Almonds are delicious, nutritious and amazingly versatile which is why they are preferred by people of all ages and genders. Pregnant women have been advised to eat almonds since ages because the well documented nutritive benefits of these nuts. However if you still have any issues about the safety of almonds then this guide will help address your concerns.
Harmful Effects of Eating Almonds during Pregnancy
Almonds like cashews and pecans fall in the category of tree nuts. If you are allergic to nuts then consumption of almonds can cause anaphylaxis that is a life challenging issue that can create severe
shortness of breath. It is best to get yourself tested for nut allergies before you consider including almonds in your pregnancy meal plan. If the almonds have black spots on them then their consumption can lead to diarrhoea and food poisoning.
Can I Eat Almonds during Pregnancy?
You can definitely eat almonds during
pregnancy and in fact it is highly recommended that you eat them for the benefit of your baby. Few other members of the nut family can claim to possess the nutritional benefits that almonds possess or equal it in taste. If you follow precautions like cleaning, roasting and peeling almonds before consumption then it is highly unlikely that you will ever suffer from a side effect related to almond consumption.
Benefits of Eating Almonds during Pregnancy
Have a quick look at the health benefits of eating almonds during pregnancy.
Can Fulfil Protein Requirement
Proteins are known to be the building blocks of life and gestational women are advised to eat 1.5 times the daily recommended dose of protein to aid in the optimum development of the foetus. Out of the nut family almonds have the highest concentration of protein in them. In fact 25 almonds taken every day can fulfil the total protein requirement of a pregnant adult female in the
first trimester of her pregnancy.
Contain High Amount of Fibre
Almonds have a high amount of fibre in them which is why they can aid is abating one of the most unpleasant side effects of pregnancy i.e., constipation.
Rich Source of Vitamin E
Almonds are an extremely rich source of Vitamin E and Vitamin E is a major antioxidant which aids in reducing stress inside the body. This vitamin also contributes in a major way in maintaining the health of cells.
Aid the Development of Nervous System of Foetus
Almonds are a good source of selenium which contributes to the optimum development of the nervous system of the foetus.
Good Source of Calcium
Calcium which is present in good quantity in almond can aid in combating the tendency of hypertension during pregnancy.
Calcium is required to build strong teeth and bones of the baby. Almonds contain manganese which helps in regulating the optimum body weight of both the mother and foetus.
Folate in almonds helps in the prevention of Down’s syndrome and the healthy brain development of the foetus.
Is it Healthy to Have Almonds during Pregnancy?
Almonds have lots of health benefits which can specially help the pregnant mother and her baby. These nuts have a lot healthy fat, essential vitamins, minerals and protein which make them the perfect pregnancy snack. If you are not specifically allergic to tree nuts then consuming almonds is one of the most healthy food choices you can make.
Is it Safe to eat Almonds during Pregnancy?
If you clean, peel and wash almonds after checking them for possible mould formation then you will have removed all possible sources of bacterial contamination in them. You can also roast almonds to make them safer for consumption.
Almonds are perfectly safe for consumption if you check them properly for any contamination and do not suffer from tree nut allergy. Do consult your nutritionist for creating the optimum meal plan for pregnancy which includes the correct amount of almonds.
