3 Iodine-Rich Recipes for Your First Trimester

Why is iodine so important while pregnant?

First of all, iodine is a fundamental nutrient when it comes to turning foods into energy. It’s also key in extracting the beneficial properties of foods for our bodies.

During pregnancy, therefore, it’s of the many contributors to your baby’s development as well as your own well-being.

In regards to fetal growth, iodine is extremely important for brain development. In fact, some studies relate iodine insufficiency to low intelligence and hyperactivity.

Iodine is also an important element for the functioning of the thyroid glands and the production of thyroid hormones. 

At this point, your baby doesn’t produce these hormones, meaning that your body has to do it for both of you. Iodine is also important in the prevention of congenital iodine deficiency syndrome and other mental disorders.

In cases of pregnant women where hypothyroidism occurs due to a lack of iodine, complications may result. The risks include miscarriage, as well as learning difficulties in the future of their children.

It can also cause developmental delays, including in regards to intrauterine growth. Hearing loss and other congenital defects can also be the result of iodine deficiencies.

Iodine-rich recipes for the first trimester of pregnancy

The World Health Organization, UNICEF and other organizations suggest that women increase their iodine intake by 200 grams per day. However, this decision lies exclusively in the hands of the medical professional that evaluates each case.

In accordance with this general recommendation, the following iodine-rich recipes can help women get the nutrition they need during this first stage of gestation.

1. Cream of spinach and carrot

Ingredients

• Salt.
• 1 carrot.
• 1/4 onion.
• 1/2 potato.
• Olive oil.
• 1/2 cup of spinach.

Preparation

1. Peel and slice the carrot and potato.
2. Wash and cut the spinach and the onion into strips.
3. Sauté the vegetables on low heat (except the potato) in a frying pan with olive oil.
4. After 4 minutes, cover them with water. Add the potato and salt, and cover.
5. Cook for 20 minutes until the vegetables are soft.
6. Pour into a blender and blend well.

2. Deviled eggs with tuna and tomato

Ingredients

• Salt.
• 2 eggs.
• 1/2 liter of water.
• 2 tablespoons of tomato sauce.
• 1/2 can of tuna.

Preparation

1. Boil the eggs in water with a tablespoon of salt. Once the water boils, cook for 10 more minutes.
2. Remove the eggs, rinse with cold water and peel.
3. Cut the eggs in half. Remove the yolks and mix them with the tomato and tuna.
4. Place the mixture back inside the egg whites and serve.

Note: You can also add parmesan cheese and prepare the eggs au gratin if you prefer. We also suggest complementing this dish with a salad rich in iodine. For example, you can include carrots or chard.

3. Garbanzo beans with chard and cod fish

Ingredients

• Salt.
• 2 potatoes.
• 1/2 onion.
• 2 tomatoes.
• Olive oil.
• 2 garlic cloves.
• 1 sage leaf.
• 1 slice of bread.
• 6 stems of chard.
• 1 1/2 cups garbanzo beans.
• 1 1/2 lbs. cod (without salt).
• 1 teaspoon ground paprika.

Preparation

1. Sauté the garlic in olive oil and then place in a mixing bowl.
2. Brown the bread in the same olive oil for one minute and add to the mixing bowl.
3. Fry the paprika as well in the remaining oil, then add it to the fried bread.
4. Add a bit more oil and mix in the peeled tomato and strips of onion. Cover and cook for approximately 10 minutes. Add the mixing bowl.
5. Add a bit of water and grind up.
6. Pour one liter of water into a pan and boil. Once it’s hot, add the garbanzo means and sage.
7. Wash the potatoes and chard and add to the pan, as well as the ground bread mixture.
8. Cover and cook for 20 minutes.
9. Add the cod and cook for 10 minutes on low heat. If necessary, adjust the salt at the end.
10. Serve carefully, as the cod can easily break.