Almond milk is a popular non-dairy alternative that people use as a substitute for cow’s milk. This nutty beverage has various health benefits, and it’s also a great source of vitamin E and healthy fats. However, many women are hesitant to drink almond milk while pregnant because they’re not sure if it’s safe or if there are any effects on their baby. If you’re among the many women who have concerns about drinking almond milk while pregnant, this article will clear things up for you. We’ll discuss why most doctors advise against drinking almond milk while expecting and also reveal whether it can be consumed safely during pregnancy or not.
What is almond milk?
Almond milk is a plant-based alternative to cow’s milk that people consume as a beverage or in their favorite foods and recipes. Unlike cow’s milk, which contains significant amounts of protein, calcium, and vitamin B12, almond milk has a miniscule amount of these nutrients. The health benefits of consuming almond milk are primarily derived from its high amount of vitamins E and B6 — two crucial nutrients that promote healthy skin and prevent things like brittle nails, anemia, headaches, and an array of other health issues. Vitamin E also plays an important role in fetal and infant development. Almond milk is often fortified with additional vitamins and minerals like calcium, vitamin B2, B12, and B5 in order to increase its nutritional profile and make it more comparable to cow’s milk.
Can drinking almond milk while pregnant be harmful?
There are two main concerns about consuming almond milk while you’re pregnant: allergies and nutritional adequacy. Almond milk is made from almonds, which are tree nuts that are related to peanuts and are a common allergen during pregnancy. The proteins in tree nuts are very similar to those in peanuts and other legumes, and they could cause a harmful immune response when consumed by someone who is allergic to these foods. Almond milk is made from the same ingredients as cow’s milk, so it’s fortified with high levels of calcium and protein. If you’re pregnant and not breastfeeding, you need at least 300 milligrams of calcium each day to help prevent osteoporosis and preterm delivery. If you’re breastfeeding, you need approximately 500 milligrams. Unfortunately, many women who consume almond milk instead of cow’s milk don’t get enough calcium.
Almond Milk Nutrition for Pregnancy
If you’re pregnant and decide to drink almond milk, be sure to check the nutrition facts label to see how much calcium it contains. If it’s not fortified with calcium, you’ll need to consume other calcium-rich foods or supplements in order to meet your daily requirements. One cup of unsweetened almond milk provides approximately 50 calories, 2 grams of protein, 1 gram of fat, and 1 gram of carbohydrates, as well as B vitamins, vitamin E, and a small amount of calcium. Almond milk alternatives made from other nuts or seeds like hemp or flax seeds contain even less calcium than almond milk, while soy milk is fortified with a significant amount of calcium.
Is Almond Milk Safe for Pregnant Women?
If you’re concerned about consuming too little calcium while pregnant and you don’t want to drink cow’s milk, you might be wondering whether almond milk is safe for pregnant women. Although it contains significantly less calcium than cow’s milk, almond milk is nutritionally adequate for pregnant women as long as it’s fortified with additional vitamins and minerals. Unfortunately, some brands of almond milk aren’t fortified with the proper amount of vitamins and minerals, which could lead to vitamin and mineral deficiencies if you drink a lot of it. This is why most medical professionals recommend that you avoid drinking almond milk during pregnancy. If you choose to drink it, be sure to read the nutrition facts label to make sure it’s fortified with the right vitamins and minerals.
Conclusion
Almond milk is a delicious and nutritious beverage, but it’s not suitable for everyone. If you’re pregnant and not planning to breastfeed, you’ll need to consume enough calcium each day. If you decide to drink almond milk, be sure to read the nutrition facts label to make sure it’s fortified with enough vitamins and minerals, including calcium. Almond milk contains less calcium than cow’s milk, so consuming large quantities of it could put you at risk for developing preterm contractions and a calcium deficiency. If you choose to drink almond milk, be sure to consume it in moderation and pair it with other calcium-rich foods and supplements.