Maintaining a balanced diet is one of the top priorities for every pregnant woman. One has to be extremely careful and cautious so as to not consume anything that might prove to be detrimental for baby’s growth and development. In addition to this, a pregnant woman has to plan her diet and meals in such a way that it suits her body and routine perfectly.

• < strong>Peanuts during Pregnancy
• Is Consumption of Peanuts safe for Pregnant women?
• Benefits & negatives of peanut consumption during Pregnancy
• Ways of Peanut Intake during pregnancy

Peanuts during Pregnancy

Peanuts are packed with a lot of essentials and its consumption in moderation is extremely useful and beneficial for a pregnant woman’s body
Very rich in Minerals: – Groundnuts are considered to be a very rich source of minerals such as Sodium, Potassium, Calcium, Selenium, Iron, Copper, Zinc, Phosphorus and Magnesium.
Source of multiple Vitamins: – Peanuts are also known to be an excellent source of a variety of Vitamins like Vitamins PP, C, E, B4, B5, B1 and B6.
Abundance of Amino acids: – Amino acids like lysine and methionine, which are extremely important for cell regeneration and muscle formation are also found in abundance in ground nuts.
Rich source of Folate and Protein: – Besides these, peanuts are rich in folate and protein. These are very helpful during pregnancy to prevent birth defects especially in the spine and brain.

Is Consumption of Peanuts safe for Pregnant women?

Being rich in these components it might be assumed that peanuts would be a great option when a female is pregnant. However the most important aspect a lady has to consider is her own proneness to allergic reactions. For someone who is allergic to peanuts, consumption of peanuts during pregnancy will not do any good. In fact if there are allergic tendencies running into the family, there are high chances that the conceived baby might also not take to the goodness of peanuts. Hence, consumption of peanuts during pregnancy is a safe, healthy and great option if one is not allergic to it.

Moreover the belief that intake of peanuts by the mother may lead to the child being allergic to it is also not true.

Benefits & negatives of peanut consumption during Pregnancy:-

There are a host of benefits arising due to peanut intake during pregnancy.

• • Normalization of cholesterol levels.
  • Eases Constipation as it is a rich source of fibre.
  • Prevents anaemia being a rich source of iron.
  • Assists in assimilation of glucose in women suffering from diabetes. Is very useful for women suffering from gestational diabetes.
  • Prevents atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases.
  • Prevents Preeclampsia. Vitamin E content helps keeping blood pressure under control.
  • Strengthens bones. Being rich in calcium and manganese it helps healthy and strong bones.
  • Helps in degeneration of cancel cells.
  • Relieves pregnant women from Insomnia, irritability and prostration.
  • Peanut oil acts as a remedy for dermatological issues.
  • Useful for women suffering from haemophilia.
  • Aids weight gain. Being calorie dense these are very useful for women who need to put on more weight during pregnancy.

On the other consumption of peanuts is not suggested for pregnant women with the below mentioned condition.

• Women who are overweight.
• Women who are suffering with stones in their kidney.
• Are having gastritis or digestion problems.
• Have allergic tendencies.
• Are suffering with phlebeurysm.

Ways of Peanut Intake during pregnancy:-

Various ways of peanut consumption: One may prefer to take in peanuts in either of the below mentioned forms.

• Cracking the snacking or raw peanuts out of the shell.
• Peanut butter.
• Granola Bars
• Adding to sundaes, oat meals or dishes like sabudana khichdi.

Foods to avoid in case of allergy: If a woman is aware of her allergies from peanuts, one should be very cautious while consumption of Chocolates, cereals and Asian cuisine since peanuts are present in these food items in abundance.
Raw Peanuts vs Salted and fried Peanuts: Raw peanuts are a good snack during pregnancy. However, intake of salted or fried peanuts is not recommended. This may lead to high blood pressure or excess weight gain.
Quantity of consumption: Peanuts should be consumed in moderation. Consumption in excess quantities may inhibit absorption of manganese and calcium in one’s body. This may lead to weakness of bones in both, the prospective mother as well as the child. One should remember that peanuts are being consumed as a snack and not as a main meal.