During pregnancy, it is very important to eat healthily, and fruit is often associated with good nutrition. Strawberries are some of the favorites of pregnant women, but are they really good for them? How many strawberries are a pregnant woman allowed to eat?
Is a pregnant woman allowed to eat strawberries?
It is not forbidden to eat strawberries during pregnancy, especially as they are rich in vitamin C. This helps the fetus to develop and the pregnant woman to absorb iron from her diet, eliminating the risk of anemia. What’s more, quality carbohydrates are just what a pregnant woman needs for energy.
The nutritional profile of strawberries
According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) one strawberry is about 7 grams, and a cup full of these fruits is around 166 grams.
A cup of strawberries has about 53 kcal, 12.75 g carbohydrates, 27 g calcium, 22 mg magnesium, 40 g phosphorus, 245 mg potassium, 40 mcg folic acid, and 97.6 mg vitamin C. With so many valuable nutrients, it’s clear that pregnant women will benefit from eating strawberries.
Strawberries in pregnancy. Benefits for the pregnant woman
Helps prevent neural tube defects. Studies show that 400 mcg of folic acid reduces the risk by 50%. Strawberries have 40mcg per 166 grams, so you can eat them without any problems.
Helps replenish red blood cells. A drop in the number of red blood cells in the body leads to anemia. The significant intake of vitamin C in strawberries makes iron more easily absorbed, so the risk of anemia decreases.
Increases immunity. Vitamin C also helps maintain a strong immune system. It helps fight diseases.
Keep blood pressure within normal limits. During pregnancy, a woman needs 4,700 mg of potassium for the cardiovascular system to circulate correctly. Strawberries naturally have this nutrient, which makes them also helpful in normalizing blood pressure, nervous system, and muscle function.
Strawberries also contain vitamin B and fiber, which are beneficial for hormone regulation and gastrointestinal health.
As with any food, strawberries should be eaten in moderation. Any excess is harmful.
What adverse effects can come from strawberries in pregnancy?
You need to be cautious when consuming strawberries in pregnancy. If you know you have an allergy to these fruits, it is best to avoid them. Allergic reactions include swelling of the throat and mouth and itching.
Another thing to bear in mind is that strawberries can contain significant amounts of pesticides. To avoid this, it would be prudent to choose organic strawberries.
Before eating any fruit, it is best to wash it thoroughly under cold running water. Also, if you are taking medication, talk to your doctor, who is supervising your pregnancy, to see if the treatment does not interfere with eating strawberries.
How do you introduce strawberries into your diet during pregnancy?
It is best to eat fresh strawberries. This way, you can add them to plain yogurt. You can also use them in various recipes. You can make jams, syrups, or jellies to eat for breakfast or as a snack throughout the day. You can also make ice creams or lemonades.
Strawberries can be frozen for eating in the cold season. They retain all their nutritional benefits in this way.
How do you choose and store strawberries?
When choosing strawberries, you should pay attention to the color, which should be bright red. The leaves should be green and spotless. If you find mildew on them, it’s better not to buy them.
Strawberries should be kept cold. However, be aware that they don’t last very long, so eat them as soon as possible.
Why do pregnant women crave strawberries?
The most common reason a pregnant woman craves strawberries is that she may have a mineral deficiency. Vitamin C, magnesium, and calcium are among the nutrients that are lacking in the body and make a pregnant woman crave strawberries.
Can strawberries induce labor?
There is no evidence to show that eating strawberries induces pregnancy. However, if you have any doubts about this, ask your doctor.
Summary
During pregnancy, it is very important to eat healthily, and fruit is associated with good nutrition. Strawberries are rich in vitamin C, which helps the fetus to develop and the pregnant woman to absorb iron from her diet, eliminating the risk of anemia. They are also helpful in normalizing blood pressure and nervous system function. You need to be cautious when consuming strawberries in pregnancy. Organic strawberries can contain significant amounts of pesticides, so choose them carefully.
If you are taking medication, talk to your doctor to see if it interferes with eating strawberries. Allergic reactions include swelling of the throat and mouth and itching.