Walnut during pregnancy - the benefits and harm

Nuts are unique fruits, in the cores of which many useful substances are concentrated. During pregnancy, they can be a useful supplement to the diet, sometimes even replacing the intake of special vitamin and mineral supplements.

Despite the value of walnuts, some expectant mothers are wary of this product, as there is an opinion about a certain harmfulness of the fruit. Indeed, in rare cases, the manifestation of unpleasant reactions is possible, but this is not a reason to completely abandon this useful and tasty delicacy, even during pregnancy. It is enough to observe the measures, exclude contraindications, and also choose a quality product.

Useful properties of walnut

Almost all nuts have beneficial properties, but walnut is one of the leaders.This is explained by the composition of the nucleus, which contains many valuable compounds, especially for a pregnant or lactating woman. Of the main can be identified:

1. Vitamins. There is an important vitamin E for pregnant women, representatives of group B, as well as PP, A, C, K.
2. Minerals. Of the macronutrients, potassium, sulfur, magnesium, sodium, phosphorus are contained in significant amounts. Trace elements - iron, zinc, iodine, selenium, fluorine and others.
3. Phytoncides, amino acids, half-saturated fatty acids, including Omega 3, Omega 6, fiber, tannins, proteins, phytosterols and a number of other unique natural compounds.

All substances in the complex form a unique composition of walnuts, which, when properly used, can compensate for the lack of nutrients in the body. The content of natural substances is actively used in traditional medicine, cosmetology, and not only the cores are used, but also the shells.

What is the use of walnut during pregnancy

One of the main goals of nutrition in carrying a child is an adequate amount of nutrients and valuable substances.To do this, supplement your daily diet with special foods, such as walnuts. With regular use of quality walnuts, in an appropriate amount, a pregnant woman can get the following benefits for herself and the developing child:

1. Maintaining the normal development of the fetus, its nervous system due to the high content of vitamin E, folic acid. A sufficient presence of these components during pregnancy is considered mandatory, they are even prescribed separately in special preparations.
2. Positive effect on the state of blood vessels, circulatory system in both mother and baby during its formation.
3. Strengthening of bone tissue.
4. Removal of headaches, migraines.
5. Prevention of thyroid dysfunction, relative normalization of hormonal levels, which is especially important during pregnancy.
6. Prevention of anemia, control of hemoglobin level, the decrease of which is extremely undesirable for the development of the future baby.
7. Excretion of fluid. Walnut does not have a pronounced diuretic effect, but contributes to the timely removal of fluid, prevention of edema.
8. Stimulation of the brain, maintaining memory.
9. Weight control. A few nuts will help to satisfy hunger, the desire to eat, something sweet, but completely unhealthy for pregnant women.
10. Normalization of metabolic processes, strengthening the immune system.
11. Maintaining the normal state of the nervous system of a woman, including at the expense of vitamins of group B. The presence of these compounds is also useful for the formation of fetal nerve cells.
12. Lowering cholesterol, preventing thrombosis.

For pregnant women, walnuts can be an excellent addition to the diet, helping to prevent a shortage of a number of substances necessary for the normal state of the mother, the development of the child.

Since pregnant women are allowed a limited amount of medicines, in agreement with the doctor for certain diseases, it is allowed to use products prepared with the addition of walnuts.

Walnut damage during pregnancy

Despite the many beneficial properties of walnuts, the product can harm health to some extent. This possibility exists when a large number of eaten fruit,low quality or deterioration of the product, as well as in the presence of contraindications.

The main restrictions on eating walnuts are:

1. Individual intolerance, allergies.
2. Diseases of the digestive tract in acute stages, as well as dysfunction, accompanied by inflammation. In such cases, there is the likelihood of additional irritation of the mucous membranes, which will aggravate the situation.
3. Frequent constipation, excessive gas formation.

Harm from nuts can occur due to poor quality of the product. This can be expressed by signs of poisoning, concomitant ailments, for example, nausea, vomiting, upset stool. Such situations can be prevented only with the help of certain selection criteria (no damage, rot, plaque, unpleasant smell). With the appearance of even mild symptoms, consultation with a specialist is necessary.

To prevent walnuts during pregnancy from causing negative consequences, it is important not only to take into account contraindications, but also to follow certain rules of consumption and choice of food.

How to eat walnuts for use

During pregnancy, it is important to carefully consider the diet and if you want to supplement it with walnuts, you should follow the following rules:

1. It is necessary to use only qualitative walnuts. They should not have mold, raids. It is better to give preference to unpeeled, thermally unprocessed fruits, as they will be more beneficial.
2. The daily rate should not exceed 4-5 pieces. peeled nuts. For periods of more than 16 weeks, it may be necessary to reduce the dose, exclude daily consumption. Even in the absence of reactions of intolerance of fruits, it is better to be safe and not to allow overeating of nuts, so that it does not affect the future child.
3. It is recommended to eat the necessary portion gradually, chewing thoroughly, since the nutrients are better absorbed.
4. It is important to properly store walnuts, the place should be cool, dry and preferably dark.
5. Even when peeling nuts at home, they are recommended to be washed, especially when consumed raw. It is useful to soak the fruit for 10 minutes in the water.
6. If you have problems with the gastrointestinal tract, typical allergic reactions in the form of rashes, itching edema, as well as the formation of ulcers in the mouth, you should stop eating nuts, consult a doctor.

Despite the obvious value of walnuts, as well as the pleasant taste, during pregnancy there is a need for a limited amount, not to neglect the rules of storage and general recommendations regarding the inclusion of the product in the diet of the future mother. In this case there will be a benefit not only to the health of the future woman in labor, but also to the developing child.

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