Bumps SmittenAlmonds are one of the most popular nuts in the world. They’re a great source of protein, fiber and healthy fats that can help you lose weight if consumed regularly during pregnancy. In addition to being nutritious, almonds also have many health benefits for pregnant women. Here is what you need to know about them:
What Are The Benefits?
The first thing to note when it comes to eating almonds during your pregnancy is that they contain high levels of vitamin E which helps protect against oxidative stress on the body. Oxidative stress occurs when there is an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants.
This type of stress has been linked with birth defects such as cleft palate and neural tube defects. Vitamin E may be particularly important because it protects cell membranes from oxidation. It’s recommended that all expectant mothers consume foods rich in this nutrient throughout their pregnancies.
How To Make Almond Milk At Home
You don’t necessarily have to buy expensive organic or raw versions of these delicious treats. You can make your own homemade version by simply soaking 1/4 cup of whole blanched almonds overnight.
This will allow the skins to loosen up so that you can easily remove them before grinding into flour. Then add water until the mixture reaches desired consistency.
If you prefer thicker milk, then use less water than usual. After blending, strain through cheesecloth or nut bag to get rid of any remaining pulp. Store in refrigerator for 3-5 days.
Health Benefits For Baby
There are several studies showing how beneficial almonds are for babies’ development. One study found that infants who were fed only breastmilk supplemented with 2 tablespoons of ground almonds per day had better cognitive function later in life compared to those who didn’t receive the supplement.
Another study showed that children born prematurely who received extra doses of omega-6 fatty acids had improved lung growth. Omega 6s are essential nutrients that must come from food sources like fish oil. However, since not everyone eats enough seafood, consuming more plant based omega 6s via almonds could provide another way to ensure adequate intake.
Another benefit of consuming almonds during pregnancy is that they provide calcium for strong bones. Calcium plays an essential role in fetal bone formation and mineralization. However, too much intake of dairy products like cow’s milk can cause problems including constipation. So choosing almonds as a other sources of calcium instead of dairy products should not pose a problem.
Side Effects of Drinking Almond Milk During Pregnancy
While drinking almond milk does offer some nutritional advantages, it doesn’t mean that it’s completely harmless. There are still potential risks associated with its consumption. Some of these include allergic reactions, gastrointestinal distress, and even increased risk of miscarriage. Below are some common side effects of drinking almond milk during your pregnancy period.
High cholesterol levels
Cholesterol level increases during pregnancy due to hormonal changes. However, consuming high amounts of almonds may increase the risk of having higher cholesterol levels. Therefore, pregnant women must be careful while choosing their food items. They should avoid eating nuts such as almonds which contain large amount of fat. Instead they should eat foods containing low saturated fat content.
Weight gain
Consuming excessive amounts of almonds will result in weight gain. This happens because almonds have very little protein but lots of carbohydrates. The body stores these carbs as fats thus resulting in weight gain.
Increased appetite
Eating almonds regularly might make your baby crave for them. As a result, he/she will start crying when mommy doesn’t give him/her his/her favorite snack. Also, it has been observed that mothers who consume almonds frequently tend to overeat.
Reduced iron absorption
Iron deficiency occurs commonly during pregnancy. It causes fatigue, weakness and poor concentration. To prevent this condition, pregnant women need to take ample quantities of vitamin C along with iron rich foods. But consuming almonds reduces the absorption rate of both vitamins. Thus making it difficult for moms to meet their nutritional requirements.
Vitamin K During Pregnancy
During pregnancy, there are certain vitamins which help us stay fit and strong. One such vitamin is Vitamin K. The role of Vitamin K during pregnancy is to ensure proper blood clotting. In addition, it helps prevent birth defects like spina bifida.
Here we discuss how does Vitamin K work and why should you include it in your daily routine.
What is Vitamin K?
Vitamin K is one of the most important nutrients found in plants. It is also present in animal tissues. Although humans cannot produce Vitamin K on our own, we do absorb small amounts from plant based diets. These tiny amounts play an essential role in maintaining healthy bones.
How Does Vitamin K Work?
The human body needs vitamin K to keep blood flowing smoothly through veins, arteries and capillaries. Without adequate supplies of vitamin K, bleeding could occur. This would lead to serious health issues. For example, if someone loses a lot of blood or suffers from heavy menstrual periods, then she/he may require additional doses of vitamin K.
Why Should I Include Vitamins K Into My Diet?
During pregnancy, the mother’s diet becomes more restricted than usual. She usually avoids taking any supplements since her doctor advises against it. However, Vitamin K is safe to use by all expectant mothers. Moreover, it offers several benefits to the fetus. Let’s find out what those are:
Prevents Birth Defects
Birth defects happen when the developing embryo receives insufficient nutrition. Since Vitamin K supports normal growth and development, it prevents birth defects caused by nutrient deficiencies.
Promotes Healthy Bones
Bones are formed inside the womb before being born. They grow rapidly until they reach maturity after about two years. If a woman takes sufficient amount of Vitamin K while she is pregnant, then it ensures the formation of healthy bones.
Prevents Premature Clotting Of Blood
When blood clots form within the vessels, it can cause severe complications. Therefore, it is necessary to maintain good circulation throughout the body. When the mother consumes enough Vitamin K, it keeps the blood flowing properly.
Improves Fertility And Longevity
A study conducted in Japan revealed that people who consumed high levels of vitamin K had higher fertility rates compared to others. Another research showed that men who took extra vitamin K were less likely to suffer from prostate cancer. So, including plenty of vitamin K into your diet can improve your overall health and increase your chances of conceiving!
Conclusion
So now that we’ve covered everything you need to know about drinking almond milk during pregnancy, let us know what you think in the comments section below. Do you drink almond milk during pregnancy? Why or why not? Share your thoughts with us!
