Almond milk along with other non-dairy milk has been increasing in popularity over the last few years and why shouldn’t they. After all, they are vegan, made from natural ingredients normally, have some great health benefits, and contain a host of nutrients.
But is almond milk safe to drink while you are pregnant? We take a look at the benefits and drawbacks of almond milk and consider any safety issues that there may be.
In this article
Can You Drink Almond Milk While Pregnant?
Drinking almond milk while you are pregnant is generally considered safe.
It is also considered better for you and your unborn baby as it is unsweetened (usually) and does not contain added thickeners or artificial flavorings. It would not be considered safe if you have any prior history of allergy.
One of the greatest benefits of almond milk is that it is suitable for you if you are lactose intolerant or unable to drink cows’ milk while you are pregnant.
It is also recommended that you consume almond milk in moderation as it can cause gastrointestinal issues if consumed in large quantities.
Benefits Of Consuming Almond Milk While Pregnant
There are some great benefits from drinking almond milk while you are pregnant, here are a few of them:
Antioxidants
Almond milk is high in antioxidants such as vitamin E and can help to prevent oxidative stress that can come with the wear and tear of pregnancy.
Heart Healthy
Almond milk contains a high concentration of omega 3 fatty acids, which helps to keep the heart-healthy.
Vitamins and Minerals
Almond milk is a healthy alternative to cow’s milk. It is a rich source of essential vitamins and minerals like
- Calcium
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin B12
- Vitamin D
Vegan Option
If you are a vegan then almond milk contains no animal by-products and will be a great addition to your vegan pregnancy diet.
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Bone Health
While you are pregnant your bones need some extra love and nutrition. This is why you need a calcium-rich diet and almond milk is a great source of calcium, helping to give your bones the extra love that they need.
Blood Pressure
During pregnancy, high blood pressure is a very serious concern and can lead to pre-eclampsia which can put both your life and that of your unborn baby at risk. The calcium in almond milk can help to maintain your blood pressure at a good level.
Gestational Diabetes
Many women suffer from gestational diabetes during their pregnancy. Almond milk can help to manage this as it contains ‘good sugar’ that does not affect your body negatively.
Easy To Store
One of the best benefits of almond milk is that it does not need to be kept in the fridge, unlike cow’s milk. Almond milk has a long shelf life and is a great option if you are planning to travel long distances while you are pregnant.
Skin Health
Skin problems are a common occurrence during pregnancy. After all, there are a lot of hormones racing around your body.
Almond milk contains vitamin E which can help to cure the acne and pigmentation that you may be suffering. It can also make your skin healthy and radiant.
Drawbacks Of Consuming Almond Milk While Pregnant
Although almond milk has some great benefits it doesn’t always suit every pregnant woman. Here are some of the reasons almond milk may not work for you:
Fat and Calories
Almond milk is low in calories and drinking it can make you feel weak. Almond milk also has lesser fat in comparison to soy milk.
Allergy
If you are or have been allergic to nuts then almond milk is not going to be a good option for you. There is the potential of an allergic reaction which can be dangerous while pregnant.
Thyroid Gland
Almond is a goitrogen, meaning that it can suppress the function of the thyroid gland. If you are suffering from any thyroid gland issues it would be best to avoid almond milk.
Protein
Almond milk is not a good source of protein as one cup contains only 1g of protein.
The benefits of almond milk far outweigh the drawbacks. But you do need to consider them and talk to your medical practitioner before starting to consume almond milk.
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How Many Calories Are There In Almond Milk?
Almond milk has fewer calories than cow’s milk. It also contains calcium, phosphorus, zinc, and riboflavin.
| 1 Cup of Sweetened Almond Milk | 1 Cup of Unsweetened Almond Milk |
| 60 calories | 30 calories |
| 2.5 g fat | 2.5 g fat |
| 7g sugar | 0g sugar |
| 1g protein | 1g protein |
Which Almond Milk is The Best?
While you are pregnant the best almond milk that you can choose should be unsweetened and have no added sugar.
During pregnancy, you should opt for brands that are:
- Pasteurized or heat-treated
- Contain no added sugar or sweeteners
- Fortified with calcium and vitamin D
Avoid almond milk that:
- Has a high sugar content. This will add unnecessary calories and can spike your blood sugar.
- Contains gums or emulsifiers
How To Make Your Own Almond Milk At Home
If you are not keen on purchasing ready-made almond milk due to the preservatives used, you could always make your own at home. Here is a quick video that shows you how to make your own tasty, low-fat almond milk at home.
If you want to add some extra flavor to your almond milk then you could add a pinch of cinnamon or cocoa powder.
The Final Thought
Almond milk is considered a safe option during pregnancy and has some amazing benefits. These benefits far outweigh the drawbacks.
Almond milk should be enjoyed as part of a balanced and healthy diet in order to keep both your baby and you in the best possible health.
