Strawberries in pregnancy: if you are pregnant can you eat them or not?
Eating strawberries while pregnant could pose some risks for mom, but what are they and above all are really so alarming? Strawberries are the protagonists of the table especially in spring, a tasty and irresistible fruit, even if pregnant women wonder if they can consume the food without running risks. We talk about it below, but first here is a video with the foods to which be careful during pregnancy.
Properties and benefits of strawberries
One of the strengths of strawberries is that they are very rich in nutrients and low in calories, and if they are included in the diet, they are useful for the health of the brain, kidneys and metabolism. Strawberries grow on a plant grown in Europe. The temperate climate is perfect for experimenting with growing strawberries on your balcony.
Among the properties of this greedy and spring fruit we cannot fail to mention the fact that they are:
- diuretic
- refreshing
- purifying
- rich in nutrients
They contain phosphorus, iron, calcium and vitamins A, B1, B2 and C. They are also very rich in fiber and have a good satiating power, so they are among the best snacks to satisfy cravings in pregnancy. Furthermore, among the still little known benefits of strawberries, there is that of being able to prevent dental plaque and halitosis, thanks to the presence of xylitol.
Can I eat strawberries when pregnant?
Fresh and tasty, they are particularly suitable for a healthy and tasty snack. But can you eat strawberries when you are pregnant? What should you pay attention to if you are pregnant? The main foresight to have is linked to both washing the food and its consumption, moreover, preferring some types rather than others would not hurt to be able to taste strawberries while pregnant in complete safety.
Strawberries grow in contact with the ground and are consumed without being peeled, so if the expectant mother has tested negative for toxoplasmosis, it will be essential to wash the food thoroughly before consuming it. Here's how:
- remove the petioles
- wash the strawberries with running water
- soak the strawberries in a container with water and bicarbonate (or water and a special disinfectant solution)
- after about 20 minutes they are rinsed thoroughly and can be tasted
Strawberries are often used as a garnish for cocktails, desserts or soft drinks in bars and restaurants. If you are pregnant, you should first of all avoid the consumption of alcohol, moreover, it would be good to avoid eating decorative strawberries because it is not known if they have been effectively disinfected.
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Strawberries in pregnancy and allergy risk
Strawberries are fruits particularly rich in histamine, a substance that is linked to allergic reactions especially in those who are predisposed to it. Another of the risks associated with the consumption of strawberries during pregnancy, therefore, is precisely the allergic reaction that could be triggered, even if most people are already aware of their problem and avoid consuming them.
Those who have never had an allergy to strawberries will continue to eat them, even during pregnancy, a period in which, however, there may be changes also related to nutrition. If you are pregnant and have never had problems eating strawberries, it is not certain that this thing remains so even in pregnancy.
If, on the other hand, the future mother already knows she has a strawberry allergy, obviously she will have to avoid consumption, even more so during pregnancy. What happens if you eat a strawberry and an allergic reaction occurs? In this case a "hives" could occur and the gynecologist may prescribe a third generation antihistamine, suitable for taking even in the 9 months before childbirth.
Strawberries in pregnancy: which types to prefer?
At the beginning of this article we also referred to the type of strawberries to prefer during pregnancy, let's see why this aspect is important. Often while shopping at the supermarket, it is easy to be attracted by giant strawberries much larger than those grown in the garden, but are they equally safe for the expectant mother?
We want to reassure all pregnant women by pointing out that as far as safety is concerned there are no differences between giant strawberries and normal sized strawberries; very large strawberries are not genetically modified fruit, but of a variety specially selected for its size
The truth is that large strawberries are very popular as they can guarantee the grower higher profit margins, but compared to smaller strawberries they are less flavorful, contain more water and less sugar. But above all, since these are fruits that grow inside a greenhouse, without natural sunlight, they are also poorer in vitamin D.
The latter is particularly important for the psychophysical well-being of the expectant mother: it protects the bones, and also has beneficial effects on mood, therefore, the best strawberries to eat during pregnancy are the smallest ones.
Frequently asked questions about strawberries in pregnancy
Can i eat strawberries while breastfeeding?
Even during breastfeeding it is good to pay attention to the consumption of strawberries, especially to avoid the risk of allergies. Ask your doctor for advice, especially if you already know you are intolerant to food. Everything you eat ends up in the mother's milk which is then the main nourishment of the baby in the first months of life.
Strawberries in pregnancy and cravings: a legend to dispel
Popular belief would have it that if the expectant mother is craving a particular food such as a strawberry, if the craving is not satisfied, the baby could be born with a skin spot representative of the unfulfilled desire. Nothing more false! Among other things, as widely explained in this article, if you get craving for strawberries during pregnancy, you can eat them without problems after having thoroughly washed them.
What's the safest way to eat strawberries when pregnant?
If well washed, strawberries are ideal to eat alone, also because they are low in calories and rich in nutrients. If you want to try them in a new way, you could opt for a low-sugar strawberry jam, for example to eat for breakfast with wholemeal bread. If, on the other hand, you are wondering if it is possible to eat strawberry ice cream when pregnant, we bring you back to this article: ice cream in pregnancy.
