Many women are aware of the benefits of eating peanuts during pregnancy, but most of them do not follow this healthy way of adding it into their diet. This kind of attitude and behaviour can lead to poor health, affecting their child’s health and their own lives. So it is a must for them to know the benefits of the food they eat.
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Can I Eat Peanuts When Pregnant?
You’ve may have heard somewhere that eating peanuts when pregnant is not recommended. But does that mean you can’t eat them at all? Or are there benefits of eating peanuts during pregnancy?
Peanuts are a legume, which means they’re part of the bean family. Legumes are high in protein and fibre—two nutrients that are essential for growing foetus and young infants. They also contain iron, which is vital for preventing anaemia (a condition in which your body doesn’t have enough red blood cells).
But because peanuts contain natural oils, some people may be concerned about their safety when pregnant. Some studies have found a link between peanut consumption and an increased risk of miscarriage. However, other studies have shown no link between peanut consumption and pregnancy loss.
Image Source: Freepik
Can I Eat Salted Peanuts During Pregnancy?
Yes, you can eat salted peanuts during pregnancy!
But be careful. Salted peanuts are a great source of protein but also contain a lot of sodium. So it’s important to limit your intake of salted peanuts to no more than one serving per day.
You should also remember that the salt content varies widely among brands. Some brands may have up to 1,500 milligrams of sodium per serving, while others have less than 500 milligrams. That’s why it’s important to check labels before you buy.
Can Pregnant Women Eat Peanut Butter?
This is a question that has been asked by many women, especially those who are pregnant.
The answer is yes, pregnant women can eat peanut butter.
However, some precautions need to be taken to ensure that the peanut butter is safe for consumption. For example, if you’re allergic to peanuts or other nuts, it would be best to avoid eating peanut butter altogether. If you are unsure whether or not you are allergic to peanuts or other nuts, it would be best if you did not consume any of them during your pregnancy.
Another precaution that needs to be taken when consuming peanut butter during pregnancy is making sure that the brand of peanut butter does not contain any added sugar or salt content in it because these two ingredients can cause harm to both mother and baby if consumed together in large quantities during pregnancy period.
Benefits of Eating Peanuts During Pregnancy
Peanuts are a common ingredient in many recipes, especially for pregnant women. It’s also a good source of protein and vitamin E, which are important during pregnancy. However, there is still some controversy over whether it is safe or if there are any benefits of eating peanuts while pregnant.
Peanuts have been shown to have some beneficial effects during pregnancy:
- They contain folate, which helps prevent neural tube defects such as spina bifida and anencephaly.
- They also contain resveratrol which has anti-inflammatory properties and can help prevent heart disease by reducing LDL cholesterol levels.
- Peanuts also contain high amounts of vitamin E, which helps reduce oxidative stress in the body, which can cause birth defects or miscarriages if left unchecked.
- It helps prevent preterm labour. Eating peanuts can reduce your risk of preterm delivery (early birth) by up to 40 per cent.
- Peanuts prevent anaemia. Eating nuts like peanuts helps increase your iron intake, which may help reduce your chances of developing anaemia.
- It can help lower cholesterol levels and blood pressure, risk factors for heart disease and stroke in adults.
Peanut butter sandwich | Image from Pexels
When Should Peanuts Be Avoided During Pregnancy?
Peanuts are a delicious food that everyone—including pregnant women- can enjoy. As there are benefits of eating peanuts during pregnancy, there are certain times when peanuts should be avoided.
While peanut allergies are rare in adults, they’re much more common in kids. If you have a family history of peanut allergies, it’s best not to eat peanuts during pregnancy. This is because peanut allergies tend to get worse over time, so the risk of developing one increases if you eat peanuts during pregnancy.
If you have a family history of food allergies but haven’t yet developed any, it’s still best to avoid peanuts during pregnancy.
How Many Peanuts Can a Pregnant Woman Eat?
It’s a question we get asked always, and it can be confusing.
For a pregnant woman, eating peanuts can be a stressful experience. There are conflicting reports about whether or not the nuts are safe for consumption during pregnancy. Some sources say eating up to five peanuts a day is safe, while others suggest that pregnant women should avoid all nuts.
The best way to think about this question is like this. Suppose you have an allergy or other serious medical condition that makes you feel very sick after eating peanut butter. In that case, it’s probably not a good idea for you to eat peanut butter when pregnant. Otherwise, if you’re just trying to stay healthy and keep track of your diet, then five peanuts per day are fine!
When Is the Best Time to Eat Nuts During Pregnancy?
Nuts are a healthy addition to any diet and can be especially helpful during pregnancy. But you should be aware of how many calories they contain and eat them in moderation.
If you’re trying to lose weight during your pregnancy, you may want to skip eating nuts, as they are high in fat. However, if you are gaining weight at a healthy pace and not trying to lose weight, adding some nuts into your diet could help you feel fuller for longer periods.
Nuts are high in protein and fibre—important nutrients for pregnant women to consume more of because they help keep blood sugar levels steady. While eating only one serving at a time (about 1 ounce) is okay, it’s better not to have too much at once.
ALSO READ:
15 Foods and Drinks All Pregnant Mums Should Avoid For Baby’s Health
Peanuts During Pregnancy Third Trimester
The third trimester is the stage of pregnancy where a woman’s risk of developing an allergy to peanuts is greatest.
Can Unborn Babies Be Allergic to Peanuts?
Woman with peanuts on her work desk | Image from Pexels
Here at theAsianparent Singapore, it’s important for us to give information that is correct, significant, and timely. But this doesn’t serve as an alternative for medical advice or medical treatment. theAsianparent Singapore is not responsible for those that would choose to drink medicines based on information from our website. If you have any doubts, we recommend consulting your doctor for clearer information.