Pregnancy is one delicate period that keeps you and everyone around you on your toes.
You may be surprised at certain foods you enjoy but suddenly become inappropriate during pregnancy.
If you enjoy this food, you may wonder if it’s safe to drink almond milk during pregnancy.
Almond milk is considered safe during pregnancy and is recommended to some pregnant women.
Read the article to understand more about almond milk during pregnancy and other related questions.
Is it Safe To Drink Almond Milk During Pregnancy?
Almond milk is considered safe during pregnancy and is even recommended to some pregnant women.
It has fewer calories than cow milk and doesn’t contain heavy proteins that can cause acid reflux or heartburn.
Almond Milk is also rich in calcium, phosphorus, zinc, and riboflavin, all of which support the health of the mother and unborn child.
It is also a good source of vitamin E and antioxidants, which helps to prevent oxidative stress during pregnancy.
The amount of calcium in almond milk makes it fit for bone development in the unborn child. It is light and suitable for people who are lactose intolerant.
How Much Almond Milk is Enough During Pregnancy?
Almond milk is unsweetened or doesn’t taste as sweet as cow milk and can be addictive to sugar-conscious people.
There’s little difference between taking the milk and regular water, yet the taste is nice and soothing.
Since it can feel very light in the stomach, it is easier to take more than the recommended quantity in a single serving.
Although there are no standard measurements of how much almond milk is enough for pregnant women.
Generally, drinking three cups of low-fat milk will meet one-third of your daily protein needs if you are pregnant.
Always be mindful of how much milk you generally take during pregnancy to avoid uncomfortable bowel movements or gastrointestinal symptoms.
However, confirm with your physician how much milk is ideal for your pregnancy or if you have any known allergies to almonds.
Benefits of Drinking Almond Milk During Pregnancy
You’ll enjoy many health benefits if you take almond milk during pregnancy. Some of these benefits include the following:
Bone Health
Almonds are a good source of calcium which is responsible for the growth of bone and teeth.
People with soft bones or teeth require a good amount of calcium in their diets.
Taking almonds during pregnancy can help supply your unborn baby with the amount of calcium it requires and strengthen your bones.
High on antioxidants
Almond milk contains vitamin E, which is an antioxidant. This helps prevent oxidative stress that occurs during pregnancy.
Reduces Risk of High Blood Pressure
Almond Milk contains magnesium which helps with blood pressure.
During pregnancy, your hormones skyrocket to the roof and require hormone stabilizers not to jeopardize your health or lead to any early labor or worse cases.
Almond Milk is organic, making it healthier than other processed supplements.
Prevents Gestational Diabetes
Almond Milk has a low glycemic index which reduces blood sugar to prevent gestational diabetes common in pregnant women.
Rich in Vitamins and Minerals
Almond milk is a healthy alternative to cow’s milk. Almond milk is a rich source of essential vitamins and minerals like calcium, vitamins A, B12, and D.
Healthy Skin
Almond Milk contains a fair amount of vitamin E in it. Vitamin E helps to heal the skin, leaving it radiant and acne free.
Vegan-Friendly
Almond Milk is obtained from almond nuts and not from animals or any dairy products. This makes it suitable for vegans who do not eat any dairy products.
Long Shelf Life
It has a long shelf life spanning about three weeks in the refrigerator after opening. However, even without refrigeration, it has a long shelf life, making it budget-friendly and easy to travel.
Promotes Healthy Heart
Almonds contain a fair amount of Omega-3 fatty acids, which support the health of the heart and brain growth in children.
Easy to store
As almond milk does not require a refrigerator to store it, it has a longer shelf life than cow’s milk. If you plan to travel long distances while pregnant, almond milk is essential.
Read Also: Does Almond Milk Increase Breast Size?
Things To Consider Before Buying Almond Milk
Before purchasing almond milk from the store, make sure you go for non-GMO and unsweetened milk.
Many market varieties are non-organic and contain high sugar, which are risk factors for gestational diabetes. Also, choose products with fewer preservatives.
To be safer, buy packaged almond nuts and prepare the milk yourself. That way, you’re sure about the method of preparation and the ingredients added to it.
You can even add sweeteners like honey or fruits when serving.
Almond Milk has always been around but is fast becoming popular, especially for people who are lactose intolerant.
Due to this reason, many manufacturers have returned to the drawing board to produce varieties of milk that come in different flavors like chocolate, vanilla, and the rest.
Even though this is very mainstream and good for those who enjoy these flavors, it may not be appropriate for pregnant women.
As a pregnant woman, sometimes you must give up your favorite beverages for the sake of your health and your unborn child.
This is why you should avoid flavored or sweetened almond milk even if you purchase some packaged milk.
How To Prepare Almond Milk
Almond Milk is one of the easiest milk to make at home. You don’t even need a stove to make almond milk. All you need is almond nuts and water.
- First, wash your just with clean water to remove any dust or dirt, and soak it in clean water for about 10 minutes. Soaking it will make it easier to blend and produce more milk.
- After soaking for 10 minutes, strain out the water from the almonds and blend. While you blend, gradually add drinkable water to blend into a smooth paste.
- Turn the paste into a clean bowl and rinse out the remaining milk from the blender into the same bowl.
- Add more drinkable water to the paste until it is no longer so thick. Be careful to avoid making it watery to avoid reducing to taste of the milk.
- Put a sieve over another clean bowl and remove the chaff from the milk. Use a spatula to press out the milk well from the chaff.
- Turn the milk into a clean jar or canister and store it.
You can serve a cup of milk and drink it immediately or refrigerate it to cool. You don’t need to boil or freeze the milk, not add any preservatives.
Read Also: Tropicana Juice during pregnancy – Is it safe?
Side Effects Of Drinking Almond Milk While Pregnant
There is always a risk involved with drinking almond milk during pregnancy. Here are some reasons why almond milk may not work for you:
1. It can cause allergy
Almond milk won’t be a safe option for pregnant women allergic to nuts. You can end up suffering from an allergic reaction, which can be dangerous.
2. Low in fat and calories
While almond milk is low in calories, drinking it during pregnancy can make you feel weak. Almond milk also has less fat than soy milk.
3. It can harm the thyroid gland
If you have thyroid dysfunction, you should avoid drinking almond milk as almond is a goitrogen that suppresses thyroid function.
4. Poor source of protein
It is not recommended for vegetarians, who may get better protein from cow’s milk.
Read Also: Vibrating Feeling in the Stomach While Pregnant – Causes
Conclusion
Can I drink almond milk during pregnancy? If you enjoy almond milk or are looking for milk that has less protein and lactose, you must be thinking of this question.
Fortunately, almond milk or nuts are safe for pregnant women if consumed moderately because even as harmless as the milk is, it can cause a lot of discomfort if you take it excessively.