Nuts in pregnancy

A person is what he eats - this well-known phrase is undoubtedly correct, because you can build your body only from the "materials" coming from outside with food. Especially when we are talking about the emerging life, the future little person, whose development is completely dependent on the mother's body.

The importance of nutrition can also be indirectly demonstrated by the fact that the tastes of most pregnant women change, sometimes quite radically. They often refuse previously favorite dishes, demanding instead something they never liked before.

But in any case, the diet of a woman expecting a child should be complete and healthy, the products should be fresh and high-quality, the dishes should be tasty and healthy. Nuts occupy a special place in the list of such products.

Can you eat nuts during pregnancy?

The short answer is definitely "yes". This was known even to those generations when any information was passed on only orally, from grandmother to granddaughter.

Nuts are tasty and healthy, they contain many substances necessary for the health of the fetus and the expectant mother. In particular:

• lots of carbohydrates;
• dietary fiber;
• vitamins A, B, C, D, E;
• microelements;
• macronutrients;
• unique amino acids;
• vegetable protein;
• polyunsaturated fatty acids.

It is estimated that nuts are three times richer in minerals than fruits, and are undisputed leaders in the content of many proteins and healthy fats; therefore, they reduce the level of cholesterol in the blood.

These fruits will enrich and diversify any diet. Nuts during pregnancy should definitely be on the menu. But how many and which ones - this is below.

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Benefits of Nuts During Pregnancy

Nuts are a very high-calorie and high-energy product, and in terms of protein content they can even compete with meat.

They vitaminize the body and enrich it

• iron;
• copper;
• zinc;
• potassium;
• calcium;
• phosphorus;
• other microelements.

They have a positive effect on the cardiovascular system, overall well-being and mood.

They tone the central nervous system and normalize brain activity.

Regulate fat metabolism and prevent weight fluctuations.

They supply the mother's body with substances necessary for the formation of the child's muscle and bone tissue.

Scientists have discovered an interesting connection: if mothers regularly ate a moderate amount of nuts during pregnancy, their children were much less likely to develop allergies (three times less often). Conclusion: eating these products in the womb instills tolerance in children and prevents possible allergic risks.

To ensure that nuts are truly beneficial during pregnancy, they need to be thoroughly ground before consumption (in a blender or by hand). A good practical tip is to soak them in water for a while.

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Healthy Nuts During Pregnancy

Such different fruits of such different trees and bushes are united not only by the common name "nuts". Their chemical composition is also similar in many ways, and hence - their properties.

However, individual nuts also contain unique substances. Therefore, nutritionists believe that a combination of different types of nuts is useful for pregnant women, which will diversify the diet and become the most useful supplement.

There are about one hundred and fifty species of edible nuts in nature. If you choose the most famous ones, then walnuts are in first place in terms of caloric content, followed by pine nuts and hazelnuts, then almonds, cashews, peanuts, and pistachios.

• Walnuts contain the most vitamin C and iron.
• The fructose contained in pine nuts is very beneficial for intrauterine development.
• Hazelnuts are very useful for metabolic disorders, diabetes, hypertension, and varicose veins.
• Almonds are needed as a source of iron, which is part of hemoglobin. This nut is a real repository of zinc and phosphorus, vitamin E. It stabilizes blood pressure, has a positive effect on the brain, it is recommended for diseases of the kidneys, women and other organs.
• Cashews practically do not cause allergic reactions. Therefore, they are useful for everyone without contraindications. In addition to the benefits, they really satisfy the feeling of hunger.
• Pistachios are useful for preventing heart disease. They have an immune-strengthening effect, "cleanse" the blood, and have a good effect on the liver and brain.

To keep nuts well, they need to be kept in tightly closed boxes, glass containers or cloth bags. They should not be over-roasted, as this will make the nuts unhealthy.

Dried nuts can be refreshed by placing them in salted water for a while.

