Cashew Nuts in Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a crucial phase and whatever you consume matters. Pregnancy powers women to change their dietary patterns as not all the nourishments are safe for the growing fetus. Women doubt the decision of consuming nuts during the period due to the heavy nature of nuts. If a woman is pregnant, there are high chances that she will get a surplus amount of advice with respect to the food she is consuming. 

Prior to placing anything in your mouth, you will reconsider and stress whether it is ok for utilization during pregnancy. There are sure nourishments ought to be maintained a strategic distance from, however then there's a ton that you can eat! Other than eating entire fruits and veggies, you can likewise crunch and munch on dry fruits or nuts. 

Overview

Nuts are considered as anti-allergen as they increase the resistance of the unborn child. Cashew nuts, specifically, are the powerhouse of nutrients if consumed in moderation. They are the excellent source of fibers and carbohydrate which bolsters the reduction of bad cholesterol from the body. In addition, the rich taste and crunchy nature of the cashew nuts are impossible to resist. 

The way that they give such an incredible blend of nourishment and mouth-watering taste makes them more irresistible for you. For the sound improvement of the child, a pregnant lady needs to up her admission of calcium, nutrients, zinc, protein, sugars, fiber, iron and nutrients.

Cashew is thus referred as "nature’s vitamin pills" as they are stacked with nourishing advantages and are totally alright for you as well as the unborn child. The health benefits of cashews pivot around their excellent nutritional values. 

Nutritional Value

Cashew nuts have a higher protein and carbohydrate content than most other nuts. The fat present is apparently (65 per cent) derived from oleic acid, a monounsaturated oil with widely known benefits in protecting against heart disease and cancer. 

Albeit lower in vitamin E and calcium than most nuts, cashew nuts are a good source of protein, magnesium (21%), phosphorous (24%), zinc (15%) and iron (10%).

Each ounce (28.35 gms) Cashews consists of about

5.2 grams proteins

9 grams carbohydrates

12 grams of fat. 

There are many nutritional benefits of cashew nuts in Pregnancy

Benefits

• Cashews have high fiber content which helps in fighting constipation.
• The presence of magnesium in cashews helps in promoting bone health. 
• The amount of copper present in cashew nuts (1 ounce = 0.6 mg copper) speed up the development of the foetus as it fulfils the daily copper intake (1 gram) of pregnant women.
• During pregnancy, cashews help in preventing tooth decay.
• Lipid profile is also maintained by the consumption of cashew nuts.
• Cashews are instant energy boosters.
• Cashews are a rich source of iron (1 ounce = 1.7 mg iron) and thus helps in preventing anaemia in pregnant women.
• Pregnant women require 90 mcg of essential vitamins per day to avoid bleeding at any stage and 1 ounce of cashews contains 9.8 micrograms (mcg) of Vitamin K.
• Infections sidestep due to the antibacterial properties of cashew nuts.  

Precautions

Precautionary Measures While Eating Cashew Nuts During Pregnancy

Despite being a storehouse of nutritional benefits, it is essential to avoid overconsumption of cashew nuts during the pregnancy.

• Eat cashews in moderation. The daily intake should not be more than 1 ounce (28.35 grams) or 18-20 kernels.
• The number of calories in cashews is very high. Thus, overeating will lead to increase in weight during pregnancy.
• Urushoil, an allergic compound, found in cashews can result in the skin irritation and ultimately causing rashes.
• Salted cashew nuts should be strictly avoided due to the presence of high sodium content. It also causes bladder and kidney problems. 
• The traces of oxalates present in cashew nuts can enter and gets accumulated in the body fluids and can cause complications in the later stages of pregnancy.  
• Always opt for organic cashews which are small, delicious and have high nutrient concentration.
• The most important thing to consider is that always consult the primary care physician before the intake of any nuts during the pregnancy period as he/she is the best person who can tell what is best in the pregnancy phase.

Ways to consume

There are many ways of including Cashew nuts in the pregnancy diet

• Instead of consuming normal butter, make cashew butter by crushing raw cashews in processor.
• Topping of cashews can be done in main course dishes such as chicken and fish together with herbs.
• Include cashew milk instead of routine dairy milk. Also, consider eating homemade cashew yoghurt in place of Greek yoghurt. 
• Create a mixture of cashew nuts, seeds, dried fruit and other nuts and consume it.
• Add cashew powder or cashew nuts in the salad plate or on stirred fried veggies.

Pregnancy is a delicate and wonderful stage in the woman’s life, and it is essential to cherish it. Food plays an indispensable role in the proper development of the baby as well as the mother. The compromise in any way leads to fatal outcomes.

Thus, it is mandatory to eat what is advised by the physician as they are the best people who can guide in this critical stage. Cashews as discussed are power-packed with vitamins and nutrients essential to both mother and child, however, consumption should be circumscribed to get the best out of this natural vitamin source. 

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