Walnut during pregnancy - benefits and harms

Nuts are unique fruits, in the kernels of which are concentrated many useful substances. During pregnancy, they can become 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 harmful 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 treat, even during pregnancy. It is enough to observe measures, eliminate contraindications, and also choose a quality product.

The beneficial properties of walnuts

Almost all nuts have useful properties, but walnut belongs to 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 ones, one can distinguish:

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, a significant amount contains potassium, sulfur, magnesium, sodium, phosphorus. Trace elements - iron, zinc, iodine, selenium, fluorine and others.
3. Phytoncides, amino acids, semi-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 used correctly, can compensate for the lack of nutrients in the body. The content of natural substances is actively used in folk medicine, cosmetology, and not only the core, but also the shell are used.

What are the benefits of walnut during pregnancy

One of the main goals of nutrition when carrying a child is a sufficient amount of nutrients and valuable substances. To do this, you need to supplement the daily diet with special products, for example, walnuts. With the regular use of quality walnuts, in the appropriate amount, a pregnant woman can receive the following benefits for herself and a 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. A positive effect on the state of blood vessels and the circulatory system in both mother and baby during its formation.
3. Strengthening bone tissue.
4. Relieving headaches, migraines.
5. The prevention of thyroid dysfunction, the 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 withdrawal of fluid, the prevention of edema.
8. Stimulation of the brain, maintaining memory.
9. Weight control. A few nuts will help satisfy your hunger, desire to eat, something sweet, but completely unprofitable for pregnant women.
10. Normalization of metabolic processes, strengthening the immune system.
11. Maintaining a woman’s nervous system in a normal state, including due to B vitamins. 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 deficiency 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 number of medicines, in agreement with the doctor for some diseases, the use of products prepared with the addition of walnuts is allowed.

Harmful walnuts during pregnancy

Despite the many beneficial properties of walnuts, the product can harm health to some extent. This probability exists with a large number of eaten fruits, low quality or spoilage of the product, as well as in the presence of contraindications.

The main restrictions on the use of walnuts are:

1. Individual intolerance, allergy.
2. Gastrointestinal diseases in the acute stages, as well as dysfunctions accompanied by inflammation. In such cases, there is a possibility 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 the 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 (absence of damage, rot, plaque, unpleasant odor). If even mild symptoms appear, a specialist consultation is necessary.

So that walnuts during pregnancy do not cause negative consequences, it is important not only to take into account contraindications, but also to observe certain rules of use and product selection.

How to eat walnuts for good

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

1. Use only high-quality walnuts. They should not have mold, raids. It is better to give preference to unpeeled fruits, thermally unprocessed, as they will be more useful.
2. The daily rate should not exceed 4-5 pcs. peeled nuts. For periods of more than 16 weeks, it may be necessary to reduce the dose, exclude daily use. Even in the absence of reactions of intolerance to the fruit, it is better to play it safe and avoid overeating nuts so that this does not affect the unborn child.
3. It is recommended to eat the necessary portion gradually, chewing thoroughly, since useful substances 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, it is recommended to wash them, especially when consumed raw. It will be useful to soak the fruits for 10 minutes in water.
6. If there are problems with the gastrointestinal tract, typical allergic reactions in the form of a rash, swelling of the itching, as well as the formation of ulcers in the mouth, you should stop eating nuts and consult a doctor.

Despite the obvious value of walnuts, as well as a pleasant taste, you need to have a limited number of them during pregnancy, do not neglect storage rules and general recommendations regarding the inclusion of the product in the diet of the expectant mother. In this case, not only the health of the future mother in childbirth, but also the developing child will benefit.

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