What nuts can pregnant women eat? Nuts during pregnancy: useful properties and contraindications

When a woman finds out that she is pregnant, much in her life changes, including nutrition. Doctors and close people say that while waiting for the baby, the expectant mother should eat only high-quality and healthy foods. This is definitely an important recommendation. However, not everyone understands what "" means. Of course, the diet needs to be adjusted, since the further development and growth of the baby depends on what a woman eats in position.

For example, nutritionists say that during the period of carrying a baby, a woman should eat nuts every day. But is this the right decision, because in addition to the useful properties, each product has its own negative sides and contraindications. Let's try to figure out which nuts a pregnant woman can eat, and which should be discarded.

What is known about the benefits of nuts?

The beneficial properties of this product have been known for a long time, since these fruits contain 3 times more minerals than fruits, a large amount of proteins necessary for the tissues of our body, as well as carbohydrates, and E, dietary fiber, copper, phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, iron, calcium and potassium, fat, including polyunsaturated fatty acids.

Benefits of Eating Nuts

Experts consider the positive aspects of eating nuts:

  • they are high in calories;
  • it is a product that gives the body a large amount of energy;
  • reducing the likelihood of developing diseases of the cardiovascular system and the occurrence of atherosclerosis;
  • high content of useful vitamins, minerals and other substances necessary for the body;
  • the ability to increase the tone of the nervous system;
  • strengthening the regulation of the brain;
  • stabilization of fat metabolism;
  • the ability to improve mood;
  • content in the composition of substances that are necessary for the growth of bones and muscles of the baby;
  • the ability to reduce blood cholesterol levels.

However, despite the rather large list of benefits of this product, it must be used with caution during pregnancy.

Disadvantages of eating nuts during pregnancy

The disadvantages of nuts include:

  • nuts are poorly digested. WHO recommends that women in a position to eat no more than 25-30 grams per day. In addition, they should be well chewed or thoroughly crushed. Nutritionists advise pre-soaking them in water - this contributes to their digestibility. In addition, it is advisable to eat them with dried fruits or fresh herbs;
  • nuts can irritate the digestive tract. This product contains fiber that enhances bowel function. If the expectant mother has gastrointestinal disorders, you should refuse to eat nuts or eat no more than 5-7 grams per day;
  • nuts are a dangerous allergen. The fact that nuts contain protein is both a plus and a minus. The disadvantage is that nuts not only cause an allergic reaction in the expectant mother, they can provoke a predisposition to this ailment in a child. It is especially important to be careful in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters - give up the daily use of nuts or eat only 1-2 kernels once a week.

If a woman was allergic to this product before pregnancy, be sure to completely give up nuts. Even if you have not experienced any allergies, do not rush. Introduce them into your diet gradually - eat half or 1 nucleolus every day. During this period, the body will collect the necessary amount of the allergen for the reaction to occur. Be sure to control your condition: if there is no allergy, then you can safely eat more of them.

What nuts should a future mommy choose?

Walnuts during pregnancy (video)

The most common are walnuts. And they are quite useful during the period of carrying a baby. The tree on which they grow is called the “tree of life”. The cores of this product are shaped like the human brain. And this is not surprising, because they allow you to stimulate memory, activate brain activity.

In addition, walnuts make it possible to reduce blood sugar levels, have a diuretic effect, protect the body from radioactive radiation, have a positive effect on the nervous system and thyroid gland, since they include substances such as iodine and zinc.

Due to the fact that nuts contain iron, they are recommended for women in a position that have a low hemoglobin level. In general, when carrying a baby, walnuts allow you to make muscles stronger, eliminate fatigue, and also show an anti-inflammatory and tonic effect on a woman's organs.

The kernels of this nut are a rich source of iodine, phosphorus, cobalt, magnesium, nickel, calcium, sulfur, chromium, strontium.

In addition, they contain vitamins such as A, all vitamins from group B, E, C, K and PP, as well as sterols, essential oil, gallotannins and fiber. However, these kernels are especially valued for the fact that they contain fatty acids and proteins.

If a pregnant woman suffers from, then walnuts are contraindicated for her, but in case of sleep disturbances and headaches, depression and stress, the walnut will become a real helper.

Expectant mothers should know that the use of this nut in the last weeks of bearing a baby helps to stimulate the process of milk production for feeding the baby.

When choosing walnuts, be sure to make sure that the shell is intact. It is advisable to rinse and dry them before use.

Pine nuts during pregnancy

These nuts are very nutritious and beneficial for the female body, which is preparing to bear the baby. And all because they contain arginine.

Scientists have found that this amino acid is very important for the formation and future development of a new organism, for this reason, doctors recommend eating these nuts not only for women in position, but also for children, as well as people in old age.

In cedar kernels, you can find almost all the necessary vitamins and minerals for the fetus. These are vitamins B, C, E, as well as D and R. In addition, the fruits are a source of essential oil, glucose, starch, fructose and essential fiber.

