Eating walnut during pregnancy

Many people know that the walnuts will benefit the healthy development of the brain as walnuts resemble shape of brain. Indeed, walnuts are beneficial for the brain development and this is just one of the many health benefits that walnuts possess.

Health benefits of walnuts

Rich source of omega-3 fatty acids

Walnut is rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids can boost up the activities of the brain cells and thus improve the brainpower among the newborns. Omega-3 fatty acids are also beneficial for the eye development of the growing fetus.

Beneficial for the heart

Walnuts contain the amino acid l-arginine. This makes walnuts beneficial to heart by lowering blood cholesterol level and increasing the good cholesterol level. Walnuts also help to relax blood vessels and control the high blood pressure. This reduces the chance of risk of high blood pressure during pregnancy. High blood pressure will lead to many pregnancy complications and walnuts can help to prevent it from happening.

A good source of antioxidants

Walnuts contain several powerful antioxidants which include the quinone juglone, the tannin tellimagrandin, vitamin E and copper. These antioxidants can help to protect the expecting mothers and the growing fetus from attacks by free radicals. This in turns boosts the immune system of the expecting mothers and can prevent infections such as cold and flu.

These antioxidants also help to protect liver from damage by the free radicals.

Good for brain development

Walnuts contain a number of neuroprotective compounds, including vitamin E, folate, melatonin, omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants. All these are beneficial for the brain development of the growing fetus.

Rich in folic acid

Walnuts contain folic acid. This vitamin is very helpful in preventing birth defects in the newborn and is usually a must-eat for all pregnant women.

Induce sleep

Walnuts contain a compound called melatonin, responsible for conveying messages regarding the cycle of light and dark to the body. Consumption of walnuts increases the blood levels of melatonin, thereby inducing sleep. This can be helpful for many pregnant women who face sleep problem due to the growing fetus.

Preventing stress

According to a study, researchers found that including walnut and walnut oil in the diet can prevent depression. Walnuts are a rich source of fibre, antioxidants, and unsaturated fatty acids, particularly alpha linolenic acid, an omega-3 fatty acid. These are the nutrients that give walnuts it’s stress fighting properties.

Do not eat it in excess

Walnuts are high in calories. Eating too much walnuts can lead to excessive weight gain which can cause problem for birth delivery and other complications during pregnancy.

Furthermore, walnut is rich in greasy, eating excessive walnuts can cause internal heat and exacerbate morning sickness.

4 or 5 walnuts a day is considered as optimal for pregnant women.

Do not peel off the skin

Some people like to eat walnuts without the brown thin skin. However, this will lose parts of the nutrition in walnut. Keep the skin and eat it is healthier.

In conclusion, walnuts are good for the health of the expecting mothers and beneficial for the development of the growing fetus. Pregnant women are advised not to eat walnuts in excessive to avoid the undesirable outcomes.