One of the commonly experienced problems during pregnancy is Lactose intolerance. The lactose in cow or buffalo milk can be hard to digest for a few, and leads to vomiting, loose stools and bloating. While it is a wise decision to avoid drinking milk, the thought of not having our morning cup of coffee can drive us mad! The best alternative – Almond Milk. Made from soaked and skinned almonds, Badam milk is packed with nutrition and can be easily used in food preparations.
Drinking almond milk during pregnancy can benefit both the mother and the baby, as it supplies all the important vitamins and minerals needed during the phase. Read on to know some more amazing facts about Almond milk.
Can I Drink Almond Milk While Pregnant?
Of course you can! Drinking Almond milk while pregnant is extremely good for the nutrition benefits. Irrespective of whether you have a diary intolerance or not, go for a glass of almond milk to get the goodness of a handful of almonds per day. Almonds in early pregnancy is also safe and so is almond milk.
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Key Benefits Of Almonds During Pregnancy:
For The Baby:
- Almonds during pregnancy are very good for your baby’s health. The high protein content in almonds helps in the healthy development of muscle mass in the growing baby. It helps in healthy birth weight of the baby.
- The vitamin E content in almonds helps in healthy formation of hair and skin of the newborn.
- Badam during pregnancy is helpful in gaining Calcium, that is essential for building strong teeth and bone.
- Manganese in almonds regulates a healthy body weight in both mother and child.
- Magnesium ensures proper formation and function of central nervous system.
- Riboflavin present in almonds helps in cognitive development of the baby.
- Folate or Vitamin B9 present in almonds is critical for the healthy formation of brain and central nervous system in. Folate also protects the growing baby from neural tube defects in the prenatal stages of growth.
For The Mother:
- Almond milk is high on antioxidants. Contains vitamin E, which has antioxidant properties. It helps to prevent oxidative stress that comes with the wear and tear of pregnancy. It also contains a high amount of omega-3 fatty acids, which helps to keep the heart healthy. Almond milk will be a healthy choice if you are looking for an alternative to cow’s milk.
- Almond milk is a rich source of essential vitamins and minerals like calcium, vitamin A, vitamin B12 and vitamin D. It contains no animal by-products and thus is the drink for all vegans. It fits perfectly with a vegan pregnancy diet. Bones need extra nutrition when you are pregnant. That is why you need a calcium-rich diet during pregnancy. Almond milk is a great source of calcium. It helps to keep your bones healthy and strong.
- High blood pressure is a matter of serious concern during pregnancy as it can lead to preeclampsia. The calcium in almond milk keeps the blood pressure levels under control.If you have gestational diabetes, almond milk is the drink to go for. It contains ‘good’ sugar that does not impact the body in a negative way and can help manage diabetes better.
- Almond oil during pregnancy has immense benefits for your health. One of the biggest benefits of almond milk is that you do not need a refrigerator to store it. Almond milk has a long shelf life, unlike cow’s milk. If you are traveling long distance while pregnant, almond milk will be a must carry. Skin problems during pregnancy. The vitamin E present in almond milk helps cure acne and pigmentation and can make your skin healthy and radiant.
Is Almond Milk Safe During Pregnancy?
Almond milk is generally safe to be consumed during pregnancy, unless one has a previous history of nut allergy. A glass of almond milk supplies the body with all the essential nutrients required for the growth of the baby. However, it is recommended to drink in moderate quantities to avoid any stomach related issues.
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How To Prepare Almond Milk?
Instead of having store bought almonds, you can prepare your own almond milk at home, that is free from all kinds of preservatives:
You Will Need:
- Almonds – 1 Cup
- Water – 2 Cups
- Mesh For Straining
Procedure:
- Soak Almonds overnight or at least for 8-10 hours. The longer you soak them, the better is the quality of milk.
- Drain the almonds and rinse them thoroughly.
- Peel the Skin and put them in a blender.
- Add 2 cups of water and blend at high speeds.
- Strain the almonds and extract the milk.
Side Effects Of Almond Milk During Pregnancy:
Almonds may cause allergy in some women. Almond milk is low in calories and may make you feel weak during pregnancy. It may suppress the functioning of the thyroid gland. You should avoid drinking almond milk altogether if you are already suffering from a thyroid dysfunction.
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If you are a vegan or have issues with diary, you now know the best solution! You can just soak some almonds and whip them up to extract your home made almond milk. It is also great to make coffee, tea and other preparations. However, almond milk is generally not boiled like the regular milk. It can be heated slightly or microwaved to avoid nutrition loss. Badam milk might not suit the palette of those who are used to dairy. But once accustomed can make a great beverage. We hope this article sheds light on the safety of almond milk during pregnancy and clears all your worries!
FAQs:
1. Is it Safe To Eat Almonds With Skin During Pregnancy?
While eating badam in pregnancy is generally regarded to be safe, soaked almonds during pregnancy are recommended. Almond skin contains Tannin, a compound that seals all the nutrients. By removing the skin, these are released for absorption. Soaking the almonds make them easy to digest than raw nuts.
2. Is there a chance to experience nut allergies with almonds during pregnancy?
Women who have a history of nut allergies have high risk of being allergic to almonds during pregnancy. Those who don’t have any previous allergies with almonds, have almost zero chances of experiences any reactions. However, limiting the quantity can help you get the best benefits without any health issues.
3. What is the recommended quantity of almonds per day during pregnancy?
Almonds can make for great snacking options. The recommended quantity of almonds for pregnant ladies is 20-24 nuts, which approximates lo 164 calories of energy , 14.3 gms of fat and 6 gms of Protein.
