The advice to expectant mums used to be that they should avoid eating peanuts or other allergenic foods before or during pregnancy. However a new study published by Boston Children’s Hospital finds that the opposite may be true.
They studied over 10,000 women and their children and discovered that among mothers without peanut allergy, higher consumption of peanut was associated with lower risk of allergy in their offspring.
They conclude that early allergen exposure increases tolerance and lowers risk of childhood food allergy.
Peanuts are not technically a nut – they are a legume and rich in heart-friendly mono-unsaturated fats. They are also a good source of the mineral manganese, the vitamin B3 and protein. Peanut butter on wholemeal or rye toast makes a healthy low-GL breakfast, and adding a scoop of peanut butter to smoothies adds nutritional value and extra protein.
Peanuts can be susceptible to moulds and fungus, so make sure yours are fresh.
If you are interested in an individualised programme to improve your
child’s diet or would like help with other health issues, please call our nutritionists in our City based practice on 020 7375 2223 or send an email to info@vitalhealthnutrition.co.uk
Reference:
Frazier AL, Camargo CA Jr, Malspeis , Willett WC, Young MC (2013) Prospective Study of Peripregnancy Consumption of Peanuts or Tree Nuts by Mothers and the Risk of Peanut or Tree Nut Allergy in Their Offspring. JAMA Pediatr. 2013 Dec 23. doi: 10.1001/jamapediatrics.2013.4139. [Epub ahead of print]