Strawberries during pregnancy - benefits and harms

We all love strawberries from childhood. A ripe and juicy fruit pleases us only a few months a year, but manages to enrich the body with vitamins and minerals.

Unfortunately, this delicious berry is far from useful for everyone. Until now, doctors disagree about the benefits of strawberries during pregnancy. The concentrated fruit contains a lot of extracts and acids, which can negatively affect the health of the future mother and child.

That is why, before consuming berries, it is necessary to consult with your doctor and allergist, undergo an examination of the kidneys and excretory system.

Chemical composition

The small berry from the garden is a valuable source of vitamins and organic acids. Its composition would be envied by the most expensive synthetic drug:

• mono- and disaccharides;
• vitamins of groups A, B, C, PP, E, as well as biotin;
• pectins;
• anthocyanins;
• flavonoids (quercetrin, quercetin and others);
• tanning components;
• essential oils;
• essential amino acids (leucine, lysine, methionine, valine, tryptophan and others);
• antioxidants (procyanidins, anthocyanins, catechins and others);
• interchangeable amino acids (arginine, tyrosine, alanine, aspartic, glutamine and others);
• macroelements (calcium, sulfur, chlorine, magnesium, sodium, potassium and others);
• dietary fiber;
• polyunsaturated acids (omega-3);
• starch;
• ash.

Organic acids (salicylic, phosphoric, glycolic, citric, quinic, malic, succinic, oxalic and others).

Trace elements (iron, cobalt, zinc, manganese, iodine, copper, chromium, fluorine, vanadium, boron, molybdenum and others).

Despite the saturated composition and sugar, the calorie content of strawberries remains low - only 41 kcal per 100 g.

The benefits of strawberries during pregnancy

Vitamin A or beta-carotene is involved in the development of the organs of vision, the retina of the embryo and the visual pigment (rhodopsin). He also maintains the visual acuity of the future mother, improves the condition of the skin and hair.

Ascorbic acid is found in excess in strawberries. Just a few pieces of berries makes up for the daily need for vitamin, providing powerful immunity and good resistance to colds. Also, the component protects tissues from damage, promotes the absorption of iron.

Vitamin E is needed for the full development of the placenta and the regulation of the gestational circle of blood circulation in it. It also provides the formation and regeneration of tissues, mucous surfaces. Vitamin A is directly involved in lipid metabolism, which prevents the accumulation of cholesterol cells. It stimulates the production of red blood cells, affects the secretory function of the sex glands and the production of hormones that support pregnancy.

B vitamins lay the fetal neural tube from which the brain develops. They also affect the development of the internal organs of the child, its full growth. Vitamins in combination with magnesium protect the expectant mother from mood swings, increased nervousness and irritability, and anxiety.

Dietary fiber along with pectins cleanses the body of toxins, free radicals, toxins, metal salts and metabolites. Thanks to the fibers, the stomach and intestines restore motility, which helps to avoid digestive problems (chronic constipation or diarrhea).

Calcium, together with phosphorus, ensures the formation of the baby’s musculoskeletal system, prevents the depletion of bone and cartilage of a pregnant woman, and reduces the risk of fractures and dislocations during childbirth.Calcium provides the laying of milk teeth in the child, supports and protects the pregnant woman's enamel from decay.

Potassium stimulates the contraction of the heart muscle, which indirectly regulates blood flow and pressure. Also, the macrocell provides the work of other internal organs, maintains the body's acidity and water-salt balance.

Magnesium stabilizes the emotional background of the pregnant woman, provides a calm and prolonged sleep. It also stimulates coagulation in the blood, affects the heart rate and pressure.

It is very difficult to get iodine from food, but the expectant mother and child also need it. It provides the formation of the brain, heart and genitals of the embryo. And in the future mother, the microelement is responsible for the endocrine system. Iodine deficiency manifests itself in the form of increased fatigue, loss of concentration, deterioration in appearance (hair loss, brittle nails, etc.).

Sulfur is involved in metabolism, regulates the secretion of insulin and bile.

Copper in the composition of strawberries controls the endocrine glands (adrenal glands, thyroid gland). It also affects the transmission of nerve impulses from the brain to internal organs. For expectant mothers, copper is important to prevent stretch marks.

Iron provides the body with hemoglobin, which carries oxygen to the cells. Iron deficiency anemia of pregnant women leads to premature birth, a child’s shortage of mass and other pathologies.

Zinc stimulates the transfer of “healthy” genetic information, participates in the production of enzymes and hormones, and reduces the risk of mutations and pathologies of the embryo.

Amino acids are part of muscle tissue, prevent breaks and sprains after childbirth. Lysine is involved in the production of hormones, enzymes and antibodies. Tryptophan provides secretion of serotonin, which improves mood, improves well-being and soothes the nervous system. The interchangeable acid serine promotes the absorption of iron from foods, while glutamic acid provides protein production.

Doctors advise pregnant women to use strawberries for the following purposes:

• removal of excess fluid from the body, which leads to the elimination of puffiness;
• normalization of digestion in chronic constipation;
• improved appetite for toxicosis;
• comfortable lowering of blood pressure;
• kidney cleansing due to a mild diuretic effect;
• calming the nervous system with stress and insomnia;
• strengthening the hemostatic system, preventing the formation of thrombosis, varicose veins.

Prevention of diseases: anemia, gestational diabetes, fetal hypoxia, vitamin deficiency, hemorrhoids, uterine bleeding.

Harm from eating strawberries

Many doctors are skeptical of eating berries for pregnant women for a number of reasons.

1. Organic acids, which are found in excess in strawberries, increase the acidity of the stomach, which leads to damage to the mucous tissues. The result of consumption may be exacerbation of gastritis or ulcers, colitis, as well as increased gas formation, diarrhea.
2. Due to its high content of antioxidants and vitamin C, strawberries are ranked among the strongest food allergens. During pregnancy, an acute reaction is observed up to Quincke's edema. Already from the 22nd week, the child’s immunity becomes susceptible to allergens, so your individual reaction to strawberries can turn into atopic dermatitis in the newborn.
3. The berry tones and strengthens the muscles, however, if overused, it can cause their increased tone. If this happens with the uterine muscles, then there is a high probability of miscarriage or premature birth.
4. Oxalic acid in the fetus interferes with the normal absorption of calcium. It also settles in the body in the form of salts and esters, which precipitate. Thus, stones are formed in the kidneys, bladder and excretory canals.
5. Small seeds, seeds accumulate in the body in the form of toxins, damage the sensitive intestinal mucosa.
6. Most berries on the market contain pesticides, nitrates and other chemicals, which are very harmful to the baby. Early strawberries are “accelerated” with nitrate, and protected from pests by nitrofen. Imported fruits are treated with diphenyl to maintain an appetizing appearance and long shelf life.

Nutritionists consider the optimal dosage for pregnant women to be about 12 in 3 doses per week. That is, at a time it is undesirable to eat more than 4 berries. At the same time, it is forbidden to regale on an empty stomach, as well as combine it with dairy products (yogurt, cream, sour cream, etc.).

Of course, refraining from eating very tasty berries is difficult. If you wish, then try to eat strawberries from the garden, after soaking them thoroughly in water. Do not forget that abuse of sour berries can cause serious eating disorders and acute allergies.

Video: beneficial properties and vitamins of strawberries