Is It Safe to Eat Peanuts During Pregnancy?

Pregnancy is a time when you experience lots of changes in your body—physically, mentally and emotionally. It is also a time when advice pours in from every corner about what to eat and what to avoid, and one such advice is especially about what foods to be avoided during pregnancy. It is believed that you should avoid foods you are allergic during pregnancy, lest you pass your allergy to your child.

However, if you go by that many women are normally allergic to either one or more of the following - milk, wheat, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts and some varieties of fishes. Now if we look carefully at the list, each is a power food and is a MUST for pregnancy. So why should these be avoided are some of the questions that crop up in the mind right?

Scroll down to read why peanuts are high on the list of foods to be avoided.

Also Read: 5 Conditions That Can Be Cured With pregnancy

A Word About Peanuts

Here, we are going to talk about peanuts that many women are allergic to. Should peanuts be avoided during pregnancy? The American Association of Pediatrics used to ask women allergic to peanuts to refrain from consuming it during pregnancy. But since 2008, they have withdrawn this recommendation. Studies did not definitely confirm the link between mother's consumption of peanuts to the child's development of allergy. In fact, eating nuts and peanut butter are known to increase immunity in children.

Health Benefits Of Peanuts

Peanuts are a healthy snack but care must be taken to measure and consume it on a daily basis. Here are some of the health benefits of Peanuts.

1. Rich In Folate: it is believed that 100 grams of peanuts takes care of 60 percent of folate requirement in a day. And we all know how important folate is for a pregnant woman. It helps in the development of fetus especially during the first few months
2. Prevents Birth Defects and Promotes Development of the Brain: Peanuts are packed with vitamins, minerals, iron, calcium and folate that prevent birth defects and promotes optimal growth of the baby. Besides, folate rich food is not just beneficial for the mother but for the baby as well. Folate is excellent for the development of the brain of the fetus, hence highly recommended during pregnancy
3. Packed with Protein and High in Calories: 100 grams of peanuts not just takes care of the folate requirement but the protein requirement as well for the mother. Besides, it is high in calories that is an energy booster
4. Controls Blood Pressure and Gestational Diabetes: Peanuts contain healthy fats and are very good for the heart. It keeps a check on high pressure as a result. Besides, they are rich in manganese which regulates blood sugar level and promotes optimal absorption of calcium. All this goes to ensure that gestational diabetes in kept away
5. Lowers the Risk of Weight Gain: Most women are worried about the increasing kilos during pregnancy. To prevent this, peanuts come to your rescue. They contain healthy fats and other nutrients that help controlling the calories. What's more the Vitamin E and antioxidants in peanuts makes your skin glow—twin benefits in a one shot! Go for it!
6. Rich Source of Omega 3 Fatty Acids, Minerals and Vitamin B complex: For vegetarians and those who don't wish to take fish, peanuts can be used as a replacement. It's rich in omega 3 fatty acids and so you need not worry about not including fish in your diet. Not just that, 100 grams of peanuts can take care of your daily requirement of minerals and Vitamin B complex as well
7. Helps Fight Depression: Pregnancy is a happy phase but then it could also be stressful sometimes. To prevent getting depressed, try including peanuts in your diet and see the difference!

Also Read: How Safe Is Cabbage During pregnancy?

A Word Of Caution Regarding Eating Peanuts During Pregnancy

Peanuts are quite a healthy snack, but try to consume them raw. Peanut butter might contain higher levels of refined sugar, which is best avoided during pregnancy. Besides, salty peanuts might be high on sodium, which can again impact your BP levels during pregnancy so do consume it but moderately.

If you have a history of allergy to peanuts in the family (at least one immediate relative or sibling or parent besides you are allergic to peanuts), it's best to stay safe and consult your doctor before you pop some into the mouth.

If your sense of smell and taste doesn't agree with peanuts, it's a good idea to find an alternate source of protein and folate. Peanut allergies can cause stomach cramps, hives, nausea, a tingling sensation in the mouth, difficulty in breathing and anaphylaxis. If you notice any of these symptoms, discontinue the consumption of peanuts and consult your doctor at once.

Also Read: Benefits of Musk Melon Seeds During pregnancy

Pregnancy is a time when you have to exercise extreme caution. Remember to consult with your doctor in detail about your diet and if you have any doubts or questions, get them clarified at all times. Stay healthy and enjoy those magical 9 months.

Did you find the blog on is it safe to eat peanuts during pregnancy useful? Please do share your thoughts on the same. Also were you allergic to certain foods during pregnancy? Do share that as well - how did you cope with it, are you still allergic to that food or is it ok now?