Contradictory to popular belief, eating peanuts during pregnancy is good for health. If you have a look at the nutritional value of peanuts, you’ll come to know that it is as healthy as any other nuts and should be taken during pregnancy. Peanuts are a powerhouse of proteins and contain various vitamins such as Vitamin B1, B4, B5, B6, C, E and other minerals such as iron, calcium, magnesium, and potassium. Eating peanuts during pregnancy is a smart choice as it is loaded with folic acid as well as Iron – Both of which are a must during pregnancy.
Is it Safe to Eat Peanuts During Pregnancy?
Yes, eating peanuts is safe during pregnancy. Any food item that contains a moderate amount of peanut as one of its ingredients, there’s no harm relishing the same provided you don’t have a history of peanut allergy in your family. If you are craving for peanut butter, go ahead make a peanut butter sandwich and enjoy.
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Nutritional Value of Peanuts in Pregnancy:
The following are the nutrients present in 100g of peanuts.
Nutrient Quantity
- Calories – 567Kcal
- Carbohydrates – 16.13g
- Protein – 25.8g
- Fibre – 8.5g
- Fat – 49.24g
- Sugars – 4.72g
- Vitamin E – 8.33mcg
- Folic Acid – 240mcg
- Pyridoxine – 0.348mcg
- Niacin – 12.066mg
- Riboflavin – 0.135mg
- Thiamin – 0.640mg
- Potassium – 705mg
- Sodium – 18mg
- Calcium – 92mg
- Iron – 4.58mg
- Magnesium – 168mg
- Zinc – 3.27mg
- Phosphorous – 376mg
Here g=grams, mg=milligrams, mcg=micrograms
Benefits of Eating Peanuts During Pregnancy:
Here are the various benefits of eating moongaphalee during pregnancy:
1. Prevents Anaemia:
Peanuts is rich in iron which is vital for making blood in the body. Consuming moderate amounts of peanuts each day will aid in preventing as well as curing anaemia during pregnancy.
2. Lowers The Possibility of Heart Ailments:
Peanuts are rich in monosaturated fats that are very good for the heart. Have a handful of peanuts, and you can easily keep heart ailments at bay.
3. Prevents Cancer:
Peanuts contain phytosterols that are known to inhibit the growth or development of tumours. Occasional consumption of peanuts can prevent colon cancer to a great extent.
4. Memory Booster:
Vitamin B3 aids in increasing the memory power and the brain functioning and peanuts are a rich source of the same. Besides it also aids in improving the blood flow in the brain.
5. Aids in Weight Gain:
If you are underweight and want to put on some, peanuts can aid you in doing so.
6. Eases Constipation:
Peanuts are rich in fibres that aid in an easy bowel movement. Constipation which is a common complaint in pregnancy can be resolved by eating a handful of peanuts daily.
7. Lowers The Possibility of Peanut Allergy:
Contrary to the popular belief, eating peanuts will reduce the possibility of peanut allergy in the child.
8. Prevents Preeclampsia:
High BP can cause preeclampsia during pregnancy. Peanuts are rich in Vitamin E which keeps the blood pressure in control and reduces the possibility of causing preeclampsia.
9. Prevents Gestational Diabetes:
Including a healthy dose of peanuts in the daily pregnancy diet can aid in preventing gestational diabetes.
10. Develops Bones and Tissues:
The magnesium present in peanuts aids in the development of the bones and tissues in the foetus and also prevents premature contraction of the uterus.
11. Good Source of Proteins:
Peanuts being rich in proteins, it aids in the proper growth of the foetus.
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Side Effects of Peanuts During Pregnancy:
Peanuts, if consumed in excessive quantity can cause the following side effects:
A. Food Poisoning:–
Eating stale peanuts may cause food poisoning and prove fatal for the pregnancy.
B. High Blood Pressure:–
Though peanuts are known for reducing the blood pressure, consuming an excessive quantity of salted peanuts may cause blood pressure to rise.
C. Weight Gain:–
Peanuts have high calories. You may end up putting on a lot of weight if you eat peanuts too much.
D. Stomach Irritation:–
If you are suffering from gastritis, then eating peanuts may aggravate the same.
E. Pesticides:–
Peanuts are loaded with too many pesticides; hence there is a possibility of mould is growing in them. Eating a lot of peanuts may cause a headache, nausea, dizziness, diarrhoea, sweating, blurred vision and much more.
F. Liver Cancer:–
Peanuts are susceptible to contamination due to salmonella. Overconsumption of peanuts increases the risk of liver cancer as the mould developed on it produces Aflatoxin which is a carcinogen.
Ways to Eat Peanuts During Pregnancy:
There are numerous ways in which peanuts can be included in your diet during pregnancy:
- Roasted peanuts-Roasted peanuts during pregnancy are very healthy, but care must be taken to limit the intake if the same are salted.
- Boiled peanuts during pregnancy – The whole groundnuts can be boiled and then eaten.
- Groundnut chikki – During the winter season, you can relish the groundnut chikki during pregnancy which is a powerhouse of energy with numerous health benefits.
- If you love eating peanut butter spread it on your sandwich and relish.
- Grounded peanut powder is added to a lot of cooked veggies to enhance its taste.
- Oil-fried peanuts are delicious and crunchy and are free from any allergens.
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A healthy pregnancy diet should contain dairy, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and others. Eating peanuts during pregnancy provides all the necessary nutrients required from a nut. However, you must see your doctor for the recommended quantity of peanuts so that you can prevent adding those extra kilograms and still relish on them.
Frequently Asked Questions And Answers:
Q1. Is there any allergic issue to eat peanuts during pregnancy?
Ans: It is a widespread belief that if a pregnant woman eats peanuts during her pregnancy, the baby born will be allergic to the same. However, there is no proof behind the said theory. Statics, say that 1 in 100 children whose mothers had peanuts during pregnancy develop peanut allergy and even from those 1 in 5 kids outgrow the same.
Q2. Does eating peanuts during pregnancy makes the baby intelligent?
Ans: Peanuts are very nutritious and are a rich source of Omega-6 fatty acids. Omega-6 supports fetal brain development, and therefore it can aid in making the child intelligent.
Q3. Can you eat raw groundnut during pregnancy?
Ans: There are chances of mould and fungus developing in raw peanuts. They can cause food poisoning and prove fatal for the child. Hence eating raw peanuts should be avoided during pregnancy.
