How safe and necessary is the use of cherries during pregnancy and during breastfeeding?

Summer fruits and berries are generous sources of vitality, vigor and health, especially necessary for expectant and young mothers. During pregnancy and breastfeeding, cherry becomes not only a desirable delicacy, but also a real storehouse of vitamins, minerals and other substances demanded by the body. In order for the sweet aromatic berry to be beneficial, its menu should be turned on very carefully, taking into account the possible risks, as well as the health of both the mother and the baby.

Related article: Why is sweet cherry useful?

Composition and calorie content of cherries

During pregnancy and during the breastfeeding phase, the female body experiences incredible stress, requiring constant support with vitamins, mineral salts and other nutrients. Mothers-to-be and young mothers do not miss every opportunity to add fresh fruits, berries and vegetables to the menu. But since their nutrition is entirely reflected in the condition of the children, this should be done with extreme caution and prudence.

Why is sweet cherry useful for pregnant women? First of all, expectant mothers should pay attention to the set of vital vitamins, micro- and macroelements, the presence of natural antioxidants, pectins, flavonoids and coumarins.

Among the vitamins present in the juicy melting pulp: ascorbic acid, vitamin A and beta-carotene, vitamins PP, B1 and B2, E and K. In the ripening one of the first cherries there is a lot of iron, as well as trace elements such as potassium and calcium, magnesium, sodium and phosphorus. The sweetness of the fruit is provided by fructose, glucose and sucrose, which at the time of ripeness make up from 10 to 12% of the pulp mass.

Another advantage of the fruit crop is its relatively low calorie content. 100 grams of berries, depending on the variety and growing conditions, contain from 50 to 55 kcal. At the same time, cherry during pregnancy and breastfeeding is a source of non-coarse fiber that gently affects digestion.

Why is sweet cherry useful for pregnant and nursing mothers?

This composition allows it to be attributed to dietary products with a high concentration of nutrients:

1. Beta-carotene, in conjunction with vitamin A, is responsible for the health and renewal of all tissues, including skin, mucous membranes, bones, hair and nails.
2. B vitamins are involved in metabolic processes, regulate the functioning of the nervous and digestive systems, activate brain activity, together with vitamin E, they help to maintain cell regeneration, beauty and health of the skin.
3. Vitamin PP supports cellular respiration.
4. Ascorbic acid, contained in cherries, becomes an important source of energy during pregnancy, the deficit of which causes rapid fatigue, a drop in natural immunity, and deterioration of well-being and mood.

Coumarins, iron and other bioactive substances effectively improve the quality of blood, preventing the formation of blood clots, provoking atherosclerosis of cholesterol plaques and iron deficiency anemia. The anthocyanins in red berries counteract pressure build-up by supporting the vascular system.

In addition, the trace elements in the sweet, juicy pulp are essential for the heart, the well-coordinated work of the urinary system and liver, immunity and the maintenance of peace of mind.

The benefits of cherries during pregnancy

Fruit cherries gently stimulate the kidneys and, having a diuretic effect, help to get rid of excess fluid without delay, preventing not only edema, but also the accumulation of substances toxic for an adult and a small organism.

Juicy berries are also effective helpers in relation to the digestive system.

Fiber and organic acids of cherries during pregnancy stimulate the intestines, cleansing it of toxins, maintaining the balance of microflora and helping to cope with extremely unwanted constipation.

In the early stages, when the state of health deteriorates due to attacks of morning sickness, a few cherries:

• relieve hunger and vomiting;
• awaken the appetite;
• adjust the chair;
• without the use of medications will relieve headaches, eliminate dizziness.

In addition, ripe berries rich in vitamins, mineral salts and organic acids:

• have a tonic effect, having a beneficial effect on the development of the placenta and fetus;
• prevent iron deficiency anemia;
• strengthen blood vessels and heart;
• prevent the appearance of puffiness;
• stimulates the comprehensive cleansing of the body from toxins;
• strengthen bone and muscle tissue;
• improve the emotional state, preventing mood swings and the development of postpartum depression.

During late pregnancy, cherries help to gently regulate blood pressure and strengthen blood vessels. If there are no contraindications, a handful of berries will be an excellent prevention of varicose veins, will contribute to the early removal of harmful metabolic products from the body, and will support the heart of the future mother and fetus.

Is it possible to breastfeed cherries?

Newborns and young infants respond most sharply to changes in the maternal diet. Therefore, it is better to remove cherries from the menu for up to eight weeks when breastfeeding, even if it did not cause discomfort during pregnancy. Then a woman can again enjoy the taste of dessert berries, which will help replenish the body's reserves of vitamins, minerals and natural antioxidants, support digestion, prevent puffiness and promote body renewal.

Is it possible to breastfeed cherries? Yes, if you follow a reasonable measure, listen to the recommendations of your pediatrician and choose only high-quality berries.

Since fiber can increase intestinal peristalsis and cause colic in a baby, it is better to start eating berries with a tablespoon of juice per day, while monitoring the well-being and response of the child's body.

If the baby is calm, he has no signs of intestinal discomfort and skin irritation, the portion can be increased, and then the cherry itself can be included in the mother's menu. Moreover, the daily rate should not exceed 300 grams.

Danger of cherries during pregnancy and breastfeeding

To the question: "Is it possible for pregnant women to take cherries?" you can give an unambiguously positive answer. However, the benefits of eating berries will be only if the measures are followed and the recommendations of the observing doctor are followed. Contraindication to the inclusion of sweet cherries in the diet is:

• exacerbation of diseases associated with the digestive system;
• acidity gastritis;
• type 1 diabetes mellitus;
• exacerbation of pancreatitis.

If chronic diseases are in a stage of stable remission, or a woman is completely healthy, you can eat cherries during pregnancy and breastfeeding. But at the same time, she is very carefully introduced into the menu, constantly monitoring her well-being.

Young mothers and pregnant women with a tendency to allergies should pay special attention to the fact that red fruits are an order of magnitude more likely to cause a negative skin reaction, respiratory symptoms and digestive disorders than light-colored cherries.

And even if there are no allergies, like other contraindications, fresh cherries should be consumed during breastfeeding and before delivery in moderation. Only one handful of ripe berries can replenish stocks of nutrients. And an increase in the portion threatens not with pleasure, excessive gas formation, painful bloating and indigestion, extremely undesirable during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Why cherries are useful - video