5 Surprising Health Benefits of Consuming Cherries During Pregnancy

Pregnancy is when you crave different foods and fruits, and cherries may be one of them! Everyone like to taste these yummy, red fruits, and pregnant ladies are no exception. The most important question arises here is; “Is it safe to consume cherries during pregnancy?” Why not! Cherries are delicious fruits and good sources of vitamins for pregnant ladies to consume during their pregnancy period.

In this article on Hipregnancy, we will cover all you need to know about consuming cherries during pregnancy, including nutritional value, health benefits, side effects, etc. If you want to try this delicious, juicy fruit while pregnant, read this article to the end.

Can pregnant women eat cherries during pregnancy?

While pregnant, your body needs to absorb nutrients more than before. As a result, you should do your best to consume nutrient-dense foods and best fruits during pregnancy. Good news for cherry lovers: “cherries are pregnancy-safe fruits.”

Cherries are good sources of vitamins, especially vitamin C, necessary for boosting the mother’s immune system during pregnancy. All ladies, who are not allergic to cherries, can enjoy eating cherries during pregnancy.

Remember that you should not overeat them and pit the cherries before consuming them because swallowing the seeds of this tasty fruit can be dangerous for you. In addition, overeating cherries can cause bloating, which doesn’t seem good to pregnant ladies.  

Although cherries are pregnancy-safe fruits, Hipregnancy recommends you consult your doctor before adding this fruit to your diet while you are pregnant. It is better to consult your healthcare provider before selecting all the food items and everything you want to do during pregnancy as this can ensure you there is not anything to hurt your baby.

Also Read: watermelon during pregnancy

Nutrients in cherries

Now, you know that cherries are a good source of vitamin C, but what about other nutrients? The following table shows you the key nutrients in cherries, and you will find how much beneficial eating cherries during pregnancy can be;

Nutrients	Amount
Calories	97 cal
Vitamin C	18% of the daily value(DV)
Protein	2 grams
Carbohydrates	25 grams
Fiber	3 grams
Potassium	10% of DV
Copper	5% of DV
Manganese	5% of DV

As you see, cherries are rich in nutrients needed for improving the health of both mom and baby. The moderation amount of cherries while pregnant can provide several health benefits, covered in the following parts. So, make sure to check out other parts of this article if you are eager to know more about this fruit.

[1: healthline]

Also Read: Strawberries While Pregnant

5 Health benefits of consuming cherries during pregnancy

Cherries contain key nutrients needed for the mother’s health and the baby’s growth. Here is a list of a few health benefits of this fruit for pregnant mothers and their babies. Let’s take a look at these amazing benefits;

• Boosting the immune system

This fruit is a good source of vitamin C, which can boost immune levels by removing free radicals. It can boost the immune system by fighting infections and diseases during pregnancy when the immunity levels are low.

• Preventing gestational diabetes

Gestational diabetes is a common complaint among pregnant ladies, and should be controlled to prevent complications during the sensitive time of pregnancy. Fortunately, cherries can control your blood sugar levels and as a result, can be a part of the best diet for gestational diabetes.

• Treating constipation

Pregnancy-related constipation is another problem that may happen to any of you. You need to consume fiber-rich foods to prevent or treat this problem. Cherries are high in fiber and can improve bowel movement, so consuming cherries during pregnancy help you to get rid of constipation.

• Promoting the brain health of the fetus

Cherries contain pigments known as anthocyanins, which can protect neural cells and promote the health of the newborns’ brain. In addition, you can reduce the risk of pregnancy-related forgetfulness by consuming these juicy, red fruits.

• Improving a sleep quality

Numerous pregnant ladies don’t have good and enough sleep due to various discomforts during pregnancy. An antioxidant in cherries known as melatonin, can promote better sleep while pregnant and improve your energy levels.

Also Read: side effects of avocado during pregnancy

How many cherries to eat a day during pregnancy

Although cherries are pregnancy-safe fruits, they should be eaten in moderation. You should follow the rule of moderation for all the foods and fruits you want to consume during pregnancy.

It is better to consult your doctor about the safe amount of cherries that can be eaten during your pregnancy, but as a general rule, you can consume about 25 sweet or 100 tart cherries per day.

Note that the mentioned numbers are just a general guideline for all pregnant ladies, and as each pregnancy is unique, the best amount for you might be another number based on your body’s need. Therefore, consulting your healthcare provider should be your priority before eating cherries during pregnancy.

