Cashew nut can be your favourite ingredient for a healthy recipe. It also makes wonderful nut butter that can be a special addition to your diet.
First, let’s talk numbers: each serving of cashew nut butter contains:
- 13 grams of heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. Research shows that monounsaturated fats help the body to regulate insulin and control blood sugar levels, meaning that a snack of cashew butter will keep you feeling full and balanced for longer. This is essential during pregnancy, as hunger and cravings tempt you to indulge in sugary indulgence foods!
- 4.3 grams of protein. Developing babies requires lots of amino acids as they develop billions of neurons in the brain.
- High levels of magnesium and copper, which are also essential for fetal brain development.
- 3.4 milligrams of iron—more than 10% of your daily iron needs! Did you know that, during pregnancy, the maternal blood supply increases by 50%? In order to produce haemoglobin in the red blood cells, expecting mothers need to be sure to consume sufficient iron. Cashew butter is a tasty, natural source of iron (in addition to foods like red meat, liver, and lentils).
- Calories. While women are so often pressed to cut their calorie intake, it is essential to consume sufficient calories during pregnancy. (Did you know that it takes over 80,000 calories to produce a healthy baby?) Nut butters are a much better option than sugary, high-carbohydrate foods, which cause the blood sugar to spike and may leave you feeling moody, tired, and forgetful.
Now, the question is: how do you fit cashew butter into your diet? Here are some ideas:
- Spread cashew butter on whole-grain toast and drizzle with a little honey. Honey is one of nature’s most powerful antibiotics, and it will help keep you feeling healthy and bright. Plus, it helps satisfy cravings for sweetness without turning to processed sugar!
- Dip celery or carrots sticks in cashew butter for a great afternoon snack. Celery is a great source of fiber, which pregnant women require during pregnancy to aid in digestion.
- Make a smoothie. Sound strange? Give it a try! Check out our cashew butter smoothie recipes.
- For an easy-to-pack snack, try making these yummy granola bars.
And finally: be creative! It is so important to nourish yourself thoughtfully during pregnancy. Take joy in preparing healthy, balanced foods that will benefit you and your baby.
