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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 nutrition plays an important role. So, scientists believe that walnuts during pregnancy should be consumed. Despite the fact that this product has useful substances in all parts of the plant, at high concentrations it can harm not only the fetus, but also the pregnant woman. Therefore, now there are many different recipes for pregnant women, including 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 contributes to 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 with acute hunger, when there is nothing at hand. Moreover, only a strictly defined amount of walnuts is allowed 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. The composition of this natural component includes various nutrients.
- Essential and non-essential amino acids (for example: valine, isoleucine, arginine). They not only restore nutritional energy, but also generally improve the flow of basic metabolic processes in the body of a pregnant woman.
- Polyunsaturated fatty acids (omega-3 and its varieties) contribute to the normalization of the gastrointestinal tract of the body. At the same time, not only the acidity of the stomach is restored, but also the water-electrolyte balance in general.
- Vitamins (A, B, C, E) not only help strengthen the immunity of the mother and her unborn child, but also restore the hormonal system. They have a good effect on the nervous system, being a kind of antidepressants, help improve the appearance of a pregnant woman: the condition of the skin improves, the condition of the hair is restored, the figure improves.
- Trace elements (copper, boron, manganese, silicon, cobalt, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, zinc, magnesium) make it possible to restore the body’s energy. They help to strengthen the musculoskeletal system of a pregnant woman, who by the end of the term experiences very strong physical exertion. In addition, these substances help to establish all the 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 to prevent the most difficult consequences for the circulatory and cardiovascular systems of the body of a pregnant woman.
The complex action of all components of walnut fruits helps in solving problems of the genitourinary and reproductive systems. They also help to improve the condition of a 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 body of a pregnant woman. In addition, many experts believe that weight gain is simply necessary in the early stages.
Walnut during late pregnancy
But the effect of walnuts during pregnancy in the 3rd trimester (late term) is no longer as useful as at the beginning. The use of this product leads not only to weight gain, but also to an increase in the load on the musculoskeletal system of the female body. Experts recommend limiting protein intake, and in walnuts, its concentration reaches high values. Therefore, many doctors have compiled a special menu.
How many walnuts can pregnant women
Depending on the period, the amount of natural component used may vary. So, in the first half, women should consume them in large quantities (up to 10-12 pieces) per day. But already in the second half of the term, with the threat of weight gain and the appearance of 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.
Equipment:
- Boil the water.
- Drop leaves into it. Close the lid.
- Let it brew for 1 hour.
- Store in a dark cool place.
It is recommended for pregnant women to use this several times a day at an earlier date. But before childbirth, the frequency of taking the product should be reduced.
What is the best way to eat walnuts?
In its pure form, walnuts can only be consumed 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. Pregnant women will benefit from the following recipes.
Vitamin salad
Ingredients:
- apples – 2-3 pieces;
- pears (soft) – 2-3 pieces;
- honey – to taste;
- walnut fruits (crushed) – 0,25 kg.
Cooking technique:
- Prepare fruits: rinse, dry, peel (peel, seeds, core and tips). Turn into puree.
- Add remaining ingredients and mix thoroughly.
The dish is ready to eat.
mixture for anemia
Ingredients:
- lemon zest (chopped) – 0,25 kg;
- honey – to taste;
- walnut fruits (crushed) – 0,25 kg.
Equipment:
- Mix lemon zest and walnuts.
- Add honey. To stir thoroughly.
You need to use the remedy daily for 1 teaspoon (preferably in 4 doses).
Honey Nut Cream
Ingredients:
- walnuts – 2 cups;
- raisins, dried apricots – ½ cup each;
- honey – 1 glass;
- butter – 0 kg;
- cocoa – a few pinches.
Equipment:
- Pour boiling water over dried fruits.
- Cream butter and beat with cocoa.
- Mix everything and add honey.
The cream should be stored in the refrigerator for one week. Consume 3 teaspoons daily (you can 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 to normalize bowel function.
Safety measures
In order for this natural component not to become a by-product and poisonous product, several rules should be observed:
- Store walnuts (with peel) in a dark, cool place. A purified product in a tightly closed container in the freezer. Under no circumstances should dampness be allowed.
- The preparatory work is also important. They should be thoroughly washed and dried. Kernels should be soaked for several hours before eating 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 in women suffering from bowel problems, as the frequency of constipation and indigestion increases during pregnancy. In addition, peptic ulcer disease can only get worse.
If there are any sores in the oral cavity or inflammation of the tonsils, as well as a malfunction in the hormonal system of the female body, you should stop eating walnuts.
Conclusion
Walnuts during pregnancy help a variety of systems of a woman’s body. However, an unlimited amount of this product can harm a pregnant woman. Therefore, before eating walnuts, you should consult with a specialist and draw up your own individual menu.
