Is it safe to eat blackberries while pregnant? Blackberries are a delectable addition to any diet. Many people may love the juicy blackberries, and pregnant women may crave them too. While there are numerous health benefits of blackberries, such as them being rich in many vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants, you may wonder about their safety during pregnancy. Read this post as we bring you information about the nutritional value, health benefits, and safety of blackberries for expecting mothers.
What Are Blackberries?
Blackberries are delicious, small, and versatile fruit belonging to the genus Rubus of the Rosaceae family and are native to northern temperate areas. In ancient Greece and Rome, the berries were popular as a cure for mild infections. You can find clusters of pinkish-white blossoms of the fruit on the biennial blackberry plant. The berries are fragile and possess a greenish core and smooth skin. Soft, juicy berries are black in color and warm, sweet, and slightly tart in taste.
Can You Eat Blackberries During Pregnancy?
Yes! You can enjoy eating delicious blackberries while pregnant. However, make sure you wash each berry individually before you consume it. Unwashed berries may contain harmful parasites, bacteria, and traces of pesticides that can lead to foodborne ailments, such as listeriosis and toxoplasmosis, harm your pregnancy and affect your health adversely.
Health Benefits Of Eating Blackberries During Pregnancy
Blackberries not only improve your taste while expecting but also ensure a healthy pregnancy. The benefits of blackberries during pregnancy are as follows:
1. Aids Fetal Brain Development:
Blackberry is a natural source of energy which prevents you from feeling fatigued and sluggish, particularly in the later stages of pregnancy. You can eat about five servings of the berries. The low sodium and fat content in the fruit promotes an appropriate development of your fetus’ brain.
2. Prevents Birth Defects:
Blackberries are a rich source of folate, a vital nutrient to prevent the risk of various congenital disabilities for your unborn baby. Eating blackberries during pregnancy prevents the risk of developing spina bifida, limb, congenital cardiovascular disability, and other kinds of congenital disabilities. Also, blackberries help reduce the risk of miscarriage.
3. Treats Constipation:
The fiber content in the blackberries promotes digestion and prevents the risk of digestive disorders. The insoluble fiber content promotes easy and effective water absorption in your large intestine and prevents constipation during pregnancy.
4. Strengthens Bones:
The calcium and magnesium content in the fruit strengthens your bones and teeth while expecting. Magnesium in blackberries facilitates easy absorption of potassium and calcium in your body and ensures healthy bones. Also, the mineral and nutrient content in the fruit ensures appropriate growth and development of the bones of your fetus.
5. Prevents Excessive Bleeding:
The Vitamin K content in blackberries promotes appropriate blood clotting and prevents the risk of excessive bleeding during pregnancy. Also, content in the fruit promotes quick healing and prevents osteoporosis.
6. Prevents Cancer Development:
Micronutrients in blackberries provide chemopreventive benefits, prevent the growth and development of malignant cells, and safeguard you from the harmful effects of cancer substantially. Anthocyanins and phytochemicals content in the delicious fruit provide anti-cancer benefits and inhibit the growth of tumors while expecting.
7. Healthy Heart:
Anthocyanins and other flavonols in the blackberries help you have a healthy heart. The fiber and magnesium content in the fruit prevent the risk of blockage in your arteries and triggers smooth blood circulation. Thus, eating blackberries during pregnancy protects you from several heart- related ailments such as atherosclerosis, heart attack, and stroke. Did you enjoy eating delicious blackberries in pregnancy? How did you benefit from it? Other moms-to-be would like to hear your story. So, leave a comment below.
