The great effects when pregnant women eat walnuts

Walnuts are an answer on the list of answers to the question of what pregnant women eat to make their children smart and bright. The reason is that the seeds of this fruit contain many good nutrients and are useful during fetal brain development. 

Experts believe that the list of nuts that are good for pregnant women will not be without walnuts. This is a healthy food with high nutritional value, suitable for the needs of pregnant women. Pregnant women eat walnuts also help reduce nut allergies in children in the future. The following article, aFamilyToday Health will introduce the effects of walnuts with accompanying notes so that you can enjoy this nut most deliciously.

The effects of walnuts on pregnant women

Walnuts during pregnancy have the following benefits:

1. Provide omega-3

Walnuts contain omega-3 fatty acids, a substance that is good for both pregnant women and the fetus. Fatty acids stimulate the activity of brain cells and help develop fetal vision.

2. Good for the heart

Walnuts are rich in arginine, an amino acid that helps relax clogged blood vessels and stimulates blood flow. Therefore, pregnant women eat this type of nuts will help reduce the risk of hypertension during pregnancy and control cholesterol levels in the body more effectively. Pregnancy hypertension is a precursor to pre-eclampsia complications  , a condition dangerous to the health of pregnant women.

3. Anti-oxidation

The powerful antioxidants like quinone, juglone, tannin, tellimagrandin and copper present in walnuts will protect both the pregnant mother and the fetus from damage from free radicals. Therefore, pregnant women eat walnuts will improve immunity and limit the risk of infection.

4. Prevent birth defects

Walnuts are one of the foods rich in folic acid , capable of supporting the development of the baby's brain and nervous system. Folic acid from this seed also reduces the risk of neural tube defects and birth defects .

5. Support pregnant mother to sleep well

Melatonin is essential in the third trimester when sleep is now a major concern due to insomnia during pregnancy . Mother elected to consume walnuts helps stimulate the hormone melatonin in the blood, thereby creating a good night's sleep and prolonging rest time, recovering health after a long day.

6. Anti-depressant

Maternal mood swings easily , easily emotional and depressed are normal things during pregnancy, but it has a lot to do with the spirit of pregnant women. However, we have a solution for this problem. Walnut and walnut seed oils are valuable sources of omega-3 fatty acids, especially alpha-linolenic acid. These compounds will help improve your physical and mental health and fight depression during pregnancy , which is known to have negative effects on both the baby and pregnant woman.

7. Weight control

Pregnant women who eat walnuts will feel full for longer than usual, limiting weight gain during pregnancy too much. The reason is that this nut is rich in protein and fiber, able to satisfy your hunger quickly.

8. Additional copper

The rich copper content in walnuts helps in the production of red blood cells, heal damaged scar tissue and support the fetus to develop in the healthiest and most comprehensive way.

9. Supplement vitamin E

Walnuts are rich in vitamin E. This is a fat-soluble compound that primarily functions in building structures for cells. During pregnancy, your baby cells grow at an amazing rate. Vitamin E will provide a barrier to protect cells while maintaining the structure of the cell membrane.

In addition, it is also suggested that vitamin E also plays an important role in the development of fetal lungs, reducing the risk of asthma and other respiratory problems in the future.

10. Snacks for pregnant mothers

If you are a vegetarian during pregnancy , walnuts can be one of the ideal meat alternatives. This nut contains rich amounts of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins and other minerals. They will make up the bulk of the nutrients you don't get from meat.

Frequently asked questions when pregnant women eat walnuts

1. How many walnuts do pregnant women eat a day?

According to experts, pregnant mothers can eat about 30g walnuts per day, equivalent to 10 seeds. If you eat more than this, you will be more likely to experience digestive problems or unhealthy weight gain during pregnancy.

2. How do pregnant women eat walnuts?

Use tongs or a pestle or hammer to separate seeds

If the seeds have dark spots and an unusual taste, avoid them

Prioritize natural nuts and limit variations such as sugar-coated walnuts, salted walnuts, or sweets

You can mix 3 - 4 chopped walnuts with 1 teaspoon of honey and serve with a glass of water. This dish can help you reduce headaches, insomnia or stress

Slice a banana, roll over crushed walnuts and dip in honey for a fancy snack. This snack not only helps you feel full, but also helps control your appetite for sweets .

Side effects when pregnant women eat walnuts

The potential dangers of eating walnuts during pregnancy include:

This leads to digestive problems like flatulence and diarrhea during pregnancy

Not suitable for pregnant women with asthma because it can trigger asthma attacks

Eating too many walnuts can cause weight gain because they increase cholesterol levels in the body

Eating walnuts can also interfere with iron absorption leading to iron deficiency anemia during pregnancy

If you are allergic to certain foods, be cautious with walnuts as they will activate the immune system causing allergy symptoms.

Hope the information in the article has helped you discover the effects of walnuts for pregnant women. On the other hand, no matter how good the food is, you should still enjoy it in moderation to minimize the unwanted risks.