Flaxseed are full of nutrition. They are touted as a superfood that everyone should include in their diet. However, being a pregnant woman, you must have apprehension about its impact on the little one growing inside your body. So, this article talks about the safety of flax seeds during pregnancy. Here you will get complete knowledge about the nutritional value, recommended daily consumption, advantages, risks, and ways to include it in the diet of during pregnancy.
How Safe Is It To Consume Flaxseed During Pregnancy?
Flaxseed when consumed in controlled quantities is completely safe. They can provide several advantages to the body. But, when it is consumed in higher than permissible limits, it can behave as estrogen hormone and cause hormonal imbalances in the body.
What are Flaxseeds?
Let’s get to the basics first. Flaxseeds are also popular as linseeds, or Alsi beej in India. They are tiny brown colored seeds. It shows remarkable properties of a laxative that makes it useful in pregnancy. Flaxseeds are a good source of magnesium, minerals, protein, potassium, vitamins B6, Vitamin E and zinc. These seeds contain an “omega-3 fatty acid” that aids in the reduction in cholesterol and inflammation levels of a person. Loaded with fiber, eating flaxseeds regulates cholesterol and blood glucose in the body.
In what ways can I consume flaxseeds?
As raw flaxseeds are considered to be toxic in nature, they are not advised to be consumed in this form. It contains little quantities of cyanide that is harmful for the body. Flaxseeds can be consumed in roasted, oil, sprouted, or grounded form. You can roast it and grind it to form a powder and add it into chapattis, yogurt, salad and smoothies to enjoy its benefits.
What is the nutritional value of Flax Seeds?
100 gms of flax seeds comprise of following nutrients:
- 534 calories
- 42% fat,
- 29% carbohydrates,
- 18% protein
- 20% – 40% soluble fiber, and
- 60% – 80% insoluble fiber
What is the permissible quantity of flaxseeds in your pregnancy?
You can have 1 tablespoon of grounded form of flaxseeds daily during pregnancy. It should fulfill your daily needs of 1.4grams alpha-linoleic acid.
What are the advantages of flaxseeds in pregnancy?
Following are some of the important benefits of flaxseeds for pregnant women.
Development of the brain of fetus: Flaxseeds contain important nutrients as omega-3 fatty acid and linoleic fatty acid that plays a major role in development of brain of an unborn baby in early pregnancy.
Treats constipation: The high amounts of fiber make it a natural laxative agent that boosts digestive health. It is good remedy to treat constipation that is a major issue among pregnant women.
Regulates blood sugar levels: A pregnant woman undergoes through a lot of fluctuations in the blood sugar levels during pregnancy. Flaxseeds can assist in controlling them. The chances of high weight at the time of delivery or Cesarean delivery lowers by consuming flaxseed oil.
Prevents cancers: Lignans, a type of phytonutrients is present in flaxseeds reduces the chances of ovarian and breast cancers.
Reduces occurrence of hot flushes: Hot flushes are very commonly observed in pregnant women. Flaxseeds are known to limit hot flushes in the body during pregnancy.
Lowers chances of heart ailments: Research shows that flaxseeds help in reducing the bad cholesterol levels and increasing the good cholesterol levels in a person. They possess remarkable blood thinning properties, that lowers the possibilities of blockage in arteries.
Replenishes minerals: Flaxseeds are rich in various types of minerals such as magnesium, potassium and selenium that are needed to replenish the body.
Improves immunity: When you consume flaxseeds, it offers protection against various life-threatening ailments like cancer. The lignans present in flaxseeds acts as a phytonutrient that increases immunity power of the body.
Helps with efficient management of diabetes: Being rich in soluble fiber, flaxseeds help in effectively warding off the possibilities of diabetes.
Reduces cardiovascular ailments: Flaxseeds shows remarkable blood thinning properties that helps in keeping cardiovascular ailments at bay.
Side-Effects Of Flaxseeds In Pregnancy
Over consumption of flaxseeds cause following type of side-effects during pregnancy.
- Nausea,
- Gas
- Diarrhea
- Swelling of the lips
- Tightness in the chest
- Breathing issues
- Sudden increase in levels of blood pressure due to consumption of raw flaxseeds.
- Food poisoning when flaxseeds are taken in excess amounts.
Also read: Can I Eat Fennel Seed (Saunf) During Pregnancy?
Conclusion
Flaxseed is completely vegetarian and a good source of omega-3 fatty acids. There are plenty of ways such as tablets, capsules or supplements to consume it, but it is advised to consult talk to the doctor before you incorporate it into your diet.