Hazelnut Milk During Pregnancy: Safe Or Not?

Nutritional requirements during pregnancy are a cause for concern for many mothers. The foetus's health depends on the mother's diet, which can be challenging to navigate due to conflicting advice and rapidly changing taste preferences. One such food that sparks confusion is hazelnut milk. The good news is that, in most cases, nuts are not only safe to eat during pregnancy but can also be beneficial. Hazelnut milk, made from a nut variety rich in vitamins and minerals, can be a great way to get essential nutrients for both mother and baby.

Hazelnut milk is safe during pregnancy

Hazelnut milk is safe to consume during pregnancy, and it even offers health benefits for both mother and baby.

Firstly, it is important to note that nuts, in general, are safe to eat during pregnancy, according to Dr Emma Derbyshire from the Health & Food Supplements Information Service. This includes hazelnuts, which have been consumed for their health benefits since ancient times.

Hazelnuts are rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, E, K, B1, B2, B6, C, PP, and minerals such as calcium, potassium, magnesium, and zinc. These vitamins and minerals are essential for the development of the baby's musculoskeletal system and also benefit the mother's bone health.

The fatty acids in hazelnuts are also beneficial. They contribute to the development of the baby's bone system and provide anti-inflammatory properties, which are especially advantageous during pregnancy.

Additionally, the high antioxidant content in hazelnuts protects the mother from infectious and viral diseases, strengthening her immunity. Calcium and potassium calm the nervous system and promote psychological recovery, which can be beneficial during the emotional changes of pregnancy.

The recommended daily intake of hazelnuts for pregnant women is 35-40 grams, slightly lower than the standard adult intake of 50 grams.

In conclusion, hazelnut milk is not only safe for pregnant women to consume but can also provide valuable nutritional benefits for both mother and baby.

Hazelnut health benefits for the foetus

Hazelnuts are rich in nutrients and have multiple health benefits for the foetus. Firstly, they are a good source of folic acid, which can help prevent birth defects in newborns. Folic acid is particularly important during the early phase of pregnancy as it helps form the neural tube, and deficiencies can lead to serious birth defects in the brain and spine.

Secondly, hazelnuts are a great source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin E, K, B1, B2, B6, potassium, calcium, iron, zinc, selenium, chromium, magnesium, phosphorus, manganese, and copper. These vitamins and minerals are essential for the healthy development of the foetus, including the formation of the musculoskeletal system, and the development of the brain and retina.

Thirdly, hazelnuts are high in fatty acids, including omega-3 and omega-6, which are crucial for neural development. Studies have shown that eating nuts during early pregnancy can have long-term benefits for a child's motor and cognitive development, including improvements in memory and other cognitive functions.

Lastly, hazelnuts are a good source of dietary fibre, which can help prevent constipation and promote healthy bowel movements.

Overall, the consumption of hazelnuts during pregnancy can provide various health benefits for the foetus, supporting their growth and development.

Nutritional value of hazelnuts

Hazelnuts are packed with nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats. They are a good source of vitamin E, manganese, copper, and mono- and polyunsaturated fats. They also contain omega-6 and omega-9 fatty acids, such as oleic acid, and are a good source of dietary fibre.

In addition to their nutritional content, hazelnuts offer a range of health benefits. Firstly, they are good for heart health. The antioxidants and healthy fats in hazelnuts can increase antioxidant potential and lower cholesterol levels in the blood, reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease. Secondly, hazelnuts have been linked to lower rates of cancer. The high concentration of antioxidant compounds, vitamins, and minerals in hazelnuts may give them anti-cancer properties. The antioxidant enzymes found in hazelnuts, such as manganese superoxide dismutase, help decrease oxidative stress, which may reduce the risk of developing cancer.

Hazelnuts may also help to decrease inflammation, due to their high concentrations of healthy fats. Eating hazelnuts has been shown to significantly reduce inflammatory markers in people with high cholesterol levels and in overweight and obese individuals. Additionally, hazelnuts may help to lower blood sugar levels. While the research is limited, some studies have shown that a diet rich in hazelnuts may help to reduce fasting blood sugar and insulin levels, while increasing insulin sensitivity.

Overall, hazelnuts are a nutritious and delicious food that can be easily incorporated into your diet. They can be eaten raw, roasted, or ground into a paste, and they pair well with chocolate, figs, plums, bananas, and caramel. However, it is important to be mindful of portion sizes, as hazelnuts are high in calories and fats.

Hazelnuts and allergies

Hazelnut allergy is one of the most common tree nut allergies, affecting 0.2% to 0.5% of people in the United States. Tree nut allergies are recognised as one of the 14 most common food allergies in the UK as well. People with a family history of allergies are at a higher risk of developing a tree nut allergy. Tree nut allergies are also associated with eczema and asthma.

Allergic reactions occur when the body's immune system reacts to hazelnuts as if they are a harmful substance. Symptoms of a hazelnut allergy typically occur shortly after or immediately after consuming hazelnuts or foods containing them.

Possible reactions, from least to most severe, include:

• Nasal congestion or a runny nose
• Wheezing or coughing
• Itching of the mouth, throat, eyes, skin, or any other area
• Nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting, or diarrhoea
• Difficulty swallowing
• Swelling of the lips, tongue, or face (angioedema)
• Anaphylaxis, a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction that comes on suddenly, making it hard to breathe and potentially causing the body to go into shock

One type of allergic reaction is oral allergy syndrome (OAS), or pollen food allergy syndrome. Many people with birch pollen allergies also react to hazelnuts because the pollen from birch trees contains allergens similar to substances in hazelnuts. Symptoms of hazelnut oral allergy syndrome are usually mild and may include swelling of the lips, tongue, and throat, delayed gastrointestinal symptoms, and abdominal cramps. Anaphylaxis is very rare in people with OAS.

If you suspect you have a hazelnut allergy, an allergist can perform a variety of tests to confirm the diagnosis, including a skin prick test and a blood test to detect the presence of immunoglobulin E (IgE).

If you are prone to anaphylactic reactions, your healthcare provider will prescribe an epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen). You will need to carry your auto-injector with you at all times in case of a severe reaction.

Hazelnuts and weight gain

Hazelnuts are calorie-dense, but they can be beneficial for weight loss. They are packed with good fats and dietary fibres, which help with hunger management by curbing cravings. They also provide energy between meals.

A 2018 study found a link between nut consumption, reduced weight gain, and a lower risk of obesity. Participants who ate more nuts were less likely to become overweight than those who did not. However, it is important to note that the research only shows a correlation, and further studies are needed to determine if there is a causal link between eating nuts and reduced weight gain.

Hazelnuts are rich in nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They are a good source of dietary fibre, which aids in digestion and prevents constipation. They also contain vitamin E, which has been linked to a reduced risk of certain types of cancer.

In addition to their potential weight loss benefits, hazelnuts have been shown to improve heart health, lower cholesterol, and improve insulin sensitivity. They are also a good source of folic acid, which is important for pregnant women to prevent birth defects in newborns.

However, it is important to consume hazelnuts in moderation as part of a balanced diet. They are high in fat, and excessive consumption can lead to weight gain, especially for women in the later stages of pregnancy. For pregnant women, the recommended dosage is no more than 35-40 grams per day.

Frequently asked questions