Cashew Nuts And Pregnancy

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Nut consumption had been proven to have beneficial effects on health. Harvard Medical School published an article in February 2014 titled "To Stay Healthy And Live Longer, Go Nuts". This doesn't mean one should go crazy, it simply means that NUTS should be incorporated into dietary regimes.

Cashews are kidney shaped seeds, which like most seeds and nuts, are rich in nutrients and beneficial plant compounds. Interestingly, cashew nuts are safe to consume during pregnancy, as long as one is not allergic to them and do not consume them in excess. The vitamins and minerals they contain nourishes the mother and support the growth and development of the fetus.

The nutritional value of cashew nuts ranges from unsaturated fats and dietary fibers, to vitamins and minerals. Unsaturated fats are a category of fats that are linked to a lower risk of premature death and heart disease. They help to lower cholesterol levels. Dietary fibers play a role in digestive health and help prevent constipation. The vitamins contained in cashew nuts include Vitamin B1 (Thiamine), Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine), Vitamin B9 (Folate), and Vitamin K.

The following minerals are contained in cashew nuts: Copper, Iron, Magnesium, Manganese, Phosphorus, Potassium, Selenium, Zinc, etc. Cashews are rich in antioxidants (Polyphenols & Carotenoids). These are compounds that are capable of neutralising free radicals (damage causing molecules), as such they help to reduce inflammation. Some of the benefits of cashew nuts in pregnancy are as follows:
• Zinc - helps with rapid cell growth in the fetus
• Folate - helps to prevent birth defects
• Iron - promotes red blood cells production
• Magnesium - helps to prevent muscle cramps, headaches, and migraines.
• Potassium - helps to maintain normal blood pressure level by neutralising the adverse effects of sodium chloride.
• Vitamin K - promotes blood clothing in pregnant women thus reducing the risk of postpartum hemorrhage. It also prevents the fetus from hemorrhagic disease of the newborn.

Cashew nuts are good for underweight women whose BMI before pregnancy is less than 18.5, who would want to gain steady weight during pregnancy, as these nuts are rich in calories and fats. Considering that these nuts are low in sugar and rich in fibers, they help to maintain blood sugar level thus protecting against the development of Type-2 Diabetes as well as gestational diabetes. Furthermore, these nuts serve as a good source of protein that helps in amino acid production and cell repair during pregnancy.

If healthy living borders on right choices, cashew nuts is definitely one of those right choices to make. Good life is an everyday thing.

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