zinc help regulate reproductive hormones and improve sperm quality in men. Regular consumption of oyster shells can also help increase female fertility by improving the quality of egg cells.
5. Beef liver.
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Beef liver is a rich nutritional source of iron, folate, vitamin A, and vitamin B12 which are all important for fertility. The iron in beef liver helps increase red blood cell production and improves blood flow to the reproductive organs, while folate is very important for women's reproductive health because it can prevent neural tube defects in the fetus.
Vitamin A is necessary for the normal function of the reproductive system, while vitamin B12 is important for the formation of red blood cells and maintaining a healthy nervous system. Regular consumption of beef liver can help support reproductive health and fertility.
6. Avocado.
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Avocado is a fruit that is rich in nutrients and can be a source of fertility, because it contains healthy fats, fiber, vitamin E and folic acid. The healthy fats in avocados help in the absorption of important nutrients for fertility, such as vitamins A, D, E, and K. In addition, the folic acid in avocados is very important for fertility because it can prevent neural tube defects in the fetus.
Avocados also contain vitamin E, which is an important antioxidant to protect reproductive cells from damage caused by free radicals. By consuming avocados regularly, you can help improve reproductive health and fertility.
7. Green vegetables.
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Green vegetables such as spinach, kale and broccoli can provide fertility because of their rich nutritional content. Green vegetables contain iron, folic acid, calcium and vitamin C which are important for fertility. The iron in green vegetables helps increase red blood cell production and improves blood flow to the reproductive organs.
Folic acid is very important for fertility because it can prevent neural tube defects in the fetus. Calcium in green vegetables is also important for women's reproductive health because it can support uterine muscle contractions. Vitamin C in green vegetables helps increase iron absorption which is important for reproductive health. By consuming green vegetables regularly, you can help improve reproductive health and fertility.
8. Folic acid.
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The daily dose of folic acid for fertility supplements can vary depending on individual health conditions and doctor's recommendations. However, around 400-800 micrograms per day are generally recommended. Folic acid is important in the formation of red blood cells, as well as the growth and development of body cells, including reproductive cells.
In the context of fertility, folic acid can help improve the quality of egg and sperm cells, as well as reduce the risk of neural tube defects in the fetus. Consult a doctor before taking folic acid supplements, especially for those who are planning a pregnancy.
9. Cinnamon.
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Cinnamon has long been used in traditional medicine to increase fertility. Some people believe that cinnamon can help improve the work of the insulin hormone, which can help regulate the menstrual cycle and increase fertility. However, consuming large amounts of cinnamon can be risky for health, especially for pregnant women because it can cause uterine contractions.
Therefore, consult a doctor before consuming cinnamon as a fertility supplement. If approved by a doctor, cinnamon can be consumed in powder or extract form, mixed with food or drink, at the dose recommended by the doctor.
10. Pure honey.
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Pure honey is often considered a fertility supplement because it contains nutrients and properties that can improve reproductive health. Honey contains various vitamins, minerals and antioxidants which are important for overall body health, including reproductive health. The natural sugar content in honey can also provide additional energy needed by the body, including reproductive cells.
Pure honey is a healthy choice as a natural sweetener compared to white sugar or artificial sweeteners. If you want to consume honey as a fertility supplement, make sure to choose pure, high-quality honey, and consult a doctor to get the right advice according to your health condition.
11. Multivitamins.
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Consuming multivitamins as a fertility supplement should be done with consideration and recommendation from a doctor, especially to ensure that daily nutritional needs are met. Multivitamins containing folic acid, vitamin C, vitamin E, and selenium can help improve reproductive health and fertility.
However, multivitamins should not be used as a substitute for a healthy and balanced diet. It is better to obtain nutrition from the food consumed daily. Consult a doctor or nutritionist before taking multivitamins, especially if you are planning a pregnancy or have fertility problems, to get recommendations that suit your health needs.
(Mgg/Robiul Adil Robani)