Blueberries are nutritious fruits often eaten raw and are a popular ingredient in most packaged foods like jam, jelly, and juice. Before you give way to your blueberry cravings during pregnancy, it is essential for you to know if the fruit is beneficial for you during this time.
Are blueberries good for pregnancy?
Blueberries, being a superfood, can be safely eaten in the first, second, and third trimester as it has a high nutritional value since it is low in calories and fats and high in vitamins and minerals.
One cup of fresh blueberries has about 24% of your RDA of Vitamin C, 32-36% of Vitamin K, and 25% of manganese. It is also a good source of folate, carbohydrates, potassium, and fiber. Besides the many health benefits of blueberries, their high fiber content makes them useful to have if you are suffering from constipation, a common issue in pregnancy.
Blueberries can be eaten fresh and may be added to your salad, but ensure to wash them thoroughly before having them raw. You can also make fresh blueberry juice or add them to your smoothie alongside bananas or strawberries and a dash of yogurt.
Are dried and frozen blueberries safe?
Dried and frozen blueberries are also considered safe, though they should be eaten in limited amounts since they are high in calories and sugar.
Chances of any adverse effects of having blueberries are low unless you overeat. In case you encounter any side effects or discomfort, do not delay in talking to your doctor.
References:
- https://happilo.com/blogs/nutritional-benefits/benefits-of-eating-blueberries-during-pregnancy
- https://www.momjunction.com/articles/is-it-safe-to-eat-blueberries-during-pregnancy_00348480/
- https://www.pregnancyfoodchecker.com/blueberries-good-pregnacy-benefits-safety/
- https://healthyeating.sfgate.com/can-pregnant-women-eat-blueberries-3659.html
Dr. Mashiach has completed his MD at the Sackler School of Medicine, TAU; specialization in gynecology at the Lis Maternity and Women’s Hospital, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center; fellowship in Endoscopy at the Polyclinique de I’Hotel-Dieu, Universite d’Auvergne, Clermont, France.
He is a Senior Physician, Director of the Department of Gynecology, which provides routine and preventative care services to its patients and a full range of gynecological surgical procedures for adequately managing its patients with benign gynecologic disorders.
He offers advanced care in all gynecological subspecialties such as Urogynecology, Colposcopy, Fetal Loss Clinic, and Post Menopausal Clinic.