Nuts are valuable for their protein content, which in its composition resembles that of a human. Therefore, this product is easily absorbed and digested by the body.

It turns out that these fruits contain substances that can provoke a rush of blood to the organs, which is not very good when carrying a baby, as well as an allergic reaction and irritation of the skin.

Almonds in the diet of a pregnant woman

Almonds are a rather exotic type of nut that contains vitamin E, magnesium, zinc and calcium.

Cashew nuts in the diet of a future mom

Cashew nuts are also beneficial during pregnancy. The advantages of this product are:

  • the nucleus returns to normal, and this is a very important aspect when carrying a baby;
  • due to the high content of iron in the composition of this nut, it is recommended to eat it for those women in the position in which it is observed;
  • the product also contains vitamin D, which contributes to the formation of the baby's bone skeleton;
  • cashews - a source of phosphorus, iodine, manganese, calcium, potassium, selenium, sodium, vitamins of group B, PP, E and K, as well as fiber and protein acids;
  • the nut is very low in calories, so it is suitable for those pregnant women who have a predisposition to gaining excess weight;
  • the nut has an antibacterial, tonic and antiseptic effect.

When choosing this nut, make sure that the kernels are not overdried and do not have mold on the surface.

All of the above types of nuts are definitely healthy. However, you should still be careful when choosing them. The expectant mother should carefully monitor her condition in order to avoid undesirable consequences when using this product.

Conclusion

Nuts are a fairly healthy product that improves brain function, lowers blood cholesterol levels, provides the body with energy and all the necessary vitamins and nutrients. However, during pregnancy, the amount of this product should be limited to 25-30 grams per day, since they can provoke allergies, negatively affect the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and are poorly absorbed.

Pine nuts are valuable because they contain a protein that resembles a human, thanks to which the body can easily digest them.

It is worth abandoning nutmeg during pregnancy, since the substances that make up it can negatively affect the process of carrying a baby.

Almonds are a rich source of vitamin E and folic acid, which are so necessary for a woman in a position.

Cashew nuts normalize blood pressure and prevent the development of anemia - a common problem that develops during pregnancy.

Each type of nut is useful in its own way, but when using them, a woman should look at the reaction of her body so as not to harm herself or the unborn baby.

Not all nuts are equally good for pregnancy, but moms-to-be shouldn't give up cashew nuts. After all, it is a source of micro- and macroelements, and also contains vitamins necessary for a daily diet. Let's take a closer look at the yellowish fruit.

The composition and useful properties of cashews

The nut contains such useful components as:

  1. B vitamins.
  2. Minerals Mg (magnesium), Fe (iron), Cu (copper), K (potassium), Ca (calcium), Na (sodium), Ph (phosphorus), Zn (zinc) and Se (selenium).
  3. Unsaturated fatty acids Omega-3, Omega-6 and Omega-9.

This exotic nut normalizes the functioning of the nervous system, since it contains all the necessary B vitamins. Cashews will also help to reduce the manifestation of increased uterine tone, due to the content of magnesium in it.

A distinctive feature of cashews is the presence in its composition of polyunsaturated fatty acids Omega-3, Omega-6 and Omega-9, which reduce allergic manifestations, normalize the state of blood vessels, have an anti-inflammatory effect and prevent thrombus formation.

Benefits of cashews for pregnant women

The nut rich in the content of elements will be an excellent remedy for the prevention of depression and sleep disorders in expectant mothers.

The overseas food product will also help to cope with the double burden on the heart - cashews will strengthen the work of the cardiovascular system. Complaints of expectant mothers about stomach and pancreas problems will sink into oblivion.

Adding cashews to the diet of women expecting a baby will relieve various complications during pregnancy, and will also contribute to the correct formation of the muscular system of the fetus.

Damage to cashews during pregnancy

Cashews pose a potential health hazard only if they have not been heat treated. There was no negative effect on the human body in connection with the use of cashews. However, in case of individual intolerance, it will not be superfluous to treat the overseas fetus with caution.

Pregnant women should think about excluding cashews from the diet if there is an allergic reaction from the use of this nut or there is excess weight, since the product is high in calories.

Note! For the unborn baby, cashews are safe.

How much and which nut can pregnant women eat?

Today, on store shelves and in the market, cashews are found salted, raw, fried, and even in honey or chocolate. As advised by healthcare professionals, pregnant women should consume whole nuts without additives. The norm for the use of cashews is set at 30 g per day, which is approximately 8-12 nucleoli. Overeating this exotic product can cause stomach discomfort and even trigger nausea.

Precautions and contraindications

The only contraindication when eating cashews is an allergic reaction. Usually it makes itself felt in the form of skin rashes, itching, etc.

