Expectant mothers must focus on a well-balanced and nutritious diet for the growth and development of their baby. Eating a handful of delicious and crunchy nuts every day can offer numerous health benefits to both the mother and the baby.

Nuts are an excellent source of protein, fiber, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals required for a healthy pregnancy. Here are the top nuts that every expectant mother should include in her diet.

Almonds

Almonds are a rich source of protein, fiber, vitamin E, magnesium, and healthy fats essential for fetal development and growth. It helps in maintaining healthy skin, hair, and tissues during pregnancy.

Consuming a handful of almonds every day can prevent gestational diabetes and improve insulin sensitivity in expectant mothers. It also reduces the risk of pre-eclampsia and low birth weight in babies.

Cashews

Cashews are a good source of iron, folic acid, magnesium, and healthy fats necessary for the development of the baby’s brain and nervous system. It helps in preventing anemia and reduces the risk of premature birth.

Eating cashews during pregnancy also improves heart health and boosts immunity.

Pistachios

Pistachios provide essential nutrients like protein, fiber, healthy fats, vitamin B6, and potassium required for a healthy pregnancy. It helps in maintaining healthy blood pressure levels and reducing the risk of heart diseases and stroke.

Regular consumption of pistachios can also improve digestion and prevent constipation during pregnancy.

Walnuts

Walnuts are loaded with essential omega-3 fatty acids required for the development of the baby’s brain and eyes. It also contains protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals essential for a healthy pregnancy.

Consuming walnuts during pregnancy can reduce the risk of pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes, and postpartum depression. It also promotes healthy skin and hair and improves heart health.

Brazil Nuts

Brazil nuts are a rich source of selenium, which plays a crucial role in the development of the baby’s immune system. It also contains protein, fiber, healthy fats, and vitamins essential for a healthy pregnancy.

Consuming Brazil nuts during pregnancy can reduce the risk of miscarriage and promote healthy skin and hair.

Pecans

Pecans are an excellent source of healthy fats, fiber, vitamins, and minerals required for a healthy pregnancy. It contains phytosterols and antioxidants that boost heart health and prevent various diseases like cancer and diabetes.

Consuming pecans during pregnancy can reduce the risk of pre-eclampsia and improve brain health in babies.

Hazelnuts

Hazelnuts are a rich source of folate, vitamin E, healthy fats, and antioxidants essential for a healthy pregnancy. It helps in preventing birth defects and promoting healthy growth and development of the baby’s brain and nervous system.

Consuming hazelnuts during pregnancy can reduce the risk of pre-eclampsia and improve blood sugar control.

Macadamia Nuts

Macadamia nuts contain healthy fats, fiber, and vitamins necessary for a healthy pregnancy. It also contains oleic acid, which improves heart health and reduces the risk of various diseases like cancer and diabetes.

Consuming macadamia nuts during pregnancy can improve skin and hair health and reduce the risk of pre-eclampsia.

Chestnuts

Chestnuts are a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals essential for a healthy pregnancy. It contains folate, which is necessary for the development of the baby’s brain and reduces the risk of birth defects.

Consuming chestnuts during pregnancy can also boost immunity and improve digestion.

Peanuts

Peanuts are a good source of protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals essential for a healthy pregnancy. It contains folate, which prevents birth defects and promotes healthy brain development in babies.

Consuming peanuts during pregnancy can also reduce the risk of allergies in babies and improve heart health.

In Conclusion

Incorporating a variety of nuts in the daily diet can offer numerous health benefits during pregnancy. However, it is essential to consume them in moderation as they are also high in calories.

A handful of nuts every day, along with a well-balanced and nutritious diet, can ensure a healthy pregnancy and a happy baby.