How Safe Is Eating Cashew Nuts During Pregnancy

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There is a difference between going nuts and eating nuts. But when you are doing the latter, and eating cashews nuts, you are in for some nutrition. I know your mouth is beginning to water on the linkage of cashew nuts and nutritive value. There is one issue which should not be overlooked particularly by preggies – which is eating cashew nuts during pregnancy.

Cashews are found in most kitchens of South Asia, especially Indian and Thai cuisine. They also are very much an ingredient in chocolates and desserts. To some, a cashew looks like a comma in its form (what a way to look at a cashew but yes it does resemble a comma). Before you chew on the cashew nuts in your snack time, it is worth checking out their nutritional effects on you and your baby.

Nutritional Influence Of Eating Cashew Nuts During Pregnancy:

Did you know, cashew nuts are also called ‘natural vitamin pills’? Just an ounce of cashew contains as much as 4.3 gm of protein, 9 gm of carbohydrate and 13 gm of healthy fat. This makes them ideal to be consumed during pregnancy months. Such are the effects of cashew nuts.

Let’s do some fact-finding of the benefits of eating cashew nuts during pregnancy:

• Cashews are indeed blessed with all the vitamins needed for the development of foetus during pregnancy.

• Considering they are rich in anti-bacterial properties, cashews also help fight against infections.

• Low in fats, cashews offer tocopherols, phytosterols and sqaulene which bring you overall benefit during pregnancy.

• Cashews are also a rich energy source which is important for you from pregnancy to delivery.

• With the high fiber content in cashews, you can fight stomach-related problems like diarrhea and constipation.

• Cashew nuts are rich in iron. This does away with the fear of anemia during the crucial pregnancy months. In fact, a single serving of roasted cashew nuts contains 1.7 mg iron, whereas you need 27 mg of it each day during pregnancy.

• Cashews are rich in vitamin K. This looks into the fact that you do not bleed excessively in pregnancy. All you need is about 90 mcg of vitamin K, whereas an ounce of cashew nuts contains around 9.8 mcg.

• Being rich sources of magnesium, cashew nuts protect you from ailments such as muscle spasms, high BP, tension, migraines, headaches, tiredness and soreness.

• Since cashews are rich in calcium, they boost the development of the bones and teeth of your baby.

• According to experts, cashew nuts have a positive effect on your lipid profile. This is beneficial for pregnant ladies who are at a high risk of diabetes.

• Owing to the chemicals present in the cashew nuts, you can keep your dental problems (gum problems and tooth decay) at bay when you chew a handful of cashews.

• Due to high copper content in cashews, fetal cells develop fast. Though you need 1 gm copper every day, an ounce of cashew gets you 0.6 mg of copper.

Important Things To Remember While Eating Cashew Nuts:

Though the effects of cashew nuts are pretty impressive, you just need to be careful while eating them during your pregnancy months. While you are carrying, it is imperative to know the cons of excessive eating of cashews.

While eating cashew nuts during pregnancy, keep these factors in mind:

• Cashews contain urushoil which can lead to skin rashes and itchiness. This can be a cause of worry when you want a good night’s sleep.

• If you consume cashew nuts in excess, then it can make you put on unnecessary weight.

• Cashews contain oxalates which concentrate in your body fluids giving rise to complications during pregnancy.

• Excessive consumption of cashews can trigger off gall bladder and kidney issues.

• Stick to eating not more than a single ounce of cashew nuts every day.

• Since salted nuts are high in sodium content, stay away from eating them.

• It is preferable to go in for Organic cashews. They are smaller in size, higher in nutrient concentration and are yummy too.

• Consume the nuts in moderation. If you get tempted to eat more of cashew nuts, talk to your doctor first. He/She is the best person to tell you whether these nuts should be included in your diet or not.

How To Add Cashew Nuts To Your Pregnancy Diet:

Its tough holding back your hands to yourself when hunger pangs strike you during pregnancy. Go ahead and binge on eating nuts during pregnancy (in moderation that is). However, there are innovative ways of including cashews in your diet:

• Mix cashews with other dry fruits to. This will be more filling rather than just eating an ounce of cashews.

• Take cashew butter by using it as a dip for apples or even veggie salads. To do that, you just need to blend the cashews to smooth in a blender.

• Add and sauté cashew nuts at the end when you are doing the same with veggies in a pan.

• Maple syrup and cashew nuts bits make an excellent topping on pancakes. This can also be added to your breakfast cereals.

• Why not take home made cashew yogurt? It is lip smacking and delicious too.

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How To Make Cashew Yogurt:

While eating nuts during pregnancy, jot down this nutritious recipe just superb for pregnant moms.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup cashews

• 2 cups water

• 1 cup dates

• 1 tsp cinnamon

Preparation:

• Soak the cashew nuts in water for approx. 4 hours.

• Now drain the water.

• Place all the ingredients in a blender.

• Blend for 10 to 15 minutes while adding 2 cups of water gradually.

• Pour the cooked cashew yogurt in glasses or deep plates.

• Top with some maple syrup and berries.

• The Cashew yogurt is ready to eat.

Pregnancy is the most looked forward to occasion in a woman’s life. So celebrate it with plenty of care and precautions. When you are eating cashew nuts during pregnancy, do so in moderation, not excess. Why don’t you tell us your experiences of munching cashew nuts during pregnancy? It will help the would-be moms too.