Many people are switching over to almond milk as it is dairy-free and plant-based. However, before consuming almond milk during pregnancy, you should be well-informed about its safety. People in the middle ages have long used almond milk for its health benefits. Consuming it during pregnancy may help maintain bone strength, keep the heart healthy, and provide important nutrients. However, you should be cautious while including it in your diet because it may have certain side effects too. Also, some people have allergies, and they should avoid consuming almond milk. Read the post further to know about the health benefits and side effects of drinking almond milk when you are pregnant. If you are still confused, it is better to check with your doctor.
Benefits Of Consuming Almond Milk During Pregnancy
If you are looking for reasons to up your almond milk consumption, here are some of them:
1. High on antioxidants
Almond milk contains vitamin E, which has antioxidant properties. It can help prevent oxidative stress that comes with the wear and tear of pregnancy (1).
2. Keeps the heart healthy
Almond milk contains a high amount of omega-3 fatty acids, which helps to keep the heart healthy.
3. Rich source of vitamins and minerals
If you are looking for an alternative to cow’s milk, almond milk will be a healthy choice. Almond milk is a rich source of essential vitamins and minerals like:
Calcium Vitamin A Vitamin B12
Vitamin D
4. Great option for vegans
If you are a vegan, almond milk is the drink for you! It contains no animal by-products and will fit right in with your vegan pregnancy diet.
5. Good for bone health
Your bones need extra nutrition when you are pregnant. That is why you need a calcium-rich diet during pregnancy (2). Almond milk is a great source of calcium and will help keep your bones healthy and strong.
6. Prevents high blood pressure
High blood pressure is a serious concern during pregnancy as it can lead to preeclampsia. The calcium in almond milk can go a long way in keeping your blood pressure levels under control (3).
7. Helps manage gestational diabetes (GD)
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the prevalence rate of gestational diabetes is about 9.2% (4)! If you too have gestational diabetes, you should give almond milk a try. It contains ‘good’ sugar that does not impact the body negatively and can help manage GD better.
8. Easy to store
One of the biggest benefits of almond milk is that it comes in refrigerated and shelf-stable containers. So, if you are planning to travel long distances while pregnant, almond milk can be easier to carry (5).
9. Keeps your skin healthy
It is common to experience skin problems during pregnancy (5). The vitamin E present in almond milk can help cure the acne and pigmentation and make your skin healthy and radiant. So, these were some of the reasons why almond milk will make a great addition to your pregnancy diet. But there’s more to the story than meets the eye.
Side Effects Of Drinking Almond Milk While Pregnant
Almond milk and pregnancy always don’t go hand in hand. Some of the reasons why almond milk may not work for you include:
1. Low in fat and calories
Almond milk is low in calories, and drinking it can make you feel weak during pregnancy. Almond milk also has less fat in comparison with soy milk.
2. Can cause allergy
If you are allergic to nuts, almond milk won’t be a safe option for you. You can end up suffering from an allergic reaction, which can prove dangerous when you are pregnant.
3. Can harm the thyroid gland
Almond is a goitrogen, which means that it can suppress the functioning of the thyroid gland (7). If you are already suffering from thyroid dysfunction, you should avoid drinking almond milk.
4. Poor source of protein
Not a good choice for vegetarians, who may get better protein from cow’s milk.