Walnuts during pregnancy

Among the abundance of edible nuts, walnuts can be considered a real champion. These familiar, unpretentious for growing and without exotic gloss fruits are nevertheless called the fruits of the "tree of life". And quite deservedly so! After all, according to nutritionists and doctors, they are truly a storehouse of everything necessary and useful for a person.

• By expanding the blood vessels of the brain, walnuts improve its nutrition and memory.
• Nuts are irreplaceable in the confectionery industry, an excellent treat for adults and children.
• They are nutritious and rich in vitamin C.
• Walnuts have an invigorating effect on a tired woman, have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and immune-boosting properties.
• They help get rid of headaches, insomnia, and nervous disorders.
• Another advantage is that nuts during pregnancy promote lactation, so in moderate doses they are very useful in the last weeks before delivery.
• These nuts grow everywhere and are affordable.

Pine nuts during pregnancy

Pine nuts are considered essential in the diet of pregnant women. They contain "building materials" that are extremely necessary for the developing fetus - amino acids, similar in structure to human ones (including the unique one - arginine). In addition, they replenish the body with the most important vitamin E, the deficiency of which is harmful for the child.

They are a source of vitamins A, C, E, PP, D, the entire B group, and trace elements tin, molybdenum, and nickel.

A 100-gram serving of nuts contains a sufficient daily dose of iodine.

They have a beneficial effect on the general condition of a woman and strengthen physical strength.

Pine nuts during pregnancy help the fetus gain weight and become more active.

Cedar oil is also recommended for women - both internally and externally. It makes the skin soft and velvety, as the oil is easily absorbed and moisturizes the skin.

Brazil Nuts During Pregnancy

The Brazil nut is the fruit of a plant called Bertholetia. Some consider it a nut, others a grain. Let's leave the scientific debate to biologists, and the Brazil nut the name by which it is known in our area. For the simple reason that these kernels and grains are clearly closer to nut plants than to cereals in appearance and taste.

The exotic Brazil nut has virtually no contraindications if consumed in reasonable quantities.

The microelement selenium, contained in the fruits, prolongs youth, quickly replenishes energy, and actively counteracts depression and bad mood.

Bertholletia fruits even treat malignant tumors and male infertility.

During pregnancy, it is recommended to consume this nut in limited quantities, preferably together with walnuts, pine nuts, and forest fruits.

The nut can cause harm, like other types, by causing allergies due to the high concentration of protein. Radium and aflatoxins are also considered harmful - of course, only if you abuse the delicacy. After all, the ancients believed: everything is medicine and everything is poison - and only the dose makes one another.

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Nutmeg during pregnancy

Nutmeg is also a very tasty product, but in our case there are more contraindications than indications. Therefore, experts strongly do not recommend it for pregnant women. After all, even a minimal dose threatens the manifestation of an allergic reaction.

It also causes an active rush of blood to the internal organs, which is very undesirable for a woman expecting a child.

Of course, there is individual sensitivity to certain products, useful or harmful substances contained in them. In doubtful cases, it is worth consulting an obstetrician-gynecologist, especially if he is an authoritative specialist and enjoys the trust of patients. After all, almost every woman is familiar with the situation when "you can't, but you really want to." Sometimes a small piece or sip of something is enough to get rid of the painful desire, without dangerous consequences for yourself or the child. A good doctor will definitely give practical advice, understanding that this is not just a woman's whim, but a physiological need of the body.

Cashew nuts during pregnancy

Cashew nuts are low in calories, so they are especially interesting for women who are prone to unwanted obesity. They have many useful properties.

Cashews normalize blood pressure, which is very important for pregnant women. They strengthen the myocardium, have a positive effect on the brain, and calm the nervous system.

These nuts are also useful during pregnancy because they improve metabolic processes.

They prevent dystrophic phenomena in the baby, possible diseases of the heart and blood vessels.

They replenish women's blood with iron, potassium, calcium, and vitamins.

