Many people enjoy almonds as a snack, and they have several nutritional advantages during pregnancy. Almonds are a great source of vitamins, minerals, and good fats that can benefit both the growing mother and her unborn child.
Even though eating almonds is generally regarded as safe during pregnancy, it’s crucial to know how much to eat. Eating too many almonds can be uncomfortable and potentially harmful to your health.
This article will discuss the advantages of eating almonds during pregnancy and the limitations to be aware of in order to maintain a balanced diet.
| Can you eat almonds during pregnancy? | Yes, almonds are safe and nutritious when eaten in moderation during pregnancy. |
| What are the benefits? | Almonds are rich in vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats that support the baby"s development. |
| Are there any restrictions? | Limit almond intake to a handful per day to avoid excess calories and potential digestive issues. |
| Can almonds cause allergies? | If you have a nut allergy, avoid almonds and consult your doctor for alternatives. |
Benefits for pregnant women
Almonds mainly grow in Asia and the Mediterranean and are already peeled when they reach the shelves of Russian stores. The grains contain proteins, carbohydrates and a small amount of fiber. Half of almonds are fats and only 5% are minerals. In 2015, an international study was conducted on the nutritional value of the most popular products, and the ratio of nutrients in almonds was highly rated by experts. According to the nutritional fitness indicator, the product took first place among exactly 1 thousand other food products. It is believed that it contains everything to satisfy the daily needs and requirements of the human body. Not only the kernels of almonds are used for food. Oil is made from it, the famous almond milk is produced. Almonds also have medicinal properties. It is rich in B vitamins, which are essential for normalizing metabolic processes, as well as for the functioning of the nervous system and muscle tone. The nut contains a large amount of vitamins E, A, calcium, zinc and phosphorus.
Until recently, it was believed that nuts, as products with a high allergy status, are undesirable for pregnant women. It was argued that eating them during pregnancy increases the risk of developing food allergies in newborns and infants. However, the latest research by scientists was unconditionally accepted by experts from the World Health Organization, and the recommendations were changed. Now pregnant women can and should eat nuts, since in small quantities protein antigens only strengthen the baby"s immunity and protect it from allergies in the future. Therefore, we can safely say that almonds have every right to be included in the diet of the expectant mother, but their use requires caution. Despite the fact that the composition and properties of almonds, in fact, satisfy the daily needs for some vitamins and mineral compounds, the diet should be balanced and varied. It must necessarily contain vegetables and fruits, cereals, meat, fish, dairy products.
It won’t get worse if you include a small amount of almonds in your diet, and there will be clear and noticeable advantages.
Systematic moderate consumption of almonds increases immunity, makes it stronger, namely, immune protection during pregnancy is usually significantly weakened, due to which a woman is more likely than others to become infected with a viral or fungal infection, bacterial ailments. Almonds improve digestion and metabolic processes, but the main property of the product is its calming effect on the nervous system. A woman who loves and eats almonds sleeps better, is less anxious, and can handle stressful situations more easily. Everything that has been said about the benefits applies to sweet almonds. This type is considered acceptable for food, has a pleasant but tart taste with a slight bitterness. There is another type of royal nut – bitter. You won"t be able to gnaw it. It is quite toxic, essential oil is extracted from it, soap is made, trees are used for wood.
Potential harm and contraindications
The royal nut has many obvious benefits, but there are also some things that should not be used. Pregnant women with a history of severe allergies should not consume nuts as they are classified as highly allergenic products. Others should exercise extreme caution because pregnancy triggers a change in the immune system’s functioning, which increases the risk of an insufficient response to substances that did not previously cause allergies. As a result, nuts are added gradually while closely observing their health and condition. You will need to stop eating almonds entirely if you start showing symptoms of skin or food allergies.
A pregnant woman should only be allowed to eat a limited number of fruits each day—no more than five to seven. Of course, consuming royal nuts in excess and without moderation will only be harmful to a pregnant woman.
- arrhythmia and other heart rhythm disorders in the expectant mother;
- diseases of the central nervous system, including epilepsy;
- chronic diseases of the digestive system associated with decreased motility.
Because nut fiber is so poorly absorbed and digested, consuming too much of it can cause severe diarrhea, vomiting, intestinal colic, and spasms. A substantial overabundance of the suggested amount of almonds can result in extreme vertigo, a disorientation in space, and a condition similar to drug intoxication.
Given the high fat content of the nut, obese women should consume less of it as it may result in excessive weight gain.
Pregnant women should avoid eating unripe almonds due to their rancid taste. Such a product can result in severe poisoning even in small amounts. There have even been fatalities following such intoxication in history.
Pregnant women can benefit from including almonds in their diet as they provide vital nutrients like fiber, vitamin E, and healthy fats. But in order to prevent any possible bad effects, moderation is essential.
Following the suggested portion sizes is crucial because consuming excessive amounts of almonds can cause allergic reactions or discomfort in the digestive system. It’s generally safe and beneficial to eat a handful of almonds every day.
Before making any dietary changes while pregnant, it’s best to speak with your doctor if you have any current allergies or concerns.
Because of their high nutrient content, almonds can be beneficial to eat during pregnancy, but moderation is essential. Essential vitamins and minerals found in almonds promote the health of mothers and the development of fetuses. But it’s crucial to pay attention to individual allergies or intolerances as well as portion sizes. Almonds can be safely included in a balanced diet during pregnancy by speaking with a healthcare professional.
