Almond Milk During Pregnancy – Is It Safe ?

Almond milk has been relished for generations. In the olden days, people enjoyed drinking almond milk and even preferred it over cow’s milk. This milk is prepared from grounded almonds and water. If you cannot tolerate soy or gluten, then almond milk is the best substitute for it. But is almond milk during pregnancy is safe for consumption?

Also, should you switch over from cow’s milk to almond milk? What are the benefits of almond milk? Are there any risks associated with taking almond milk during pregnancy? How much almond milk should you consume per day? If you are exploring the idea of having almond milk during pregnancy, you might have all the above questions (and some more!) in mind. Since pregnancy is a time during which you should not experiment too much with your diet and eat smartly and healthily, it makes sense to do thorough homework before starting to make almond milk. Read on to know more about it.

In This Article

• Why Almond Milk?
• Nutritional Value of Almond Milk
• Why Almond Milk For Pregnant Women is a Healthy Choice?
• 9 Surprising Benefits of Almond Milk During Pregnancy
• Side Effects of Drinking Almond Milk During Pregnancy
• FAQ’s

Why Almond Milk?

Almond milk is considered an incredibly healthy drink that does not involve any dairy products at all. Instead of the milk is made up of almond nuts, blended up with water, and sometimes adds a bit of flavoring to it.

To make Almond milk during pregnancy at home, you can blend it by soaking almonds with water. After blending thoroughly, strain it through a cheesecloth.

But these days, almond milk is widely available in grocery stores also, and nutritionally speaking, store-bought almond milk has been fortified with extra minerals and vitamins, making it a good choice for pregnant women.

Nutritional Value of Almond Milk

One serving of a Silk Original Almond Milk is 240 grams, and those 240 grams pack a real nutritional value punch. Regarding macronutrients, the glass of almond milk provides

Nutrients	Value
Calories	60
Carbohydrates	8 grams
Protein	1 gram
Fats	2.5 grams

These are valuable micronutrients that help you stay healthy and promote the more development of your baby too.

Why Almond Milk For Pregnant Women is a Healthy Choice?

Pregnant women who do not like to drink dairy milk, don’t need to worry about it. Almond milk during pregnancy is a good replacement that provides them with a whole host of important vitamins and minerals. Drinking this milk will make the healthy growth of your body, and help preserve your health too.

Find a brand of almond milk that tastes the best to you, and have a glass with your breakfast or a warm drink before going to bed! Just remember, you should experience a steady weight gain during your pregnancy phase.

Almond milk is a lower calorie option than dairy milk products, so you will want to replace these require calories and fats in another part of your diet plan. Otherwise, enjoy your almond milk during pregnancy time.

9 Surprising Benefits of Almond Milk During Pregnancy

Let us begin by saying that almond milk during pregnancy is great to consume it, as it has many benefits. Some of the benefits include:

1. Vitamins

Almond milk is an healthier alternative in comparison to cow’s milk as it contains a number of vital vitamins, including Vitamin A, B12, E, and D. These keep you and the growing baby healthy, some of these vitamins, especially vitamin E, also helps to keep your skin radiant and healthy, by preventing acne and pigmentation.

2. Antioxidants

As the placenta develops, pregnant women are impacted by oxidative stress. Almond milk is rich in antioxidants and reduces the effect of oxidative stress.

3. Calcium

Your bones need extra support during pregnancy. Almond milk is rich in calcium, which ensures that both your and your baby’s bones remain healthy and strong. Calcium also helps in keeping your blood pressure under control (high blood pressure is common during pregnancy, and it has multiple adverse effects on the pregnant woman and the baby).

4. Omega-3 Fatty Acids

The omega-3 fatty acids in almond milk goes a long way in keeping the pregnant woman’s heart-healthy and strong.

5. Low Sugar

Gestational diabetes is a common problem during pregnancy. To avoid or control it, most doctors advise women to watch the sugar in their diet. The sugar present in almond milk is considered as “good sugar” and is known not to impact or cause gestational diabetes in pregnant women.

