Cashews are known to be one of the superfoods, recommended for pregnant women. There are many beneficial ingredients for pregnant women in cashew. The benefits of cashew are good for preventing anemia and a good source of folic acid for pregnant women.
What are the other benefits of cashew nuts for pregnant women?
The Benefits of Cashew for Pregnant Women
Below are some of cashews benefit for pregnant women:
1. Cashews are a Good Source of Protein and Fat
Cashews are a good source of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for pregnant women.
These fatty acids can maintain the health of the mother’s and fetus’ blood vessels and optimize fetal brain development while in the womb.
In addition, a handful of cashews provide protein that pregnant women and their fetuses need to build new cells and replace damaged cells.
Omega-3 and omega-6 in cashews will be well preserved if appropriately processed. Avoid frying peanuts because the good nutrients in cashews will be reduced or the composition will be changed.
Unsaturated fats in cashews prevent the increasing cholesterol levels risk in pregnant women.
Omega-3 in cashews are also beneficial to help reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke during pregnancy.
2. Cashews are Good Source of Iron
Pregnant women are at high risk of anemia during pregnancy due to iron deficiency. This is because all the iron reserves in the mother’s body are used up to form hemoglobin.
Hemoglobin plays a role in distributing oxygen to the cells of the mother and fetus.
If it is not balanced with sufficient iron consumption, oxygen intake to the fetus will be disrupted. Cashews are one of the foods that can answer the iron needs of pregnant women.
3. Cashews are Rich in Antioxidants
Cashews are rich in antioxidants, so they can help ward off free radicals. It should be noted that these free radicals are dangerous for the mother’s health and can also threaten the growth and development of the fetus.
Some conditions that free radicals can trigger are preeclampsia and eclampsia. This is a condition in which high blood pressure in pregnant women can cause seizures to be life-threatening.
4. Cashews are Rich in Vitamin K
One ounce of cashew contains 9.8 mcg (micrograms) of vitamin K. Pregnant women should take as much as 90 mcg of vitamin K daily.
This ensures that the mother does not experience excessive bleeding during pregnancy or delivery.
5. Cashews are Rich in Magnesium
Consumption of cashews is good for the bone health of pregnant women. Cashews are rich in magnesium.
Magnesium also prevents pregnant women from muscle cramps, high blood pressure, fatigue, and migraines.
How to Eat Cashews for Pregnant Women Properly?
There are no specific rules for consuming cashews during pregnancy. Mothers can consume it directly or by making it a food menu.
1. Know Whether Pregnant Women are Allergic to Cashews
The thing that needs attention is to ensure that the mother does not have a cashew nut allergy because it can be dangerous.
2. Choose the most Proper Processing Method
The thing to note is that it is better to consume roasted cashews instead of fried. Fried cashews will increase saturated fat, which is bad for pregnant women.
3. Choose High-Quality Cashews
Choose cashews from a quality producer; they are even better if consumed without added sugar or salt.
Consume Cashews and Get The Health Benefit!
The benefits of cashew nuts for pregnant women are numerous. Of course, these benefits will be obtained optimally with the right portion, proper processing, and still varying the diet of pregnant women with the consumption of other nutritious foods.
Combine cashews and other food for your daily choices as a pregnant woman!