Strawberries During Pregnancy - Useful Or Harmful?

2024 Author: Jasmine Walkman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 08:29

During this important period of life, pregnancy, a woman should be less careful, rest more, walk enough, be happy and, of course, eat better. However, this concept is perceived by many in different ways.

During pregnancy, women always want something special. Some want to eat only yogurt, others have a desire to eat meat or chocolate, and others simply have an irresistible desire to eat strawberries.

About strawberries - useful or harmful are they actually for pregnant women? Many claim that these fruits will definitely have a negative effect on the body - both the woman and the baby. Others point out the health benefits of this fresh spring fruit, namely during this period the woman needs fresh healthy foods. Let's look at where the truth is.

Based on popular understandings and beliefs, strawberries during pregnancy, in large quantities, are harmful. But this opinion actually applies to all people, regardless of the state of pregnancy or its absence. This is due to the fact that strawberry is an allergen. Therefore, if you overeat, you can definitely see a rash on the skin.

In moderation, strawberries are actually very useful. Why?

Strawberries have an extremely rich composition:

- They are rich in a large amount of vitamins, micro- and macronutrients and acids;

- They contain ascorbic acid, so you do not need to buy a vitamin from the pharmacy or waste time looking for quality oranges in the middle of spring, when there are strawberries everywhere. Vitamin C protects blood vessels, strengthens the immune system, acts as an antioxidant;

- The fruit contains both beta-carotene and vitamins A, E. They improve vision, regulate cell division;

- Vitamins B1 and B2 improve the work of the cardiovascular system and strengthen nerve endings;

- In addition to everything, strawberries contain vitamins B9, B12, PP, nicotinic acid, H, B7, K - phylloquinone, fluorine, copper and manganese.

Since strawberries can completely replace citrus fruits, which is extremely important for a pregnant woman, they can actually be consumed, but not in large quantities, as in general all other products. After all, anything can cause allergies, especially during pregnancy.

Their vitamin-rich composition helps to relieve and prevent many diseases and unpleasant moments in the female body. If you do not consume enough vitamins and minerals during pregnancy, the immune system will weaken and the body will not be able to produce antibodies against pathogenic microorganisms. Strawberry fruits are also an excellent antiseptic. They also normalize the work of the stomach and intestines.

Swelling often occurs during pregnancy. Some women get swelling right away, but most in the third trimester. Strawberries stimulate the kidneys, which eliminates excess fluid from the body.

Strawberries are useful and against the hypertension that often accompanies pregnancy. The microelements in the fetus reduce blood pressure, reduce lipids, which are the creators of atherosclerotic plaques.

Another problem during pregnancy is anemia. This condition is almost always combined with metabolic disorders. Strawberries will also help correct these problems.

Constipation, and then hemorrhoids, accompany pregnant women constantly. Fruits strengthen the large and small intestines, thus protecting women from the problems associated with these diseases, The benefits of strawberries for the cardiovascular system and the fact that they help strengthen the myocardium, are able to slow the accelerated heart rate during pregnancy.

The question immediately arises: Why not to eat strawberries during pregnancy, especially since they contain so many useful substances?

What harm can strawberries have for a pregnant woman

Given the vitamin composition and the huge number of benefits of this fruit, it should be known that there are contraindications for use.

For example, if a woman has ever had an allergic rash to food before pregnancy, then during pregnancy such a reaction may intensify. Strawberries can not only provoke red spots on the body, but also lead to sadder allergic consequences.

Strawberries are able to tone muscle tissue, increasing uterine hypertension, which can provoke premature birth or even miscarriage. Therefore, especially in the first months and with increased muscle tone, it is good to avoid.

In addition, oxalic acid, which is contained in strawberries, inhibits the calcium content in the body, which is so important during pregnancy.

Strawberry seeds have a negative effect on the lining of the stomach. It is not recommended to eat strawberries for those who suspect stomach or duodenal problems. Acids can worsen ulcers and other gastrointestinal diseases. This includes colic and gastritis.

Hypotonics should also not eat a lot of strawberries.

How can pregnant women eat strawberries so as not to harm them?

Strawberries in reasonable quantities can be included in the diet of a pregnant woman. But there are some rules to follow:

- Strawberries should not be eaten on an empty stomach. Even a milkshake with 3-4 strawberries can ruin your appetite and irritate the intestines. First, have breakfast with something that does not irritate the stomach and only then can you eat a few strawberries.

- During pregnancy, consume the fruit as fresh as possible (especially if it is spring or summer);

- During the winter you can eat jams, compotes and strawberry juice (homemade). But you shouldn't get carried away with them;

- A good snack is homemade yogurt, cottage cheese or sour cream with strawberries. In this way you supplement the beneficial properties of strawberries with lactic acid bacteria and natural calcium.

- The main thing in all this is not to abuse, but to introduce strawberries in the diet its no more than 2-3 times a week in small portions.