When choosing cashews, pay attention to their appearance. Overly dried or roasted ones are less useful and are poorly digested. Raw fruits are more useful for expectant mothers.

Normally, it is enough to consume up to 30 grams of cashews; closer to the end of pregnancy – not every day.

When feeding, it is necessary to monitor whether the baby has any signs of allergy. If not, then consider that cashews promote weight gain. And can also provoke painful bloating.

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Hazelnuts during pregnancy

Hazelnuts have a very successful combination of amino acids and vitamin E. This is excellent for the development of the fetus's muscular system.

Rich in vitamins B1, B2, B6.

By normalizing the mother’s cardiovascular activity, hazelnuts have a beneficial effect on similar processes in the unborn baby.

Contains a preventative anti-cancer substance that is important for both mother and baby.

Increases hemoglobin levels, helping to avoid anemia.

Increases the body's defenses.

With systematic consumption, it removes toxins from the liver and the entire body.

Traditional cosmetology advises women, including those in an interesting position, to make hazelnut-apple masks. They make the skin brighter and clearer. And hazelnut oil helps hair grow better, become strong and beautiful.

It should be borne in mind that all the useful properties are inherent only to unpeeled hazelnuts. They are stored for up to six months, peeled before eating. And do not "overdo it": if you eat more than 50 grams, nuts during pregnancy can cause a headache.

Nuts with honey during pregnancy

Physiological features of the pregnant woman's body include an increased need for many biochemical substances. When there is a deficiency of these, problems arise. Some of these problems can be prevented by nuts. For example, a mixed dish of honey, lemon peel, and walnuts is an excellent remedy for iron deficiency anemia. These gifts of nature also replenish the deficiency of other vital minerals, vitamins, etc.

• Traditional medicine recommends an effective recipe for headaches, insomnia, nervousness caused by stress or other reasons. The prepared mixture of "honey plus nuts" during pregnancy will relieve spasm of the blood vessels of the brain, relieve the above-mentioned problems, which is especially valuable during pregnancy. After all, no doctor will allow a woman to use regular analgesics in such a condition.

In each case, the products must be of high quality, the nuts must be crushed as much as possible, the honey must be natural and environmentally friendly. This is a guarantee of the usefulness and healing properties of such recipes.

Nuts with raisins during pregnancy

The high antioxidant content makes raisins an essential component of a healthy diet. A diet to increase resistance to adverse external factors necessarily includes raisins and other dried fruits. During pregnancy, vitamin-energy mixtures made from high-quality ingredients are especially recommended:

• nut;
• raisin;
• dried apricots;
• prunes;
• honey.

Nuts (raisins, other dried fruits of your choice) ground in a meat grinder can be a tasty treat during pregnancy, a source of energy and many useful substances. Such a mixture is kept in the refrigerator for ten days, and then consumed on an empty stomach, one tablespoon at a time.

Insomnia, headaches, nervousness – such troubles can be overcome with B vitamins, which are also abundant in raisins.

The highlight of the product is the abundance of bromine, which is needed to prevent osteochondrosis and osteoporosis.

Pecans during pregnancy

Pecans look like regular hazelnuts or olives, and inside they are walnuts, only without partitions. But they are still exotic fruits, because they grow mainly in the warm part of the American continent. In some places they grow in Crimea, the Caucasus, and Central Asia.

Nuts are valuable during pregnancy in abundance

• vitamins (A, B, E)
• microelements (potassium, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc)
• monounsaturated fats.

This feature makes pecans an important part of the anti-cholesterol diet, but at the same time it is also its weak point. After all, the record fat content among all nuts leads to their rapid spoilage (rancidity). To prolong freshness, nuts are frozen.

The norm of pecans for a pregnant woman is no more than two pieces three times a week. Overdose is fraught with allergies, which can be aggravated by headaches, indigestion, rash on the oral mucosa. Increased caloric content contributes to excess weight.

