You start giving more importance to food as soon as you get pregnant – not because you feel hungrier, but because you want to ensure that whatever you eat will benefit your baby. Suddenly, you start scrutinising every bite – is this good for the baby? Should I be eating this?
Many foods are considered unhealthy during pregnancy, and many others have been wrongly defamed. One such fruit is the cherry! Eating cherries during pregnancy is often debatable. While some people question the safety of consuming this sweet and tangy fruit during pregnancy, others happily vouch for its benefits.
So, what’s the truth?
Yes, cherries are absolutely safe to eat during pregnancy. In fact, they’re not just safe – they’re packed with nutrients that can support both your health and your baby’s development.
Let’s dive into some of the most common myths surrounding cherries in pregnancy, and explore the real benefits of including them in your prenatal diet.
The Nutritional Goodness of Cherries
Do not get fooled by the tiny size of this little red fruit. Cherries are loaded with important nutrients that bring a whole lot of goodness to your pregnant body and the developing baby. Cherries are rich in:
- Vitamin C – helps boost your immune system and improve iron absorption
- Potassium – regulates blood pressure, which is crucial during pregnancy
- Iron and Folate – important for fetal development and preventing anaemia
- Magnesium – helps with muscle function and sleep
- Antioxidants – reduce inflammation and support overall health
So, the next time you want to satisfy your sweet cravings, pop in cherries without any guilt. You will do yourself a favour by avoiding sugar-loaded processed snacks and packing in a nutritious punch instead.
Benefits of Eating Cherries in Pregnancy
Cherries are easily incorporated into your pregnancy diet. They top the list of healthy snacks for pregnant women. Here are some benefits of cherries listed below: 2
Supports Healthy Blood Pressure
Cherries are high in potassium. Many pregnant women deal with gestational hypertension and fluctuations in blood pressure. Consuming cherries helps to keep things stable because of their high potassium content.
Promotes Better Sleep
Cherries contain natural melatonin. Pregnancy may bring sleep issues to many women, who end up tossing and turning throughout the night. Consuming cherries helps support better sleep quality, especially in the third trimester.
Aids Digestion
Cherries are loaded with fibre. Pregnancy brings constipation issues in many women. If you are dealing with pregnancy constipation, adding cherries to your diet daily might bring some relief.
Helps Reduce Inflammation
Cherries are full of powerful antioxidants like anthocyanins and polyphenols. Some women may experience inflammation and body aches during pregnancy. Consuming cherries may help calm inflammation and ease aches.
Encourages Healthy Fetal Development
Cherries are high in iron and folate. Pregnancy is the time you need food items that support fetal brain development and give you protection against anaemia. Consuming cherries during pregnancy boosts the quantity of iron naturally in your body.
How to Eat Cherries Safely During Pregnancy
Cherries rank high on the list of fruits to eat during pregnancy. The best way to consume this fruit is fresh. You can also toss them in the blender to make smoothies or milkshakes. This fruit makes a wonderful add-on to yoghurt and salads too. Just keep in mind a few points:
- Always wash them thoroughly to remove pesticides
- Remove the pits before eating
- Avoid canned cherries that may be packed in sugar syrup or preservatives
- If drinking cherry juice, go for unsweetened and limit the portion size
- Limit consumption to 15 to 20 cherries at a time, as consuming more might lead to bloating or indigestion.
Common Myths About Cherries in Pregnancy
There are a lot of common myths around eating cherries in pregnancy. Let’s debunk these myths:
- Cherries cause miscarriage.
- No, they don’t. There’s no scientific evidence supporting this. Cherries are perfectly safe unless you have a specific allergy or have been advised otherwise by your doctor.
- They’re too cold for the womb.
- This idea often comes from traditional beliefs, not medical science. There’s nothing “cold” about cherries in terms of harming your womb or affecting your baby.
- Cherries spike blood sugar.
- Actually, cherries have a relatively low glycemic index and can be safely consumed in moderation – even by women with gestational diabetes, unless otherwise advised by a healthcare professional.
Wrapping Up – So is it Safe to Eat Cherries While Pregnant?
To set the record straight, eating cherries in pregnancy is not only safe, but also very good for health. But ensure that you have fresh, seasonal cherries.
Every woman wants to make nourishing food choices for herself as well as for her growing child. Cherries support long-term health in both, and so does another step taken at birth – preserving your baby’s cord blood stem cells.
These cells can regenerate and are being used in treatments for over 80 medical conditions today – including certain blood disorders, immune deficiencies, and some types of cancer. It’s a simple step that could one day make a life-saving difference.
To learn more about how you can preserve your baby’s stem cells with LifeCell’s Stem Cell Bank, visit this page. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that’s definitely worth exploring.