Flax Seeds in Pregnancy: A Nutritional Boost or a Risk?

Eating flax seeds during pregnancy can have the following benefits:

• According to studies, consumption of flax seeds can prevent heart diseases as it has blood thinning properties.
• Consuming flaxseed prevents deadly diseases like cancer as it is rich in phytonutrients (elements found in some plants).
• Diabetes can be prevented due to the soluble fiber present in flaxseed.
• Flaxseed also provides relief from excessive heat which is a common problem during pregnancy.
• Flaxseed contains linoleic acid, alpha-linoleic acid, omega 3 polyunsaturated fats etc., which are essential during pregnancy as they help in the development of the fetus' brain.
• According to research, flaxseed helps in reducing bad cholesterol levels (LDL) and increasing good cholesterol levels (HDL). 
• Flaxseed has blood thinning properties.

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Eating flaxseed during pregnancy can have the following side effects:

• Do not eat raw flaxseeds, as it can also increase the level of BP. Consuming flaxseeds in excess can also cause nausea and diarrhea in pregnant women.
• If you are allergic to nuts, you may face problems like difficulty in breathing or stiffness. 
• Swelling of the lips is a common side effect of eating flaxseeds during pregnancy.
• Flaxseeds also contain some amount of cyanide, due to which eating them can also be toxic.

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If you want to avoid direct consumption of flaxseed, you can grind it and make a powder and take it with a smoothie or yogurt. You can also use flaxseed powder to garnish your salad or breakfast. Store it in an airtight container to keep it crisp. It is important to consume flax seeds during pregnancy. The body needs about 1.4g of alpha-linolenic acid a day. This means that consuming less than a teaspoon of flax seeds is completely safe.

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Take the following precautions while eating flaxseed during pregnancy:

• Do not use flaxseed oil during pregnancy without consulting a doctor. Keep in mind that it is safe to consume flaxseed in small quantities during pregnancy because consuming it in large quantities also causes hormonal imbalance.
• Do not consume too much flaxseed. This can lead to problems like diarrhea, so avoid excessive consumption of flaxseed.
• Consuming flaxseed in large quantities can cause many major hormonal changes in the body, so it is important to think about the harm caused by it before consuming any food item or it would be better to consult a doctor. Till now no research has been done on humans related to flaxseed. But animal tests have shown that excessive consumption of this seed can also prove harmful to the fetus, so you should always consult your doctor before including flaxseed as a part of your diet and only then reach any conclusion.

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Flaxseed can be consumed cautiously during pregnancy, as it contains omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, protein and antioxidants, which can be beneficial for the health of the mother and the baby. Consumption of flaxseed can help improve digestion, give energy to the pregnant woman and brain development of the baby. However, excessive consumption of flaxseed can cause hormonal changes, especially if women have hormone-related problems. Flaxseed contains a substance called lignan, which can have estrogen-like effects, so pregnant women should consume it in limited quantities and only after consulting a doctor.