Is It Safe To Eat Peanuts and Peanut Butter When Pregnant?
You may eat peanuts and peanut butter if you are not allergic to them. Peanuts are nutritious and rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, antioxidants, protein, calories, and folate, and can make your pregnancy diet healthy .It is safe to consume peanuts and peanut butter (made of nuts and a dash of salt) in moderation.
What Are The Benefits Of Peanuts And Peanut Butter During Pregnancy?
Here is how the nutrients present in peanuts might help during pregnancy. You may include peanut butter in your diet or simply roast a few peanuts and consume them.
1. Iron
All nuts, including peanuts, are rich in iron. Whole peanuts or peanut butter will help you prevent anemia
2. Monounsaturated fats
Peanuts are rich in monounsaturated fats, especially oleic acid which is helpful for the heart. You can have a handful of peanuts every day to prevent heart diseases .
3. Phytosterols
Peanuts are a good source of phytosterols, also referred to as beta-sitosterol, which inhibit the development of tumors .
4. Niacin
Vitamin B3 (niacin) in peanuts boosts memory power and brain functioning. Also, the flavonoid resveratrol present in peanuts improves the flow of blood to the brain .
5. Calories
If you are underweight during pregnancy, then peanuts can help gain weight. They are packed with calories that help you achieve a healthy weight .
6. Fiber
The fiber content in groundnuts can help ease constipation .
7. Tryptophan
Peanuts contain the essential amino acid called tryptophan, which produces serotonin. This is one of the essential elements in regulating mood and helps combats depression .
8. Protein
Peanuts contain protein that helps in proper growth and development of the fetus .
9. Manganese
Manganese aids in the growth of fetal tissue and bone. It is also helpful in preventing premature contraction of the uterus .
10. Vitamin E
The nuts contain vitamin E, which works to keep your blood pressure under control .
Other benefits
11. Manage gestational diabetes
A healthy dose of peanuts, including peanut butter, can form part of a balanced gestational diabetes diet .
12. Believed to reduce the risk of peanut allergy
Consuming peanuts during pregnancy will reduce the risk of peanut allergy in the baby
Nutritional Value Of Peanuts
The nutrition present in 100 grams of peanuts is as follows NutrientAmountCalories567kcalWater6.50gCarbohydrates16.13gProtein25.80gFiber8.5gFat49.24gSugars3.97gVitaminsFolic acid (Vitamin B9)240mcgPyridoxine (Vitamin B6)0.348mgNiacin (Vitamin B3)12.87mgRiboflavin (Vitamin B2)0.3mgThiamin (Vitamin B1)0.640mgVitamin E8.33mgElectrolytesPotassium332mgSodium1mgMineralsCalcium62mgIron2.09mgMagnesium184mgZinc3.34mgPhosphorus336mgLipidsSaturated fatty acids7.32gMonounsaturated fatty acids21.41gPolyunsaturated fatty acids16.5g
g=grams; mg=milligrams; mcg=micrograms
In spite of its benefits, when taken in excess, groundnuts can be bad for your health. Read on to learn about the side-effects of peanuts.