You should not eat nuts if you have liver or excretory system diseases. At the same time, it is worth refusing to use cashews if it has an overdried or shriveled appearance, as well as a rancid taste.

You need to keep the nuts in a cool place - this way they will retain their beneficial properties longer than if they lie in the warmth or in the sun. It is not superfluous to pack the cashews in a plastic bag and then send them to the freezer. There they will last up to a year.

Additional Information. In order to avoid negative consequences, cashews must be introduced with caution in the diet of nursing mothers and babies.

How to choose the right one?

When choosing cashews, prefer roasted nuts rather than raw ones, as they are much less susceptible to bacterial attack.

It is quite easy to check the quality of the nuts. It is necessary to perform just a couple of actions: evaluate the appearance and taste it. So, a quality food product should have the following characteristics:

  • light shade of the shell;
  • smooth walnut surface;
  • whole, hard and crunchy kernels;
  • pleasant taste.

Important! If the cashews are darkened or crumbled, taste bitter, and feel moist or sticky, you should not buy them.

This video explains the benefits and dangers of cashews and how to choose an exotic fruit to eat.

Summarizing the above, it is worth noting that the cashew nut has a lot of useful properties. Its nutritional value is high for both pregnant women and other people. It will be extremely difficult to ignore this food product even for skeptics.

If some time ago, experts had a negative attitude towards the use of nuts during pregnancy, then recent studies have shown that a small amount of this product in a woman's diet, on the contrary, is only beneficial. After all, nuts in their composition contain a large amount of useful substances: proteins, carbohydrates, dietary fiber, calcium, B vitamins, etc., which have a beneficial effect on the body. It should be said that nuts contain oleic acid, which prevents the development of heart disease and atherosclerosis.

How many and which nuts can a pregnant woman take?

Although nuts are allowed to be consumed during the period of bearing a baby, it is still not worth eating them in unlimited quantities. Pregnant women can eat no more than 50 grams of nuts per day. It is recommended to eat them crushed or chewed thoroughly. Nuts can also be added to various dishes. During pregnancy, experts advise giving preference to such nuts as: cashews, walnuts and pine nuts. They are the most beneficial and contain the nutrients needed during pregnancy.

If a pregnant woman consumes nuts, they must be properly stored. So if they were in a room in high humidity, then they should not be eaten. The fact is that with high humidity, the nuts can become covered with mold, which is unsafe for the health of both a pregnant woman and her baby. Therefore, if the expectant mother has suspicions that something is wrong with the nuts, they have a foreign smell or a suspicious color, then they should be thrown away without regret. It is strictly forbidden to eat spoiled nuts.

Can everyone eat nuts during pregnancy?

Unfortunately, not all mothers-to-be can eat nuts. Experts recommend to stop using this product for those women who are prone to allergies. If the expectant mother really wants nuts, then you can eat a few, but not more often 1-2 times a week. In this case, a woman should carefully monitor whether an allergic reaction has appeared.

Pregnant women with problems of the gastrointestinal tract are advised to consult a doctor before adding nuts to their menu. Indeed, nuts contain fiber, which speeds up the work of the intestines. Those women who, after a portion of nuts, begin to experience pain or discomfort in the abdomen, should consult with a specialist and, possibly, exclude this product from the diet.

What nuts are good for pregnant women? Knowing the answer to this question will help enrich the diet with many substances that are very useful for mom and baby.

It is very important for the health of the mother and fetus to eat a lot of healthy foods while carrying a baby. It must supply the necessary nutrients and help you stay in good shape. Nuts are included in the list of healthy foods during the "position of interest". What nuts are useful for pregnant women in the first, second and third trimester and what exactly will they enrich the body with?

Walnuts

Walnuts are one of the main answers to the question of which nuts are the healthiest for pregnant women, as they are rich in essential omega-3 fatty acids and polyunsaturated fats. Omega-3 fatty acids help a child's brain develop. Many pregnant women are deficient in these substances. On the other hand, monounsaturated fats, which walnuts are rich in, can help lower cholesterol levels and prevent heart disease. Like all nuts, walnuts are a good source of protein. During gestation, a woman needs at least 70-100 grams of this substance per day.

Almond

Almonds, like walnuts, contain healthy unsaturated fats that help lower cholesterol levels. Unlike walnuts, almonds do not contain omega-3 fatty acids, but they are a good source of calcium, iron, potassium, vitamins A and E. It is important not only which nuts are useful for pregnant women, but also in what form they are eaten. You can consume almonds raw, in smoothies, or cooked. Avoid salty or spicy foods that are highly candied and otherwise "enhanced." In principle, the same rules apply to other types of this natural product.

About 30 grams of almonds contain approximately 6 grams of protein.

Peanut

If you love peanuts while pregnant, you can feel free to add them to your menu too. These gifts of nature also contain healthy unsaturated fats, folic acid, B vitamins. In addition, a handful of peanuts a day will provide about 7 grams of protein.