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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. A proper balanced diet plays an important role. So, scientists believe that walnuts should be consumed during pregnancy. Despite the fact that this product has beneficial substances in all parts of the plant, at high concentrations it can harm not only the fetus, but also the pregnant woman. Therefore, there are now 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 still argue about whether it is possible for pregnant women to eat walnuts or not. On the one hand, these foods 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.
The doctors found a compromise: you can use these products in case of acute hunger, when there is nothing at hand. Moreover, only a strictly defined amount of walnuts is allowed per day.
Why are walnuts useful 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 a variety of nutrients.
- Essential and non-essential amino acids (for example: valine, isoleucine, arginine). They not only restore nutritional energy, but also improve the overall course of the 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 to strengthen the immunity of the mother and her unborn child, but also to restore the hormonal system. They have a good effect on the nervous system, being a kind of antidepressants, they help to improve the appearance of a pregnant woman: the condition of the skin improves, the condition of the hair is restored, and 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 her term is experiencing 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 to 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 a pregnant woman's body.
The complex action of all components of walnuts helps in solving problems of the genitourinary and reproductive system. They also help to improve the condition of a pregnant woman in general.
Walnuts during early pregnancy
The benefits of walnuts for early pregnant women are obvious. In this case, these products have a good effect on the hormonal, nervous, cardiovascular, immune, circulatory, digestive and urogenital systems of a pregnant woman's body. In addition, many experts believe that weight gain is essential in the early stages.
Walnut in late pregnancy
But the effect of walnuts during pregnancy in the 3rd trimester (late term) is no longer as useful as in 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 the 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 severe 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.
- Dip the leaves into it. Close the lid.
- Let it brew for 1 hour.
- Store in a cool, dark place.
It is recommended to use this for pregnant women several times a day at an earlier date. But before giving birth, the frequency of taking the product should be reduced.
What form is better to eat walnuts
Pure walnuts can only be consumed in limited quantities, as indicated above. But various dishes based on them are in great demand: salads, creams, oil 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;
- walnuts (crushed) - 0.25 kg.
Cooking technique:
- Prepare the fruit: rinse, dry, peel (peel, seeds, core and ends). Turn mashed potatoes.
- Add remaining ingredients and mix thoroughly.
The dish is ready to eat.
Anti-anemia blend
Ingredients:
- lemon zest (chopped) - 0.25 kg;
- honey - to taste;
- walnuts (crushed) - 0.25 kg.
Equipment:
- Stir in lemon zest and walnuts.
- Add honey. To stir thoroughly.
You need to use the product 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 - 0.07 kg;
- cocoa - a few pinches.
Equipment:
- Pour boiling water over dried fruits.
- Mash butter and beat with cocoa.
- Mix everything and add honey.
The cream should be stored in the refrigerator for one week. Eat 3 teaspoons daily (you can use it with tea, salads and cereals).
Other
It is recommended to buy oil from this product. It is worth remembering that it cannot 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.
Precautions
In order for this natural component not to become a byproduct and poisonous product, several rules should be followed:
- Store walnuts (with peels) in a cool, dark place. And the cleaned product in a tightly closed container in the freezer. In no case should it be damp.
- Preparatory work is also important. They should be thoroughly rinsed and dried. The nucleoli must be soaked for several hours before use or preparation.
It is important to chew the food well to avoid aggravating digestive problems.
Contraindications to walnuts during pregnancy
The main contraindication is the individual intolerance to the components of walnuts - an allergic reaction. It should also be used with caution in women suffering from intestinal problems, since the frequency of constipation and indigestion increases during pregnancy. In addition, peptic ulcer disease can only get worse.
If you have any ulcers 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
During pregnancy, walnuts help a wide variety of body systems of a woman. 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.
