Being pregnant is a moment of excitement and celebration for everyone in the family. Especially for mom to be, the journey of the baby coming, can be an overwhelming feeling. With all nausea, tiredness, mood swings and hunger cues, the body of pregnant women becomes vulnerable to certain foods. Hence, it is very important to have a healthy and balanced diet during this phase.
During pregnancy, it is advisable to have a nutrition-based diet rather than a calorie-based diet. Nowadays people often resort to various superfoods to maintain a nutrition-based diet. Almonds are one such tiny nutrition-based superfoods. It is packed with key nutrients like magnesium, calcium, dietary fiber, protein, omega 3 fatty acids, and vitamin E. It is recommended that one ounce of almond (i.e., approximately 23 almonds) every day during pregnancy, is healthy for both mother and baby.
Do you know, before almond became a worldwide favorite superfood, it was consumed mainly in the middle east and south Asia. It took some took, before the world came to know of its amazing benefits and people started growing all over the globe. Almond contains zero cholesterol. They are enriched with vitamins, minerals, proteins, antioxidants, and fibers. Being filled with so many healthy elements, let’s dig into it more, and have a look at 7 health benefits these superfoods have to offer to pregnant women:
- Almonds are a good source of Vitamin B9(Folate/folic acid). It’s an integral part of nutrients required during pregnancy as it helps in the neurological development of the fetus and helps in the prevention of many birth defects.
- Almonds are rich in dietary fibers. It helps in regulating blood sugar levels and preventing gestational diabetes. It also reduces the risk of high blood pressure during pregnancy hence preventing preeclampsia.
- Being rich in dietary fats and carbs, almonds help in reducing oxidative stress, inflammation, and blood sugar during pregnancy.
- Almonds contain Iron which plays a major role in boosting a baby’s immunity and heart development. It also helps in carrying oxygen through the body of Mom to the baby which in turn helps pregnant women in coping up with the tiredness caused.
- Along with strengthening your memory, daily intake of almonds during pregnancy helps in maintaining a healthy weight. Not to forget it also furnish you with glowing and radiant skin.
- Magnesium found in almonds helps in strengthening the baby’s bones and teeth. It also regulates insulin & blood pressure, control blood sugar levels and stimulate enzyme function, hence prevents preeclampsia and poor fetal growth.
- Almonds are a great source of Omega-3 fatty acids. It helps in developing and sustaining the baby’s growing heart, immune system, brain, and eyes, especially during the third trimester.
Almonds carry a bundle of nutrition carried within. But, in recent times, it had become a conflicting topic “whether it is safe to consume nuts (almonds/walnuts) during pregnancy?” According to NHS (National Health Service), UK, you can eat nuts or food containing nuts during pregnancy until and unless you’re advised to by a healthcare professional or if you have a nut allergy.
The best way to consume almonds is by soaking them overnight. Consuming soaked almonds by removing its outer peel help in easy accessibility of enzymes. You can also have them in the form of almond powder, oil, roasted almonds, raw almonds, or almond butter. It is advisable to consume it during the day and in the right quantity. Excessive consumption can lead to indigestion, constipation, and weight gain problems.
So, add some love, nuttiness, and sweetness to your beautiful and magical journey of becoming a mother. Sprinkle a few slivers of almonds into your milkshake, porridge, or by ordering that big jar of almond butter. Also, just an advice, this does help you deal with the barrage of unsolicited advice and suggestions from relatives, friends, and family members.
Disclaimer: All being said and done, I must also state that if you love nuts then definitely incorporate a handful amount of soaked and peeled almonds into your daily diet. But if you are allergic to nuts, try avoiding them, and it is always advisable to consult your doctor before consuming almonds during pregnancy.
Enjoy good health and have a happy pregnancy!
For benefits Gulkand during Pregnancy, click here
For more benefits of Almonds, click here