Black Walnut Tincture During Pregnancy

Black walnut is genetically close to the popular walnut, but surpasses it many times in its healing properties. It is an absolute find for pharmacists and healers. Black walnut is only just conquering new territories, but its healing uniqueness is already becoming legendary.

There are so many useful things in the walnut shell that it is easier to name what is not there than to list all the biologically active substances, essential oils, vitamins, etc. They are extracted using alcohol, and this powerful arsenal makes the range of application of the tincture quite extensive.

• The amount of vitamin C is traditionally compared to citrus fruits. In unripe black walnuts, its content is 50 times higher!
• The tincture contains rare minerals – cobalt, selenium.
• The element juglone provides natural antibacterial, antifungal, and antihelminthic properties.

But all sources are unanimous in their belief: black walnut tincture is strictly prohibited during pregnancy. It cannot be used during breastfeeding either.

The Healthiest Nuts During Pregnancy

The most useful nuts during pregnancy are regular walnuts. They increase the level of hemoglobin, immunity, stabilize blood pressure and metabolism, have a positive effect on the muscle tissue of the heart and brain activity.

Walnuts are easy to clean and grind. They go well with a variety of products, so they are added not only to homemade baked goods, but also to salads, oatmeal, rice and other porridges, sauces and desserts.

Contraindications to eating nuts during pregnancy

Despite all the enormous benefits, the abuse of nuts can harm the female body, which is in a happy state of expectation of motherhood. It should be remembered that protein substances can be allergens. Therefore

• if a woman was prone to allergies before pregnancy, she should not eat nuts at all - to avoid the development of such a tendency in the child;
• if there was no allergy, introduce nuts into the pregnant woman’s diet gradually, starting with one or even half a nut over the course of a week;
• If no dangerous manifestations occur during this time, you can confidently consume this product in the maximum permissible quantity.

In what quantities should nuts be consumed during pregnancy so that they are exclusively beneficial to the health of the mother and baby?

Nutritionists, referring to the recommendations of the World Health Organization, name a dose of up to 30 grams per day (five to six pieces). Best of all - in combination with other products, in salads: sweet - with dried fruits or spicy - with young greens. In such a combination, nuts are perfectly absorbed during pregnancy and do not irritate the digestive tract.

If the fiber contained in nuts still creates digestive problems, consumption should be limited to five to seven grams per day or completely excluded from the daily menu.

If we compare all the pros and cons regarding the topic of "nuts during pregnancy", then there are certainly more pluses. But in order to minimize the slightest possible risks, every woman needs to listen to herself, her desires. And be sure to maintain constant contact with a gynecologist.

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Harm of nuts during pregnancy

Since pine nuts and peanuts are the most allergenic of nuts, it is better not to take risks and avoid them during pregnancy. But if you can’t stand it, then eat a little, and only with the permission of a doctor.

Peanut pastes (oils), which are so popular in the world, are considered more dangerous than the nut itself. It is necessary to take this feature into account when planning the daily menu for pregnant women, as well as breastfeeding women, so as not to provoke illness in newborns.

• Irritation and other symptoms of an allergic reaction may also occur when consuming nutmeg. To avoid such troubles, this product is not recommended for expectant mothers.
• However, any nut can be harmful to the vulnerable body of the expectant mother if it is of poor quality. For example, if stored incorrectly, nuts can become moldy. Mold damage is dangerous because it contains poisonous substances - mycotoxins. These poisons contain not only toxic, but also carcinogenic substances, therefore they threaten oncological diseases, affect the liver, kidneys, digestive organs, etc.

If a woman has no contraindications, and she ate premium nuts daily during the first months of pregnancy, then in the second half, and especially in the last trimester, it is worth limiting their quantity and consuming them no more than twice a week.

Only a responsible attitude to nutrition and other aspects of pregnancy will contribute to the birth of a healthy child.