Also Read: pregnancy nutrition app

Maraschino cherries during pregnancy

One of the top search questions of pregnant ladies about cherries is related to consuming maraschino cherries. Can pregnant women consume maraschino cherries? The short answer is yes, but let’s discuss it more.

Maraschino cherries are sweetened, preserved cherries made of light-colored types, such as Royall Ann, Gold, and Rained cherries. They are rich in potassium, calcium, and magnesium, but as they are sweetened, they should be eaten in moderation to prevent high blood sugar levels.

Hipregnancy warns mothers have gestational diabetes about consuming these kinds of cherries during pregnancy because it can increase blood sugar levels. These ladies should talk to their doctor before enjoying maraschino cherries.

Craving cherries during pregnancy

You may crave cherry while pregnant, but is it normal? Or is it a sign of nutritional deficiency?

Generally speaking, the exact reason for cravings during pregnancy is not obvious yet. We know that cravings, especially food cravings, are normal while pregnant and can be associated with hormonal changes in a pregnant lady’s body.

If you crave cherries during pregnancy, eat these juicy fruits in moderate quantities to keep your body hydrated and benefit from their vitamin C content and other essential nutrients. There is no need to be worried about craving cherries during pregnancy. That is normal and might happen to anyone.

Black cherry juice pregnancy

Cherry is available in different varieties, and black cherry is one of them. Black cherry is tasty and sweet, rich in calcium and iron. Drinking black cherry juice provides some health benefits, including;

• Reducing inflammation
• Lowering the risk of developing preeclampsia or high blood pressure
• Preventing obesity
• Reducing cardiovascular disease
• Promoting overall sleep quality
• Improving skin health
• Reducing fine lines and wrinkles

Note; since the juice form of the black cherry has more sugar than its fruit, you should have it once in a while. Moreover, if you have diabetes and should limit your sugar intake, consult your doctor before including black cherry juice in your diet.

Best recipes to enjoy cherry during pregnancy

 There are various cherry recipes worldwide; however, here are two healthy pregnancy recipes to have cherries during pregnancy, including;

Cherry lemonade

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 cup fresh cherries
• Honey to taste
• Some cold water
• Lemon wedges and mint leaves for garnishing

Method

• First, you should wash cherries under running water and then pit them
• Next, blend pitted cherries with some water and 2 tbsp lemon juice.
• Add some honey and more water to the mixture.
• Finally, pour the liquid into a glass, garnish it with mint leaves and lemon wedges, and enjoy drinking it. Yummy!

Cherry Lassi

Ingredients

• 4 cups fresh pitted cherries
• 2 cups of pasteurized milk
• 2 cups of yogurt
•  Sugar or honey to taste

Method

• Wash cherries thoroughly and pit them.
• Combine pitted cherries, milk, yogurt, and honey in a blender jar until smooth.
• Pour it into glasses and enjoy having it.

Note; check yogurt during pregnancy to know what kind of yogurt you can use.

Precautions to take while eating cherries during pregnancy

Hipregnancy wants to mention some precautions which should be taken seriously before consuming these yummy fruits in this part. These points may seem simple, but they ensure you will not face any problems after having this fruit during your pregnancy.

Let’s take a look at these beneficial points;

• Consult your doctor before adding this fruit to your pregnancy meal plan.
• Avoid eating dried cherries if you are allergic to sulphites. (Dried cherries are covered with this substance). Or you can dip them in warm water for about 30 minutes before consuming them.
• Wash the cherries thoroughly to prevent infections.

Side effects of eating cherry during pregnancy

Cherries will not harm you during pregnancy if you watch your portion and have them in moderate quantities. Otherwise, having too many cherries during pregnancy can have the following side effects;

• Allergic reactions, such as oral allergy syndrome
• Bloating
• Abdominal pain
• Gas
• Weight gain
• Increasing blood sugar level

Overeating healthy foods packed with nutrients can change them into unhealthy and harmful options. As a result, try to have cherries or other fruits and foods in moderation to support a healthy pregnancy.

Conclusion

Craving tasty fruits, like cherries, is normal during pregnancy, but are they safe to eat while pregnant? Fortunately, it is safe to consume cherries during pregnancy. But if you want to avoid problems, you should have them in moderated amounts mentioned in this article.

This fruit can benefit pregnant ladies as it contains key nutrients for the baby’s growth and development and the mother’s health.

Now, tell us about your experiences with cherries and pregnancy. “Did you eat cherries when pregnant?” Do share  your experiences with us and other moms-to-be all around the world.

FAQs