6. Pro-Vegan

If you are vegan, then cow’s milk is off the menu for you. Almond milk, in that case, is an excellent option for you as it has no animal byproducts and yet is as nutritious as cow’s milk.

7. Long Shelf Life

Apart from all these, there is an added benefit that almond milk is much easier to store as compared to cow’s milk. This is because almond milk does not require refrigeration and comes with a long shelf life! So if you are traveling long distance during your pregnancy, you can easily carry almond milk with you.

8. Improves Skin Health

Some of the Vitamins in almonds, especially vitamin E, also help to keep your skin radiant and healthy, by preventing acne and pigmentation.

9. Prevents High Blood Pressure

Calcium in almond milk also helps in keeping your blood pressure under control. High blood pressure is common during pregnancy, and it has multiple adverse effects on the pregnant woman and the baby.

All of these benefits sound great. But we also need to understand some of the risks or side effects associated with almond milk when consumed during pregnancy.

[Read : Gestational Hypertension During Pregnancy]

Side Effects of Drinking Almond Milk During Pregnancy

All of these benefits sound great. But we also need to understand some of the risks or side effects associated with almond milk when consumed during pregnancy. While there are no serious side effects,  it is important to know the risks, however minor, associated with drinking almond milk during pregnancy.

1. Possible Allergen

Many people are known to be allergic to nuts. If you are one of them, then almond milk is not an option for you. If you are unaware of any food allergies, it might be a good idea to get yourself tested or have almond milk in a very small quantity and watch out for any adverse reactions. Consuming almond milk in large quantities with a possible nut allergy, then it can lead to multiple pregnancy complications.

2. Low Calorie

Almond milk has lower fat and calories as compared to cow’s milk. This makes it a great substitute for cow’s milk if you are trying to watch your diet.

However, when you are pregnant, your body requires a good fat and high-calorie diet. Almond milk might not provide this for you. So make sure you add more items in your diet to compensate for the deficit.

3. Goitrogen

Almonds are known to suppress the functioning of the thyroid gland. While the impact is minimum, if you already have some kind thyroid dysfunction, then almond milk might aggravate your situation.

Conclusion

Expecting a baby is a happy time for any couple as well as the whole family. But at the same time, pregnancy is a very delicate phase, and it is a time when you need to be very careful about what you eat. Your body, your metabolism, and your hormones – everything is changing during this period.

So, if you are in doubt, it is best to avoid a food item. However, the benefits of almond milk outweigh the side effects, but it is still better to consume almond milk during pregnancy in moderation. Also, make sure you are not allergic to it. Do consult with your doctor before you start consuming almond milk.

[Read : Buttermilk During Pregnancy]

FAQ’s

1. How to Prepare Almond Milk at Home?

Soak almonds overnight. Add some water and blend it in a mixer. Strain it. You can chill almond milk by keeping it in the fridge for some time. You can add a pinch of cinnamon or cocoa powder to add extra flavor.

2. How to Choose Almond Milk From Store?

Choose unsweetened varieties, so as to limit sugar intake. If affordable go for organic versions. Read nutrition labels thoroughly and choose one with fewer preservatives.

3. I am Vegan. Can I Drink Almond Milk During Pregnancy?

Yes you can. It can be very nutritious for both you and the baby. However, if you have nut allergies, stay away from this.

4. If I Need to Control Weight Gain During Pregnancy, Can I Have Almond Milk Instead of Animal Milk?

Yes you can. Almond milk is low in calories and very nutritious too. However, do this only if your doctor recommends.

5. Can I Get the Required Amount of Calcium During Pregnancy from Almond Milk?

Yes you can. Almond milk is rich in calcium. It can be good for your and the baby’s bones.

6. Can Drinking Almond Milk During Pregnancy Cause any Impact on my Thyroid?

Yes it can. There is not enough research on this. If you have a thyroid issue, almond milk can worsen it.

Read Also: Is Drinking Turmeric Milk Safe During Pregnancy?