Nuts are an excellent source of vitamins and minerals. Many women may consider having cashew in pregnancy due to the nut’s rich micronutrient content. The type of food you eat during pregnancy can affect the fetus. Therefore, it is often better to consult a doctor before having a new food item. So, should you consult a doctor before having cashew nuts in pregnancy? Read this post to learn about the benefits and precautions for consuming cashews in pregnancy.
Are Cashew Nuts Safe To Eat During Pregnancy?
Yes. Cashew nuts are safe to consume and make a great addition to the pregnancy diet, provided you are not allergic to them (1). Cashews are a rich source of essential vitamins and minerals that help in the growth and development of your baby. One can opt for organic cashew nuts that are smaller in size and high in nutrients because they are grown without the use of pesticides, herbicides, or insecticides. They also retain their original taste. They also contain squalene, phytosterols, tocopherols which are beneficial during pregnancy. During pregnancy, it is necessary to have the recommended amount of cashew nuts, neither too many nor too few.
How Many Cashews Should You Eat A Day During Pregnancy?
Cashew nuts are high in calories and fats. According to the Australian Dietary Guidelines, 30gm of various nuts can be consumed every day; it equals around 15 cashews (2, 3). However, it is always better to get an allergy test done before consuming cashews, to avoid any side-effects. The following section gives an overview of the nutritional value of cashew nuts.
Nutritional Content Of Cashew Nuts
The nutritional value of cashews per 100gm of serving is as mentioned below (4): The amount of calories you get when you consume cashew nuts depends on how you eat them.
1 tablespoon cashew nut butter (without salt) = 94 calories (5). 1oz unsalted cashews (raw) = 157 calories. 1oz unsalted cashew nuts (oil roasted) = 165 calories (6).
Including the recommended amount of cashew nuts in your daily diet gives you and your baby several nutritional benefits.
What Are The Health Benefits Of Cashew Nuts During Pregnancy?
Here is how you can benefit from eating cashews during pregnancy: If you like munching on cashews, and eat a bit too many, you may have to deal with certain risks as well.
Possible Side Effects Of Cashews During Pregnancy
Overeating of cashew nuts can lead to health problems such as:
1. Excess weight gain
Cashews, being rich in carbohydrates and fats, can lead to excess weight gain during pregnancy.
2. Allergy
Cashews in nuts contain traces of a component called urushiol (15) (an oily organic compound with allergic properties), which can cause itching and rashes on the skin. It is the reason that cashews are never sold in the shell.
3. Gallstone and kidney stone issues
Cashews contain oxalates in a considerable amount (16), which gets absorbed in the body fluids causing gallbladder and kidney stone issues (17).
4. Cardiovascular problems
Cashews also contain some amount of saturated fats. If these nuts are consumed in excess, it can increase the cholesterol levels, leading to cardiovascular problems (18).
5. Increase blood pressure
Overeating salted cashews can increase the sodium intake which worsens the blood pressure, and put pressure on the arteries, heart, and kidneys. If you are allergic to cashews or think you may be, it is best to stay away from them. Next, we tell you how to identify an allergic reaction to cashew nuts.
What Are The Symptoms Of Cashew Nut Allergy?
Here are some symptoms of allergic reactions triggered by cashew nut consumption (19):
Abdominal cramps Nausea or vomiting Abdominal pain Trouble swallowing Itchiness in the eyes Diarrhea Itchiness in the throat or mouth or skin
Nasal congestion/ runny nose Shortness of breath Anaphylaxis (it is a severe allergic reaction that puts the person in shock, but it is a rare condition) (20)
Here is a list of foods that might contain cashew and should be avoided if you are allergic:
Mixed nuts Pesto sauce Snack mixes Cashew nut butter Sweets and candies Asian meals Ice cream Cakes Nut brittle Chocolates
Read below to know the ways to avoid any side effects of cashew nuts during pregnancy.
Precautions To Be Taken While Eating Cashew Nuts During Pregnancy
The following are some precautions you must take while consuming cashews:
Consume plain cashews and not the salted or seasoned ones. It can limit the intake of sodium during pregnancy. Do not take more than one ounce of cashew nuts in a day as it can worsen hypertension and cholesterol. Check with your doctor before including cashews in your diet.
If you are allergic to tree nuts, avoid cashews entirely. Otherwise, include them in the diet for health benefits. The following section gives you ideas on how to include cashew nuts in your daily pregnancy diet.
Ways To Add Cashew Nuts To Your Pregnancy Diet
Here are some tips to include cashew nuts in your diet:
Mix cashews with other dry fruits to make a healthy snack. Make cashew butter by blending the cashew nuts and enjoy it as a spread or dip for fruits. Add it in your breakfast cereal or stir-fried vegetables. Include it in the chocolate, cake, sweets, and other preparations. Add cashews to maple syrup and use it as a topping for the breakfast cereal. Make cashew yogurt by blending cashew nuts, cinnamon, and dates. You can top it with berries of your choice and maple syrup. Make carrot cashew pate by blending carrot, cashews, fresh ginger lemon juice, and soy sauce to get a smooth paste. Top it with cucumber slices.
