Almond Milk During Pregnancy: Benefits, Side Effects & Precautions

Milk is essential to drink during pregnancy because it contains all the necessary vitamins and minerals that a pregnant mother needs. Thus, a glass of milk daily and eating nutritious fruits and vegetables is good to maintain a healthy pregnancy. Almond milk is absolutely worth trying during pregnancy to add a better taste to your plain milk. Generally, Almond milk is consumed as a substitute for cow’s milk; however, one should not overlook the benefits of almond milk during pregnancy.

According to medical research, pregnant women who drink almond milk have a lower risk of developing pregnancy complications. Let’s understand the benefits of almond milk during pregnancy along with its side effects. 

Almond Milk Benefits During Pregnancy

If you are expecting a child, you must have heard the benefits of eating Almonds during pregnancy. You send the nutrients to your child by consuming Almond milk, ensuring your baby’s good health.

The following are the almond milk benefits in pregnancy.

1. Nutritional Antioxidants

Almond milk contains a high concentration of Vitamins E that can help pregnant women reduce the adverse effects of oxidative stress on their developing bodies.

2. Healthy Heart

Almond milk is rich in Omega 3 fatty acids, which is highly beneficial for a healthy heart.

3. Bone Strength

Almond milk is a high source of calcium. It aids you in meeting your increased calcium requirements while also preserving the strength and stamina of your bone tissues.

4. Prevents High Blood Pressure

The high-blood pressure can lead to many pregnancy complications like preeclampsia. So, the consumption of almond milk can keep your blood pressure regulated, preventing any pregnancy issues. 

5. Good For Vegans

Almond milk is a perfect substitute for dairy products. It can be consumed as milk or used as a base for dishes such as broths and soups, among other healthy nutrition. It is an excellent choice if you’re vegan or do not like eating dairy products.

Potential Risk Of Almond Milk During Pregnancy

Unless in cases when someone has a past history of allergy, almond milk is usually regarded as safe to eat during pregnancy. However, it is suggested that you should have it in moderation to avoid any stomach and gastrointestinal issues. And it can even become more problematic if you are pregnant because these products can damage your unborn child’s growing embryo. 

Below are the almond milk side effects:

If you consume almond milk in excessive amounts, it can lead to several digestive issues such as nausea, stomach discomfort, dysentery, and bowel problems. 

• Leads to obesity and fat accumulation in the body.
• Almonds can disrupt thyroid gland function by interfering with thyroid hormone production due to their goitrogenic nature.

How to Prepare Healthy Almond Milk at Home

• Put some almonds in a bowl. Allow it to sit on the counter overnight and cover it with a towel. Refrigerate it for up to 2 days. 
•  After soaking the almonds in the water for 2 days, pick them out of the bowl, drain the water and rinse the almonds. 
• Now cover the almonds with 2 cups of water in a blender or food processor equipped with the blade attached and blend them for 2 minutes.
• Place an opened nut milk bag or cheesecloth over a measuring cup and drain the almonds through a fine-mesh strainer. Fill the sieve halfway with the almond mixture.
• Twist the nut bag or cheesecloth closed around the almond mixture. To extract as much almond milk as possible, squeeze and press with clean hands. Approximately 2 cups of almond milk should be obtained.
• Now taste the almond milk and you can add any sweetener if required. 

Conclusion

​​While pregnant, it is suggested that you drink a sufficient amount of almond milk to ensure that you obtain all its vital nutrients in your diet on a regular basis. This is because almond milk includes essential vitamins and minerals for your child’s growth and development.

#pregnancymustknow

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