Introduction: Many expectant mothers are afraid of gaining weight after eating nuts because they contain a lot of fat and protein, so they are discouraged from eating them. In fact, the energy supplement of expectant mothers and the growth and development of the fetus in the womb are inseparable from these two nutrients.
In the classification of foods, nuts are classified as fatty foods. They are characterized by high calories and high fat, but although nuts contain a large amount of fat, most of it is unsaturated fatty acids. For the fetus, the first nutrient needed for physical development is of course protein. But the first nutrient needed for brain development is lipids (unsaturated fatty acids).
According to research, brain cells are composed of 60% unsaturated fatty acids and 35% protein. In addition, nuts also contain 15-20% high-quality protein and more than a dozen important amino acids. These amino acids are the main components of brain nerve cells. It also contains vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B5, vitamin E, calcium, phosphorus, iron, zinc, etc. Therefore, whether it is for the mother or the fetus, nuts are a good product for nourishing the brain and improving intelligence.
Walnut
Tonifying and strengthening the brain is the number one effect of walnuts. In addition, the phospholipids it contains can increase cell vitality, enhance the body\’s resistance, and promote hematopoiesis and wound healing. In addition, walnut kernels also have the effect of relieving cough and asthma. Especially for expectant mothers who have experienced winter, walnuts can be the first choice for snacks.
Recommended consumption method: Walnuts can be eaten raw, cooked with appropriate amount of salt water, or cooked into porridge with barley and chestnuts.
peanut
The protein content is as high as about 30%. Its nutritional value is comparable to eggs, milk, lean meat, etc., and it is easily absorbed by the human body. Peanut skin also has the effect of replenishing blood.
Recommended way to eat: stew with soybeans, or add it to porridge or rice with lotus seeds. It is best not to fry in oil.
almond
Almonds have the effects of lowering gas, relieving cough, relieving asthma and laxative. It has a very good effect on preventing constipation during pregnancy. However, Chinese medicine believes that almonds are slightly toxic and should not be eaten in excess.
Recommended way to eat: Generally speaking, most of the almonds we can buy at present are bagged almonds. If you don’t like eating them, you can try chocolate almonds.
watermelon seeds
We often see sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, and watermelon seeds. Eating more pumpkin seeds can prevent kidney stones; Chinese medicine believes that watermelon seeds are sweet and cold in nature and have the effects of nourishing the lungs, moistening the intestines, stopping bleeding, and strengthening the stomach; the unsaturated fatty acids contained in sunflower seeds can lower cholesterol.
Recommended eating method: mostly fried or boiled. However, during the cooking process, you can add spices or seasonings according to your own taste, such as spiced melon seeds, butter, salt and pepper, etc.
Macadamia
A nut native to Australia, also known as Queenslandfruit or Australian walnut. The oil content of macadamia nuts is as high as 60-80%, and it is also rich in calcium, phosphorus, iron, vitamins B1, B2 and amino acids.
Recommended consumption method: Macadamia nuts can be eaten fresh, but they are more processed into salty or auxiliary sweet snacks, and can also be used as ingredients in candy, chocolate, and ice cream.
pine nuts
It is rich in vitamins A and E, as well as essential fatty acids, oleic acid, linoleic acid and linolenic acid, as well as terpineic acid that is not found in other plants. It not only has the effect of prolonging life and beautifying the skin, but it can also cure diseases and strengthen the body. It also has anti-cancer and anti-cancer properties.
Recommended way to eat: Eat it raw, or make it into delicious pine nut corn.
hazelnut
It contains unsaturated fatty acids, is rich in phosphorus, iron, potassium and other minerals, as well as vitamins A, B1, B2, niacin, etc. Regular consumption can improve eyesight and strengthen the brain.
Recommended way to eat: If you don’t want to eat hazelnuts alone, you can crush the hazelnuts and mix them in ice cream or mix them with cereal.
Stick to 50 grams a day, it’s useless if you eat too much
Nuts have many benefits for expectant mothers’ physical maintenance and fetal development. But everything must be done in a certain way. If you do too much, it will be too late. Due to the high oil content of nuts, women\’s digestive function will be weakened during pregnancy. Eating too many nuts can hurt your stomach, cause indigestion, and even steatorrhea. What if you hate the taste of nuts?
If you can enjoy the delicious taste of various nuts during pregnancy, you are lucky. Some expectant mothers have severe nausea symptoms in the early stages of pregnancy, or they don\’t like to eat nuts, and they can\’t even stand what they see or smell. It doesn\’t matter. You can process the nuts a little to suit your taste. After frying, you can also grind the nuts into powder, add salt or mix with roasted pepper powder, and make steamed buns, noodles, cold dishes or various dishes. If you feel that the skin covering the nuts is too bitter, you can soak it in boiling water and the skin will peel off easily. You can also bake it on the fire, and the skin will fall off by rubbing it with your hands. Finally, another fun and practical idea for moms-to-be is to organize a cooking party with other pregnant friends and neighbors to ensure your appetite is worked up.