Kaju is everyone’s favourite. The crunchy little nuts are a good mid-day snack as well. Given the many limitations in eating some of the food during pregnancy, there are other ways to make up for it. Cashews that way provide you with high doses of energy and keep you going active, especially when you are pregnant and prone to getting very tired. Here are some reasons why we say you should consider and understand the benefits of Kaju during pregnancy. We will also tell you why we insist them to be your mid-day snack.
Nutritional Values of Kaju in Pregnancy:
Here is the nutritional value of cashew, per serving of a 100 gram.
The major components of cashew are magnesium, that comprises about 290mg, potassium of 660mg and phosphorous of 590mg. It contains calcium of about 37mg, iron of 6.6mg, and folate of 25mcg. All these nutrients are extremely important for the growth of the baby and for enhancing blood circulation in the body. It also contains vitamin K, copper, protein, dietary fibre and carbohydrate (30.1g). Saturated fat is about 7.78gm and fat of 43.85g.
A lot of how much you derive the benefits out of them depends on how your intake of it is.
See More: Dry Fruits for Pregnant Ladies
Is it Safe to Eat Cashew During Pregnancy?
Cashew nuts during early pregnancy can bring in a host of benefits to the body. Continuous consumption of it during pregnancy has been deemed safe. Since they are high in vitamins and minerals, both of which are needed to promote the growth of the baby, cashews are a must in your pregnancy diet. However, you need to be sure of two things; you are not allergic to them, know the right amount of cashew to consume.
Health Benefits of Cashew Nuts During Pregnancy:
Take a look at how this superfood can benefit your body.
- Cashews contain folate. Folic acid is an absolute mist during pregnancy to prevent birth defects in the new born. Spina bifida is the most common birth problem when there is a deficit of folate.
- It is rich in zinc. Zinc is responsible for the rapid growth of cells in the baby.
- Cashews contain a considerable amount of calcium. We don’t really have to tell you how calcium can benefit the baby!
- Cashews contain iron. Iron helps promotes the growth of red blood cells and will also fight any symptoms of anemia. Iron can also fight tiredness that your body will start to show.
- Since it contains a good amount of fibre, it can prevent constipation in the pregnant woman.
- It contains magnesium that is useful in preventing migraines and headaches in pregnant women. Both of these are common in the pregnant woman.
- The vitamin K property in cashews can promote blood clotting. Vitamin K comes in useful when having to prevent the vitamin K disorder in the fetus, a haemorrhagic disease of the new born.
- Potassium content in the nuts can maintain the blood pressure level of the mother.
Side Effects of Cashew During Pregnancy:
While cashews can offer a wide range of benefits, there are also certain risks associated. Here are the possible side effects of over consumption.
- Most women are allergic to nuts. Cashews have urushiol in them, that has allergic properties. This can cause itching and rashes.
- Weight gain is another side effect. Since it has high fat and carbs in them, cashews can shoot the weight.
- The considerable amount of oxalates in them eventually get absorbed into the body fluids. This can trigger kidney stone formation in pregnant mothers.
- Over eating can increase the sodium content that can invoke an imbalance of blood pressure.
- The nut also has the capability to trigger cardiovascular problems because of the high content of saturated fat in them. The cholesterol levels can go up with this.
See More: Benefits of Pistachio during pregnancy
How to Include Cashew During Pregnancy in The Diet?
Cashews can be taken in a lot of ways and much of how much benefits you reap from them will depend on how you eat them.
1. Cashew Nut Butter:
Spread them in your wheat bread. This one comes without salt and contributes to about 90 calories. Watch how many you take them!
2. Raw Cashew:
Salt or an unsalted version of it is available. Much on to them between the breakfast and lunch hour for an added dose of energy. Five of them should do.
3. Roasted Cashew:
A slightly roasted cashew in oil can also be taken. They constitute to about 160calories, and therefore you may want to watch out that you don’t eat more than 5 of them.
4. Energy Bar:
Include your cashew with other nuts to make an energy bar.
5. Topping:
Top them on to your daily bowl of salad for the added crunch.
6. You can include pieces of it in your cake or bread preparation.
Precautions to Take Before Eating Cashews When Pregnant:
Here are some things you should be cautious about.
- Plain cashews are the safest bet. Salted or the seasonal ones can limit the intake of sodium by your body.
- Remember to consult your doctor before you eat them.
- One ounce of cashew a day is a good serve.
For those of you who have a nut allergy, stay away from cashews.
See More: Walnuts in Pregnancy Diet
While we still emphasise that cashew nuts during first trimester or anytime during pregnancy can be beneficial to the body, we still warn you to visit your doctor and get his/her opinion. Pregnancy can itself make you allergic to some foods. So, watch what you eat!
Frequently Asked Questions & Answers:
1. How Many Cashew Nuts a Day During Pregnancy Should I Consume?
Since they are rich in fats and can add to the calories, we suggest you 30grams of it, or roughly about 12 of it every day. We also advise you to get an allergy test done to make sure it is safe for you to consume them.
2. What Are The Symptoms of Allergic Reactions of Eating Cashews During Pregnancy?
You may experience trouble swallowing, nauseous, strong abdominal pain, diarrhoea, abdominal cramps, shortness of breath, itchiness in the throat and mouth and nasal congestion or a runny nose. Watch out for any of these.
3. Can I Eat Cashew Nuts During Breast Feeding?
Yes, you can eat them. It is safe, and you only need to exercise caution on how much you eat them every day.
