Flaxseed in Pregnancy: Is It Safe To Consume During Pregnancy 

There is a lot of literature on nutritional requirements during one's pregnancy. Can pregnant women eat flax seeds? Pregnant women are often recommended to add nutrients to their diet to have a healthy pregnancy. This includes consuming flaxseeds, which are a superfood. Let's take a look at the benefits of flaxseed during pregnancy and how to consume flax seeds during pregnancy.

Are flaxseeds safe to eat while pregnant?

Flaxseeds have a high amount of fiber and protein value. This is what makes them a top choice for consumption during pregnancy, as, during this time, the body requires a high amount of nutrients, which one can easily derive from flaxseed. Wondering if flaxseed is good for pregnancy? Let's find out.

During pregnancy, women also face a lot of bloating and constipation, so this makes consuming flaxseed important as it is known to ease constipation and even help reduce cholesterol. Flaxseeds have also been associated with lowering blood pressure and aiding in weight loss. While many people have their doubts about consuming flaxseed during pregnancy, doctors and nutritionists suggest that it may be consumed in moderate amounts in a ground form. It is best to consult an expert to check if your body responds well to flaxseed during pregnancy.

What are flaxseeds?

Flaxseeds are derived from the flax plant. Flaxseeds are flowering plants that have several functions, which include both commercial and production-based use. Flaxseeds are used for spinning linen, creating paints etc. Flaxseeds can be consumed in many forms. They can either be consumed whole, ground into meals, or even processed as flaxseed oil, more commonly referred to as linseed oil.

What is flaxseed oil?

Flaxseed oil is derived from flaxseeds and is available in the market in both capsule and liquid forms. Typically, flaxseed is consumed by those who are looking to manage blood sugar, lower cholesterol or even manage digestive issues and conditions. Flaxseed oil has also been known to benefit those suffering from inflammatory diseases.

Can you consume flaxseeds and flaxseed oil when pregnant?

While there is not much literature or research on the detrimental effects or risks associated with flaxseed during pregnancy, especially in oil form, nutritionists and experts suggest that consuming flaxseed in oil form could be avoided during pregnancy, whereas ground form can be taken moderately.

Notwithstanding the above, many experts suggest that flaxseed oil or flaxseeds are highly beneficial for pregnancy as they contain omega-3 fatty acids. So even after pregnancy, during a woman's nursing or breastfeeding period, flaxseed consumption can do good to the body and the newborn.

Is it risky to eat too much flaxseed during pregnancy?

According to experts, there may be some concerns around the consumption of large amounts of flaxseed during pregnancy, as it could affect the body's hormone levels. Nonetheless, moderate amounts are safe to consume.

Potential nutritional advantages during pregnancy if taken in acceptable doses

Flaxseeds are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are specially required by pregnant women. Omega-3s contribute greatly to a baby's brain development. They are found in flaxseeds but can also be consumed via other sources like pregnancy-safe fish like herring, salmon and trout if you are concerned about the risks associated with consuming too much flaxseed. Flaxseeds can also be found in chia seeds, canola oil, soybean oil and walnuts.

Nutritionally, flaxseeds are excellent for regulating sugar levels among pregnant women and help them relieve constipation as a great source of fibers. If you are consuming a lot of flaxseed, make sure to drink plenty of water to reduce the risk of any side effects in the digestive system.

Potential risks and side effects that might occur during pregnancy

One of the main risks of consuming flaxseed is digestive issues like constipation or bloating. Pregnant women may be susceptible to this if they don't consume enough water to help the body digest all the fibers from the flaxseed. Additionally, omega-3 supplements might interfere with other medications being consumed during pregnancy and may lead to bleeding problems, so it is best to consult an expert before consuming them. Raw flaxseeds are not safe for consumption as they may be toxic.

What about while you're breastfeeding or chest-feeding?

While there is not enough literature on the consumption of flaxseed and its adverse/beneficial effects during breastfeeding or chestfeeding, it may be consumed in moderate amounts. It is always best to consult with an expert to understand your personal needs and how the consumption of flaxseed can benefit you and your newborn.

References

1. Khan G, Penttinen P, Cabanes A, Foxworth A, Chezek A, Mastropole K, Yu B, Smeds A, Halttunen T, Good C, Mäkelä S, Hilakivi-Clarke L. (2007). Maternal flaxseed diet during pregnancy or lactation increases female rat offspring's susceptibility to carcinogen-induced mammary tumorigenesis.

2. Correia-Santos AM, Vicente GC, Suzuki A, Pereira AD, dos Anjos JS, Lenzi-Almeida KC, Boaventura GT. (2015). Maternal use of flaxseed oil during pregnancy and lactation prevents morphological alterations in pancreas of female offspring from rat dams with experimental diabetes.

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