Are Cherries Good For Pregnancy? Benefits and Precautions

Are you trying to find what to eat while pregnant that satisfies your cravings while also giving you the nutrition you need? Cherries are well-liked and delicious fruit that are appreciated for their vivid color and sweet-tart flavor.

You’ve come to the right place if you’re curious whether cherries are safe to eat while pregnant. Are cherries good for pregnancy? Can they be a healthy addition to your diet while you’re expecting? Let’s explore the subject and learn why cherries are healthy for pregnant women.

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Nutritional Advantages & Benefits of Cherries while Pregnant

In addition to being delicious, cherries are also a great source of vital nutrients that can help keep you healthy throughout pregnancy. Here are a few of the main nutritional advantages of cherries:

Minerals and vitamins

Cherries are a great source of important nutrients including several vitamins and minerals that are vital for the health of both you and your unborn child. They are a great source of vitamin C, which helps the connective tissues in your baby’s body develop.

Additionally, cherries include potassium, which maintains healthy blood pressure levels and blood vessel function reducing the risk of high blood pressure during pregnancy and aiding in maintaining your body’s optimum fluid balance.

The folic acid in cherries also makes them a superb option for pregnant women with 200 grams giving 100mg of folic acid that makes a major portion of the recommended daily intake. Read more about how to choose prenatal vitamins so that you get one with the appropriate folate.

Antioxidants

Cherries are a rich source of antioxidants like quercetin and anthocyanins, which help shield your cells from cellular damage brought on by dangerous free radicals.

Your immune system may need help from these antioxidants as well, which may be particularly crucial this time as high immunity levels make you less vulnerable to disease and infection attacks which are frequent during pregnancy.

Neural cells in the developing baby may also be protected if you load yourself with antioxidants. Strawberries during pregnancy are another good option for antioxidants.

Fiber

Digestive problems, such as constipation, are frequently a side effect of pregnancy. Cherries are a good source of dietary fiber, therefore they can be helpful in this regard. Constipation, a frequent problem reported by many expectant mothers, is eased by fiber by promoting regular bowel movements.

Read more healthy pregnancy diet tips here.

Anti-Inflammatory Qualities

According to certain research, cherries have anti-inflammatory qualities since they contain substances like anthocyanins. These qualities play a vital role in reducing swelling and inflammation, which are frequent during pregnancy, particularly in the ankles and feet, and also help with joint pains.

Helps You Stay Hydrated

It’s important to drink enough water while pregnant, and cherries can help with that. While cherry juice and adding cherries to water-infused recipes both have hydrating properties, fresh cherries also have a high water content. Staying hydrated keeps your energy levels high during pregnancy when it is common to feel fatigued, particularly during a summer pregnancy.

How To Make Cherries A Part Of Your Diet While Pregnant

Following our discussion of the nutritional value of cherries during pregnancy, let’s look at some of the best ways for including them in your diet:

Cherries in season

Cherries make a great healthy pregnancy snack. Snack between meals on a handful or cup of fresh cherries. To add flavor and nutrients, you may also mix them into yogurt or fruit salad. Cherry quinoa salad makes a healthy combination.

While fresh is best, dried cherries are good too. Just watch for added sugar.

Cherries in smoothies

For a tasty and nutrient-rich pregnancy smoothie, combine yogurt or milk with fresh or frozen cherries after removing the cherry pit. To increase the amount of vitamins and minerals, you can add additional fruits or vegetables. Cherry almond smoothie is a good option too.

This third trimester smoothie has cherries and dates and can help you prepare for labor.

Homemade cherry compote

It can be made by boiling cherries with some water and a natural sweetener, such as honey. A good idea is to top pancakes, waffles, or cereal with the compote.

Cherry-infused water

To make a hydrating and refreshing beverage, add a few fresh cherries to a pitcher of water and let them steep. This might be a fantastic substitute for sodas or drinks with added sugar.

This list of healthy drinks for pregnancy has some more good options.

Frozen Cherries

Stock up on frozen cherries for a quick and wholesome snack. They can be included in smoothies, baked into pies, or muffins, or just eaten as a frozen treat on their own.

Try different cherry recipes to give your diet variety and explore your favorite combination.

Considerations and Precaution

While cherries are often healthy to eat while expecting, it’s crucial to keep the following things in mind:

Allergies

It is advised to stay away from cherries and other fruits during pregnancy if you have a known allergic reaction to them to avoid any possible adverse situation.

Pesticide Remainder

When possible, choose organic cherries to reduce your exposure to pesticide residue. The risk of pesticide exposure is lower because organic cherries are grown without the use of artificial pesticides.

This pregnancy nutrition course has some excellent information about avoiding pesticides and harmful chemicals while pregnant.

Wash thoroughly

As a safety guideline for consuming cherries during pregnancy, wash them thoroughly before eating to remove any potential residues or contaminants.

Avoid unpasteurized cherry products

To lessen the potential risks of food-borne illnesses, you should avoid unpasteurized cherry products like fresh cherry juice.

Moderation

It’s crucial to eat cherries in moderation, just like any other meal. While cherry consumption can have several positive health benefits, it can also cause your diet to become unbalanced, and too much consumption of sweet cherries can increase the risk of gestational diabetes by increasing the blood sugar levels due to their high sugar content so stay in moderation. Tart cherries must also be eaten with caution. Throughout your pregnancy, try to eat a variety of fruits and vegetables as part of a balanced pregnancy diet.

Consult your healthcare provider

Before making any big dietary changes while pregnant, it’s usually a good idea to speak with your doctor or a trained dietitian. They can offer you individualized guidance based on your unique medical requirements and any pre-existing disorders.

Other Foods to Think About During Pregnancy

There are a number of other foods that are safe to eat during pregnancy besides cherries that can improve your nutrient intake and support a healthy pregnancy.

Think about including these foods in your diet too:

Leafy Greens

Swiss chard, kale, and spinach are full of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. During pregnancy, critical nutrients including folate, iron, and calcium are provided by them.

Berries

They are loaded with antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins. They make a tasty and wholesome snack or addition to breakfast.

Legumes

Excellent plant-based sources of protein, fiber, and iron include lentils, chickpeas, and beans. They can be used to make savory dips, soups, and salads.

Whole Grains

Choose whole grains like brown rice, whole wheat bread, and quinoa. They offer fiber, important nutrients, and long-lasting energy.

Lean Proteins

Opt for lean protein sources including chicken, fish, tofu, and eggs. Your baby’s growth and development depend on protein.

Dairy goods

Calcium-rich foods like milk, yogurt, and cheese help your baby’s bones and teeth grow. When feasible, use low- or no-fat variants.

These nutrient-dense foods can assist in ensuring that you and your unborn child obtain a wide array of necessary vitamins, minerals, and other advantageous substances. Make sure to add these foods to your pregnancy grocery shopping list!

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Cherries – A Delicious and Nutritious Addition to Your Pregnancy Diet

Cherries can be a healthy addition to your diet during pregnancy. They provide a variety of nutritional advantages, such as essential nutrients including vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, fiber, and assistance for hydration. Cherries may enhance the flavor of your meals and snacks while also giving you and your unborn child the nutrients you need for a healthy pregnancy.

Remember:

Cherries should be consumed in moderation
choose organic types to lessen your exposure to pesticides
always wash thoroughly
consult your health care provider if you have any questions

Cherries are a pregnancy-friendly food that you may eat to fuel yourself and your growing child while also encouraging a healthy and active pregnancy.