The Benefits of Eating Peanuts for Maternal and Infant Health During Pregnancy
During pregnancy, facing various dietary restrictions, especially the reduction of salt intake, can be a challenge for expectant mothers who prefer stronger flavors. A high-salt diet can easily lead to body edema and may also affect heart and cardiovascular health. Therefore, it is recommended to control daily salt intake during pregnancy to between 3 to 5 grams. Peanuts, as a healthy snack, can alleviate the monotony of a low-salt diet with their salty and fragrant taste, helping pregnant women adapt to healthier eating habits.
Peanuts are particularly beneficial for maintaining heart health. Studies show that individuals who regularly consume peanuts can reduce their risk of heart disease by 35%, thanks to the combined effects of fatty acids and other components in peanuts, which help lower harmful cholesterol levels and protect the heart.
As pregnancy progresses, many women experience increased appetite, but this can lead to excessive weight gain, increasing the risk of complications during pregnancy, difficult labor, and even affecting fetal health. Peanuts, due to their high satiety characteristics, can help control appetite, reduce overall calorie intake, and maintain an appropriate weight during pregnancy.
Peanuts also contribute to stable blood sugar levels and have a positive effect on the prevention of gestational diabetes. Gestational diabetes can have serious consequences for both mother and baby, and the slow-releasing carbohydrates in peanuts are beneficial for blood sugar management; substituting some red meat with peanuts can significantly lower the risk of this condition.
In addition, the rich nutrients in peanuts benefit fetal development and maternal health. Peanuts are not only a good source of calcium, promoting bone growth, but they also contain abundant amino acids such as lysine and glutamic acid, which are crucial for children’s cognitive development and cell growth. The anti-aging properties of peanuts, their ability to soothe coughs and the substances in peanut skins that contribute to blood clotting and the prevention of hemorrhagic diseases are also noteworthy. Meanwhile, the linoleic acid in peanut oil can help lower cholesterol, preventing coronary heart disease and arteriosclerosis, thus comprehensively safeguarding health during pregnancy.
