Almond during pregnancy - the benefits and harm

Almonds are considered to be an elite nut, which has a delicate oriental taste, a bright aroma and a lot of useful properties. Nutritionists recommend the expectant mother to use almonds at least several times a week, which will have a beneficial effect on pregnancy and the development of the baby.

Of course, the nut contains a lot of fats and concentrated substances, as well as essential oils, which can cause allergies or cause general malaise. Therefore, apply almonds during pregnancy should be carefully, strictly controlling portions.

Chemical composition

Almond is considered one of the most healthy nuts due to its amazing composition:

• beauty vitamins A and E, as well as B and PP;
• Riboflavin (100 g of almonds contain more than half the daily value);
• polyunsaturated fatty acids (oleic, linoleic and others);
• proteins;
• ash;
• dietary fiber;
• essential oils;
• organic acids;
• essential and non-essential amino acids;
• macro- and microelements (magnesium, iron, calcium, zinc, selenium, potassium, phosphorus, manganese, and others).

Vitamin B9 (folic acid) is necessary for a pregnant woman in the first trimester, since it prevents the occurrence of birth defects and fetal defects (for example, a pathology of the development of the neural tube).

Other vitamins of group B together with magnesium and phosphorus strengthen the nervous system of the future mother and child, restore neural connections. They make mood swings less noticeable, reduce anxiety and nervousness, irritability, stress, and depression. Also, these vitamins and trace elements improve memory, attention and performance, improve mood.

Vitamin E is a natural antioxidant that prevents cell oxidation and removes radicals from the body. This reduces the likelihood of developing benign and malignant tumors.

Beauty vitamins A and E protect the skin from stretch marks, reduce sagging and cellulite, tone and tighten the epidermis.

Vegetable proteins are a good building material for the muscular system and the musculoskeletal system of the child. Calcium in the composition also helps to strengthen the bone and cartilage tissue of the fetus, skeleton and teeth of the pregnant woman herself.

Fatty acids normalize the secretory function of the gonads, due to which enough hormones are produced to support normal pregnancy and general hormonal levels. They also participate in gas exchange, providing oxygen saturation of the cells of the child and the mother. A sufficient level of linoleic and oleic acid prevents delayed development of the fetus, missed abortion and reduces the risk of miscarriage, premature birth.

Essential oils trigger the immune system of pregnant women, increasing the body's resistance to diseases and allergies.

Potassium has a positive effect on the heart muscle, which is forced to pump blood through an additional circle of blood circulation (placental). Also, this trace element strengthens the vascular walls, making their surface elastic and more resistant to attaching atherosclerotic or cholesterol plaques.

How is almond useful during pregnancy?

The kernels of a fragrant walnut have the following properties that are useful for a pregnant woman and her offspring.

1. They reduce psycho-emotional excitability, so that the expectant mother does not complain of insomnia and frequent awakenings.
2. Reduce the concentration of sugar in the blood, which is important for pregnant women with gestational diabetes.
3. Strengthen the cardiovascular system, normalize blood flow, accelerate the production of blood cells.
4. Produce prevention of hypertonicity of the uterus.
5. Reduce the level of "bad" cholesterol in the blood, which is important for mother meat eaters.
6. Improve digestion and intestinal motility. They help fight nausea and vomiting in the first trimester, and chronic constipation in the second and third.
7. Accelerate cell division, which is important in the diagnosis of "slow growth of the fetus."
8. Reduce pain, eliminate headaches and migraines, stomach cramps and intestinal cramps.
9. Prevent iron deficiency anemia, as well as kidney stones and urolithiasis.
10. Produces an easy choleretic and laxative effect.
11. Strengthen hair follicles and nail plates.

How to choose and eat almonds

The most useful for the future mother will be sweet raw almonds, which are sold in the shell. Before choosing, evaluate its integrity, inspect for rust, dust, mold, etc. For a better preservation, the kernel of the nut is sold in a sealed package.

Purified sweet almonds can be sold both in bags and in bulk. Pay attention to the cores - they should be smooth, even and of the same shade. Shriveled, too soft and sluggish nuts are not recommended for consumption.

If the almonds are fresh, the aroma will be delicate and very pleasant. Otherwise, there is the smell of bitterness or missing vegetable oil.

If you buy roasted nuts, then ask if the heat treatment was carried out using butter. It is necessary that in the process of cooking the nut is roasted in its own juice.

Bitter variety of almond is composed of hydrocyanic acid, which is toxic to the body of the mother and child. Such nuts, even in a thermally processed form of the future mother contraindicated.

Do not pay attention to flashy packaging with almonds. Often imported oriental sweets have preservatives, flavors and flavor enhancers in the composition.

Store nuts must be exclusively in a dry cool place away from heat and sunlight. The container should be tightly closed and not pass moisture.

Contraindications and adverse reactions from almonds

Walnut contains extractive components and essential oils, which can cause heaviness in the stomach and adversely affect the health of some expectant mothers.

Unfortunately, almonds are a common allergen. If you have a history of food allergies, consult with an allergist before leaning on the fragrant kernels.

The expectant mother should take into account that nuts contain fatty acids and lipids, resulting in enough calories. It is not recommended to use almonds in the last trimester, as well as in the presence of excess weight.

A categorical contraindication is the presence of cardiovascular pathologies (tachycardias, arrhythmias, history of myocardial infarction, etc.), as well as disorders in the hemostasis system.

If you eat the kernel too often and exceed the dosage, the following side reactions are possible:

• dizziness and headaches;
• general weakness;
• acute food allergies (up to anaphylactic shock);
• pain in the gallbladder, a sharp release of bile, heartburn;
• indigestion, diarrhea;
• increased toxicosis symptoms;
• psycho-emotional disorders (for example, a state similar to narcotic intoxication).

In order for almonds to bring only benefit to the body of a pregnant and unborn child, it is recommended to consume no more than ten cores per day. Starting to enter the nut in the diet should be gradually, starting with 1-2 pieces a day.

If the pregnancy proceeds safely, and the expectant mother has no contraindications for use, then the almond will be an excellent snack. This nut will saturate the body with energy, relieve anxious thoughts and strengthen the immune system.

Video: what happens to the body if you eat only 4 almond nuts