Is it safe for pregnant women to eat water spinach (rau tần ô)? Suggestions for delicious water spinach dishes for mothers.

## Garland Chrysanthemum (Rau Tần Ô) for Pregnant Women: Benefits and Recipes

Garland chrysanthemum, also known as crown daisy or Japanese greens (rau tần ô or rau cải cúc), is a popular choice among expectant mothers for its nutritional benefits during pregnancy. Let’s explore its nutritional profile and some delicious recipes featuring this leafy green.

### 1. Nutritional Content of Garland Chrysanthemum

Garland chrysanthemum is packed with nutrients beneficial for maternal health. These include vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B9 (folate), C, E, K, carotene, protein, calcium, potassium, zinc, copper, iron, sodium, selenium, phosphorus, magnesium, fats, carbohydrates, and fiber.

This cooling green has a slightly bitter and numbing taste and is known to aid digestion, promote urination, calm the mind, and clear phlegm. The presence of choline in garland chrysanthemum also helps in lowering blood pressure and supports brain health. Pregnant women can benefit from its positive effects on digestion, bowel movements, and cholesterol levels.

[Image: Pregnant woman eating garland chrysanthemum to supplement nutrients]
*Pregnant women can supplement many nutrients by consuming garland chrysanthemum.*

**You might be interested in:** Can Pregnant Women Eat Potatoes?

### 2. Can Pregnant Women Eat Garland Chrysanthemum?

Many mothers wonder if they can eat garland chrysanthemum during pregnancy, and the answer is **YES**. This cooling green is safe for expectant mothers and is even recommended by doctors for its numerous benefits during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Importantly, garland chrysanthemum has a low glycemic index (GI), making it suitable for women with gestational diabetes.

**You might be interested in:** Can Pregnant Women Eat Sweet Potatoes? Benefits of Sweet Potatoes During Pregnancy

### 3. Benefits of Garland Chrysanthemum for Pregnant Women

Some of the benefits of consuming garland chrysanthemum during pregnancy include:

#### 3.1. Remedy for Postpartum Milk Loss

Garland chrysanthemum is beneficial not only during pregnancy but also after childbirth. It’s often touted as a natural remedy for postpartum milk loss. Mothers can incorporate it into their diet by adding it to soups with lean meat or steaming it as a side dish.

#### 3.2. Relief from Headaches

Consuming garland chrysanthemum can help alleviate headaches and stress. The amino acid glycine and various vitamins present in this leafy green help stabilize mood, reduce stress, anxiety, and fatigue. A warm compress of garland chrysanthemum applied to the temples before bed, along with drinking garland chrysanthemum tea, can provide relief.

#### 3.3. Reducing Persistent Coughs and Phlegm

Its cooling nature helps relieve cold symptoms, suppress coughs, and thin mucus. Drinking garland chrysanthemum tea with a bit of ginger can be particularly effective.

#### 3.4. Lowering Blood Pressure

The rich amino acid content in garland chrysanthemum helps regulate blood pressure, making it beneficial for pregnant women with high blood pressure. Regular consumption is recommended for those experiencing this issue.

#### 3.5. Relieving Cold and Fever Symptoms

The bitter taste and cooling properties of garland chrysanthemum can help alleviate cold symptoms. Pregnant women can consume it in porridge as a safer alternative to medication.

#### 3.6. Supporting Digestive Health

The high fiber content in garland chrysanthemum promotes healthy bowel movements and aids digestion. It can be beneficial for pregnant women experiencing digestive issues.

**You might be interested in:** Can Pregnant Women Eat Jellyfish? Nutritious but Requires Caution.

### 4. Delicious Garland Chrysanthemum Recipes for Pregnant Women

Here are a few tasty and nutritious recipes featuring garland chrysanthemum:

#### 4.1. Garland Chrysanthemum and Tofu Salad

[Image: Pregnant women can easily prepare and enjoy a delicious garland chrysanthemum and tofu salad.]
*Garland chrysanthemum and tofu salad is an easy and delicious dish.*

**Ingredients:**

* 1 bunch garland chrysanthemum
* 4 cups water
* 171g white sesame seeds
* Salt to taste
* White tofu
* Sesame oil

**Instructions:**

1. Use only the tender leaves of the garland chrysanthemum, wash them thoroughly, and chop them.
2. Bring 4 cups of water and salt to a boil. Blanch the garland chrysanthemum briefly.
3. Plunge the blanched greens into cold water to maintain their vibrant green color, then drain.
4. Rinse the tofu and press out excess water using a cheesecloth.
5. Add the drained tofu to the garland chrysanthemum and mix well.
6. Season with salt, sesame oil, and toasted sesame seeds. Mix thoroughly.
7. Serve the salad on a plate and enjoy.

**You might be interested in:** Can Pregnant Women Eat Cake?

#### 4.2. Garlic Stir-fried Garland Chrysanthemum

[Image: Stir-frying garland chrysanthemum with garlic is an easy dish for pregnant women.]
*Stir-frying garland chrysanthemum with garlic is an easy dish.*

**Ingredients:**

* 400g garland chrysanthemum
* Several garlic cloves
* Salt and seasoning granules

**Instructions:**

1. Peel and mince the garlic. Remove any wilted leaves from the garland chrysanthemum and wash thoroughly.
2. Briefly blanch the garland chrysanthemum in boiling water and drain.
3. Sauté the minced garlic until fragrant. Add the blanched greens and stir-fry. Season with salt and seasoning granules.

#### 4.3. Garland Chrysanthemum and Snakehead Fish Soup

[Image: Garland chrysanthemum and snakehead fish soup is a nutritious dish.]
*Garland chrysanthemum and snakehead fish soup is a nutritious dish.*

**Ingredients:**

* 1 bunch garland chrysanthemum
* 200g snakehead fish fillet
* Minced garlic
* Sugar, salt, pepper, and seasoning granules

**Instructions:**

1. Pick the tender leaves of the garland chrysanthemum, wash them, and chop them.
2. Combine the fish fillet with seasoning granules, sugar, pepper, and garlic in a bowl. Mix well and pound the fish until smooth.
3. Shape the fish paste into small balls.
4. Bring a pot of water to a boil and add the fish balls.
5. Once the fish balls are cooked and float to the surface, add the garland chrysanthemum. Season to taste and continue cooking until the greens are just tender.
6. Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle with pepper before serving.

**You might be interested in:** Can Pregnant Women Eat Balut? Delicious Balut Recipes for Pregnant Women.

**See also:**

* Can Pregnant Women Eat Garlic? Consume in Moderation.
* Can Pregnant Women Eat Mangoes? Mango Recipe Ideas.
* Can Pregnant Women Eat Coccinia Grandis Leaves (Lá Giang)? Coccinia Grandis Recipes for Pregnant Women.

With this information on the benefits and delicious ways to prepare garland chrysanthemum, we hope expectant mothers enjoy incorporating this nutritious leafy green into their diets. For a healthy pregnancy with sufficient nutrients, consider adding reputable pregnancy milk formulas like Enfamama or Similac, along with prenatal supplements, to your daily diet. Always consult your doctor before adding any supplements to your routine.