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During pregnancy, a woman should especially carefully monitor her health, since the correct development of the unborn child will depend on this. Proper balanced nutrition plays an important role. So, scientists believe that walnuts should be consumed during pregnancy. Despite the fact that this product contains beneficial substances in all parts of the plant, at high concentrations it can cause harm not only to the fetus, but also to the pregnant woman. Therefore, now there are many different recipes for pregnant women that include the use of walnuts. You can choose any menu to your liking.
Can pregnant women eat walnuts?
Many doctors are still arguing about whether pregnant women can eat walnuts or not. On the one hand, these products help a woman restore the balance of nutritional compounds, which promotes proper nutrition and fetal development.On the other hand, they are high in calories, so they can lead to obesity and subsequent complications during and after childbirth.
Doctors have found a compromise: you can use these products in case of acute hunger, when there is nothing at hand. Moreover, you can only have a strictly defined amount of walnuts per day.
What are the benefits of walnuts for pregnant women?
The benefits of walnuts for women during pregnancy have been proven by many medical professionals in the field of gynecology and obstetrics.
It is known that the benefits and harms of walnuts for pregnant women primarily depend on the compounds contained in the product. This natural ingredient contains various nutrients.
- Essential and non-essential amino acids (for example: valine, isoleucine, arginine). They not only restore nutritional energy, but also improve the overall flow of basic metabolic processes in the body of a pregnant woman.
- Polyunsaturated fatty acids (omega-3 and its varieties) help normalize the functioning of the body's gastrointestinal tract. At the same time, not only the acidity of the stomach is restored, but also the water-electrolyte balance as a whole.
- Vitamins (A, B, C, E) not only help strengthen the immunity of the mother and her unborn child, but also restore the functioning of the hormonal system. They have a good effect on the nervous system, being a kind of antidepressants, they help improve the appearance of a pregnant woman: the condition of the skin improves, the condition of the hair is restored, and the figure improves.
- Microelements (copper, boron, manganese, silicon, cobalt, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, zinc, magnesium) make it possible to restore the body's energy.They help strengthen the musculoskeletal system of a pregnant woman, who experiences very strong physical stress towards the end of her pregnancy. In addition, these substances help to establish all biochemical reactions of the body.
- Phytosterols (there are a lot of them in these products) help reduce the amount of cholesterol in the blood, thereby cleansing the blood vessels. And this helps prevent the most difficult consequences for the circulatory and cardiovascular systems of a pregnant woman’s body.
The complex action of all components of walnut fruits helps in solving problems of the genitourinary and reproductive systems. They also help improve the condition of the pregnant woman in general.
Walnuts during early pregnancy
The benefits of walnuts for pregnant women in the early stages are obvious. In this case, these products have a good effect on the hormonal, nervous, cardiovascular, immune, circulatory, digestive and genitourinary systems of the pregnant woman’s body. In addition, many experts believe that weight gain is simply necessary in the early stages.
Walnuts during late pregnancy
But the effect of walnuts during pregnancy in the 3rd trimester (late term) is no longer as beneficial as at the beginning. The use of this product leads not only to weight gain, but also to increased stress on the musculoskeletal system of the female body. Experts recommend limiting protein intake, and in walnuts its concentration reaches high levels. Therefore, many doctors have compiled a special menu.
How many walnuts can pregnant women eat?
Depending on the period, the amount of natural component consumed may vary. So, in the first half, women should consume them in large quantities (up to 10-12 pieces) per day. But in the second half of the term, if there is a threat of weight gain and possible serious consequences, the amount should be reduced to 4-5 pieces per day.
Few people know, but the leaves of the walnut plant can also be used. They are especially effective for bleeding gums.
Ingredients:
- leaves - 1 tablespoon;
- water – 0.25 l.
Technique:
- Boil water.
- Place the leaves in it. Close the lid.
- Let it brew for 1 hour.
- Store in a cool, dark place.
It is recommended for pregnant women to consume this several times a day in the earlier stages. But before giving birth, the frequency of taking the product should be reduced.
What is the best way to eat walnuts?
Walnuts can be consumed in their pure form only in limited quantities, as indicated above. But various dishes based on them are in great demand: salads, creams, oils and tinctures.
Recipes
There are many dishes based on this natural product. The following recipes will be useful for pregnant women.
Vitamin salad
Ingredients:
- apples – 2-3 pieces;
- pears (soft) – 2-3 pieces;
- honey - to taste;
- walnuts (chopped) – 0.25 kg.
Cooking technique:
- Prepare the fruits: rinse, dry, peel (peel, seeds, core and tips). Puree.
- Add the remaining ingredients and mix thoroughly.
The dish is ready to eat.
Anti-anemia mixture
Ingredients:
- lemon zest (chopped) – 0.25 kg;
- honey - to taste;
- walnuts (chopped) – 0.25 kg.
Technique:
- Mix lemon zest and walnuts.
- Add honey.To stir thoroughly.
You need to use the product daily, 1 teaspoon (preferably in 4 doses).
Honey-nut cream
Ingredients:
- walnuts - 2 cups;
- raisins, dried apricots - ½ cup each;
- honey – 1 glass;
- butter – 0.07 kg;
- cocoa - a few pinches.
Technique:
- Pour boiling water over dried fruits.
- Mash the butter and beat with cocoa.
- Mix everything and add honey.
The cream should be stored in the refrigerator for one week. Take 3 teaspoons daily (can be used with tea, in salads and cereals).
Other
It is recommended to buy oil from this product. It is worth remembering that it should not be used by people with individual intolerance to the components and people suffering from chronic gastrointestinal diseases.
However, the oil helps normalize intestinal function.
Precautionary measures
To prevent this natural component from becoming a by-product and toxic product, several rules should be followed:
- Walnuts (with skins) should be stored in a cool, dark place. And the purified product is in a tightly closed container in the freezer. Do not allow dampness under any circumstances.
- Prep work is also important. They should be washed and dried thoroughly. The kernels must be soaked for several hours before use or cooking.
It is important to chew the product well so as not to aggravate digestive problems.
Contraindications to walnuts during pregnancy
The main contraindication is individual intolerance to the components of walnuts - an allergic reaction.It should also be used with caution by women suffering from bowel problems, as the incidence of constipation and indigestion increases during pregnancy. In addition, peptic ulcer disease can only get worse.
If you have any ulcers in the mouth or inflammation of the tonsils, as well as a malfunction in the hormonal system of the female body, you should stop eating walnuts.
Conclusion
During pregnancy, walnuts help a variety of systems in a woman’s body. However, an unlimited amount of this product can harm a pregnant woman. Therefore, before consuming walnuts, you should consult with a specialist and create your own individual menu.
