Walnuts are an ideal snack during pregnancy, rich in DHA, which helps promote fetal brain development and effectively prevent constipation during pregnancy, hence known as the “fruit of pregnancy”. However, due to its high fat content, the daily intake should be kept to three or four to maintain a healthy balance.
Walnuts are not only delicious nuts but also a treasure trove of nutrients. The types of fats it contains are beneficial to the human body, including linoleic glycerides, linolenic acid, and oleic glycerides, which can help lower cholesterol levels in the blood, benefiting cardiovascular health. In traditional Chinese medicine, walnuts are considered the “fruit of longevity”, believed to nourish the kidneys and brain, enhance the physique, as well as nourish the skin, making hair jet-black and lustrous.
Walnuts are especially suitable for individuals engaged in intense mental work, especially white-collar females who often overwork their brains. Professor Zhang Hude of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine pointed out that walnuts can effectively nourish the brain, improve blood circulation in the brain, and enhance cognitive performance. In addition, the cosmetic effects of walnuts should not be underestimated, as they promote hair growth and skin radiance, thanks to their rich vitamin content, which can activate the physiological activity of the skin. It is rumored that Peking opera master Mei Lanfang often drank walnut porridge, benefiting from it with delicate, smooth, and rosy skin.
In conclusion, pregnant women should consume walnuts in moderation, which not only benefits fetal intellectual development and alleviates constipation during pregnancy but also needs to control the intake to avoid excessive fat affecting health. Three to four walnuts a day are an excellent choice for enjoying deliciousness while caring for health.