Chestnuts and pregnancy: a winning combination?

During pregnancy, it is essential for expectant mothers to pay close attention to their diet. Among the foods that can be beneficial during this period are chestnuts. Although they are sometimes overlooked, these little gems have a great deal of nutritional value. On today's agenda, we look at whether chestnuts are a good choice for pregnant women and what precautions to take when eating them.

Chestnuts: calories to meet your energy needs

Pregnancy is a stage of life that demands a significant expenditure of energy. In order to meet the needs of the growing baby, it is important for the pregnant woman to consume enough calories. In this regard, chestnuts can seem like an excellent choice, as they are relatively calorie-dense. Indeed, 100 grams of chestnuts contain approximately 200 kcal.

A quick and efficient source of energy

One of the reasons chestnuts provide so much energy is their carbohydrate content.
These are mainly in the form of starch, which is quickly converted into sugar in the body, providing an immediate source of energy. This can prove very useful in cases of cravings or energy dips during pregnancy.

The nutritional elements found in chestnuts

In addition to their caloric contribution, chestnuts have a very interesting nutritional profile for pregnant women. They are notably rich in:

B vitamins: these vitamins play a crucial role in the development of the baby's nervous system and can help prevent neural tube defects. Chestnuts are a good source of vitamins B1, B2, B6, and especially folate (vitamin B9), which is often recommended in supplement form during pregnancy.

Dietary fibre: to promote healthy digestion and limit the discomfort associated with constipation, which is common in pregnant women.

Potassium: this mineral is essential for the proper functioning of the muscles and heart, and can help regulate blood pressure.

Magnesium: involved in several biological processes, including energy production, it also has a relaxing effect on the muscles and helps combat stress and fatigue.

Antioxidants: chestnuts contain phenolic compounds with antioxidant properties that protect the body's cells against the harmful effects of free radicals.

How to eat chestnuts during pregnancy?

During pregnancy, there are several ways to incorporate chestnuts into your diet.

You can, for example:

Roast them in the oven or in a pan.

Add them to dishes such as soups, risottos, or salads.

Turn them into chestnut flour to make your own recipes for bread, cakes, and other baked goods.

Opt for chestnut purées or creams, which are ideal served with plain yoghurt or fresh cheese. Do be careful, however, with ready-made products that may contain a great deal of added sugar.

Precautions to take when eating chestnuts

As with any other food during pregnancy, there are certain precautions to observe when consuming chestnuts:

Check the origin of the chestnuts: make sure you buy chestnuts from unpolluted areas, free from pesticides and contaminants.

Wash the chestnuts thoroughly: before cooking them, rinse them carefully under cold running water to remove any traces of dirt, mould, or bacteria.

Do not eat raw chestnuts: they may contain lectins, proteins that are potentially harmful to health. Cooking destroys these, making chestnuts safe to eat.

Chestnuts and pregnancy: finding the right balance

In summary, chestnuts offer several nutritional benefits during pregnancy, particularly through their content of B vitamins, fibre, minerals, and antioxidants.

They therefore represent a very interesting source of energy and nutrients for pregnant women. However, it is important to consume them in moderation and to observe certain precautions when buying and preparing them.

This way, you can fully enjoy the benefits of chestnuts whilst ensuring the healthy development of your baby.