With what is experienced in schools today, you would think women should avoid eating nuts during pregnancy. Not so, say experts in an article on TheHealthSite.com. Experts say that we can eat 20-25 grams of nuts per day.
Hawaii’s macadamia nuts are rich in monounsaturated fats (good fats). They’re also rich in proteins, and folate which is essential during pregnancy. Walnuts are rich in nutrients and benefit your heart health and metabolism too. The article points to a study that shows eating walnuts during pregnancy helps boost the baby’s brain functions, like learning abilities and memory. Interestingly, almonds help reduce allergies in babies, lower risks of Preeclampsia, and also ease constipation. (Read more on this here) Pistachios are rich in protein, antioxidants, and fiber. Since pistachios have a low glycemic index, they are ideal for pregnant women who are diabetic.
One of my favorite nuts, cashews, is a great source of macronutrients. In order to grow, your baby needs a lot of proteins and healthy fats. Generally speaking, cashews are the best source of both among nuts. They also give you carbohydrates and fiber, which are essential for reducing the level of bad cholesterol in your body and preventing heart disease. Healthy eating during pregnancy comes down to supporting the body while there may be conditions that the body is predisposed to. 1 ounce of roasted cashew nuts also contains 1.7 milligrams of iron. This level of iron is very high, which makes these nuts a very important food for pregnant women, who require 27 mg of iron every day.
To get the most out of your nuts when eating them in moderation, you should eat them raw and unsalted. If you can’t eat nuts and seeds without salt, purchase them raw. Then roast them in the oven and sprinkle on a pinch of sea salt. Store nuts and seeds in the refrigerator or freezer to preserve freshness. This way you’ll always have a serving on hand.
