Pregnancy is a responsible period for any woman, when it is necessary to carefully monitor the diet. The health of the future mother and fetus depends on the selected food, its nutritional and beneficial properties. Experts recommend consuming nuts, especially pine nuts, during pregnancy.
This is a rich source of valuable micro- and macronutrients, allowing to improve the immune system of a woman, make up for the lack of vital substances and ensure the proper development of the baby. However, like any food, pine nuts should be eaten in moderation and take into account some contraindications.
Composition
Cedar nuts are a treasure trove of naturally occurring vitamins and minerals that pregnant women need. Siberian pine kernels (this is the tree they grow on) are recommended during the period of carrying the fetus precisely because of their rich chemical composition. It contains natural protein, which is almost completely and quickly assimilated by the body, a high percentage of fats and carbohydrates, which are necessary not only for the woman, but also for the fetus.
Amino Acids
Among the essential amino acids for the body contained in the kernels of cedar, stand out:
- - tryptophan;
- isoleucine;
- valine;
- leucine;
- threonine;
- lysine;
- methionine;
- phenylalanine;
- arginine;
- histidine.
Vitamins
Pine nuts contain B vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B6, B9), as well as E, A, C, K.
Minerals
The mineral complex of cedar kernels includes the following components:
- potassium;
- calcium;
- selenium;
- magnesium;
- phosphorus;
- sodium;
- manganese;
- iron;
- zinc;
- copper.
Cedar pine kernels give a boost of vivacity and energy. They can be eaten as a daily snack, providing a feeling of fullness for a long time. Despite the high caloric content (673 kcal), Siberian pine seeds can be included in the diet of women who do not want to gain too many extra pounds during pregnancy. Moderate consumption of this type of nuts has almost no effect on weight.
Benefits for the expectant mother and the baby
Cedar seeds have the following useful properties:
- Arginine normalizes the hormonal background of the pregnant woman;
- vitamin E plays an important role in the proper development of the baby, reduces the likelihood of blood clots and seizures;
- Vitamin C increases the immune system of a pregnant woman, helps to resist viruses and bacteria;
- Tryptophan improves mood and, along with B vitamins, normalizes the nervous system;
- Vitamin K helps ensure blood clotting and calcium absorption;
- Nicotinic, eicosenoic, linoleic acids are involved in many processes in the body of a pregnant woman, and also help the proper development of fetal organs;
- Phosphorus prevents hair loss of a woman carrying a fetus, plays an important role in the proper laying of its internal organs and growth;
- Manganese normalizes carbohydrate metabolism and blood glucose levels;
- Magnesium helps reduce the risk of premature birth, is involved in the formation of the placenta, regulates uterine tone, increases stress resistance of the expectant mother;
- Zinc enhances the defenses of the future mother, helps her relieve signs of toxicity;
- Iodine provides mental and physical development of the baby in the womb.
In addition, cedar seeds - is also a useful tool against constipation. Many pregnant women face this problem, and regular consumption of Siberian pine kernels helps to normalize bowel function. The iron they contain also helps the future mother to maintain a normal level of hemoglobin in the blood.
How much you can eat when pregnant
Specialists recommend including cedar seeds in the daily diet in the early stages of pregnancy. No more than 2 tablespoons of kernels at a time are allowed. Already in the later stages of pregnancy, it is recommended to refrain from eating them or minimize the daily portion, as well as other types of nuts.
Precautions
It is very important to use only the highest quality pine nuts, especially during pregnancy. Not only the useful and gustatory qualities of the product depend on this, but also the health of both the baby and the woman. If you find an unpleasant smell from the seeds or an uncharacteristic color of the fruit, you should refuse to eat them, because there is a high probability that they have gone bad and can cause food poisoning.
