Cherry Consumption During Pregnancy: Safe Or Not?

is cherry safe during pregnancy

Cherries are a safe and healthy snack for pregnant women, packed with vitamins, minerals, protein, iron, calcium, and folic acid. They are a good source of vitamin C, which helps fight infections and strengthens blood vessels, ensuring efficient blood supply to the placenta and baby. Cherries also contain melatonin, which can help induce sleep, and anthocyanins, which reduce inflammation and swelling.

However, it is important to eat pitted cherries in moderation, as overeating them can cause bloating and gas. Pregnant women with gestational diabetes should also avoid cherries.

Characteristics Values
Safe to eat during pregnancy Yes, unless you are allergic or have gestational diabetes
Nutritional benefits Good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, calcium, dietary fibre, riboflavin, iron, potassium, vitamin K, phosphorus, and vitamin E
Benefits Help to cure coughs and colds, loaded with protein, vitamins and minerals, control blood pressure, relieve muscle aches, low calorie, improve sleep, relieve constipation, boost immunity, promote brain health, relieve fatigue, regulate swelling and inflammation
Precautions Consult a doctor if you have a medical condition, only eat pitted cherries, wash cherries before eating
Side effects Tummy ache, gas, bloating, allergic reactions

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Cherries are safe to eat during pregnancy

  • Cherries are a good cure for coughs and colds. They also help with asthma and bronchitis.
  • Cherries are packed with calcium, iron, minerals, and proteins, making them a wonderful snack during pregnancy.
  • Cherries help regulate blood pressure and reduce the risk of preeclampsia.
  • Cherries have anti-inflammatory properties that provide relief for women suffering from muscular issues and pain during pregnancy.
  • Cherries are low in calories, making them a weight-conscious pregnant woman's friend.
  • Cherries contain melatonin, which helps induce sleep.
  • Cherries are loaded with fibre and are an ideal alternative to laxatives, helping to normalise bowel movements and get rid of constipation.
  • Cherries are packed with vitamin C, providing an excellent boost to immunity levels, keeping different kinds of diseases at bay.
  • Cherries contain anthocyanin, which is ideal for protecting neural cells and stimulating the promotion of the brain health of the foetus.
  • Cherries are loaded with water content, providing an energy boost and helping to keep fatigue away.
  • Anthocyanin in cherries has been found to be effective in lowering inflammation, joint pains, and swelling that normally occurs during pregnancy.

However, it is important to take some precautions while consuming cherries during pregnancy:

  • Consult a doctor if you are suffering from any medical issues.
  • Consume only pitted cherries as the fruit pits, leaves, and bark contain traces of a poisonous chemical known as hydrocyanic acid.
  • If you have gestational diabetes, it is not advisable to consume cherries.
  • Ensure that cherries are washed well before eating to avoid bacteria that can trigger unwanted infections.

While cherries are beneficial during pregnancy, some adverse effects may occur, such as tummy aches, gas issues, and bloating. Additionally, eating cherries can trigger allergic reactions in some women. Therefore, moderation is essential while consuming this fruit during pregnancy, and it is always recommended to consult a doctor before making any changes to your diet.

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Cherry pits are dangerous

The amount of cyanide in cherry pits varies depending on the type of cherry. For example, red cherry pits are estimated to contain 3.9mg of amygdalin per gram of fruit, while the Morello cherry pit contains 65mg per gram.

Symptoms of cyanide poisoning include dizziness, nausea, seizures, convulsions, and difficulty breathing. In very severe cases, cyanide poisoning can lead to loss of consciousness, sudden loss of blood flow to vital organs, and death.

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Cherries help with sleep

Cherries are one of the only natural food sources of melatonin, the chemical that controls the body's internal clock to regulate sleep. Melatonin is a sleep hormone that is secreted at certain times of the day to help the body transition to sleep.

Tart cherries, in particular, are high in melatonin and have been found to improve sleep quality. In one small study, participants experienced longer and more refreshing sleep after consuming a juice concentrate made from this fruit. Another study found that older adults with dementia who drank about 6 ounces of tart cherry juice for 12 weeks showed improvement in short- and long-term memory.

Tart cherries also contain more melatonin than your body normally produces. To get enough melatonin to affect your sleep cycle, you would need to eat either 25 tart cherries or 100 sweet cherries. That's why people who want to use cherries as a sleep aid usually get the proper portion from a concentrated juice. Taken about an hour before going to sleep, this single refreshing glass can be a one-way ticket to a good night's sleep.

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Cherries are a good source of vitamin C

Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is vital for keeping your body healthy. It helps your body absorb iron, produce collagen, and defend against cell damage. It also plays a role in iron absorption, allowing your bloodstream to carry oxygen around your body and to your baby.

Vitamin C is also important for connective tissue, bone, and tooth health. It helps repair body tissues, heal wounds and cuts, and maintains the health of your teeth and gums. It is also essential for strong immunity, helping to fight off infections such as the common cold and rashes.

A cup of pitted sweet cherries provides 18% of the Daily Value (DV) of vitamin C.

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Cherries can cause bloating and gas

Cherries are a nutritious snack, packed with vitamins, minerals, protein, iron, calcium, folic acid, and antioxidants. However, they can also cause bloating and gas, which may be uncomfortable and distressing.

Bloating and gas can occur when the sugar in cherries draws water into the digestive tract, affecting how the muscles in the bowel wall contract. This can lead to constipation, causing further bloating.

Additionally, cherries are high in fructose and sorbitol, which are types of FODMAPs (fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols). FODMAPs are carbohydrates that the small intestine does not absorb well. If you have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or another digestive condition and consume cherries, you may experience gas, bloating, stomach pain, and diarrhoea.

To minimise the risk of bloating and gas, it is recommended to consume cherries in moderation. A typical serving size is about 5 ounces or 21 cherries. Eating more than this amount increases the risk of digestive upset. It is also advisable to avoid consuming cherries on an empty stomach. Combining cherries with other foods that have low or no fructose, such as lean meats, cheddar cheese, oats, eggs, or nuts and seeds, can help reduce the likelihood of bloating and gas.

If you are prone to bloating and gas after consuming cherries, gentle movement, drinking plenty of water, and taking anti-gas or anti-diarrheal medications can provide relief.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, cherries are safe to eat during pregnancy. They are a good source of vitamin C and other nutrients that can boost your immune system. However, make sure to remove the pits as they contain traces of a poisonous chemical.

Cherries are loaded with vitamins, minerals, and proteins. They can help with coughs, colds, asthma, and bronchitis, and can also provide relief from muscle aches and pains. They are also said to improve sleep and boost energy levels.

Some women have reported tummy aches, gas, and bloating after consuming cherries during pregnancy. It is also important to note that cherries may trigger an allergic reaction in some individuals.

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