Should you eat chokeberry during pregnancy?
During pregnancy, the first thing any woman thinks about is the health of the child. Therefore, expectant mothers try to eat right and include healthy foods in their diet to help their baby grow strong and healthy. The benefits and possible contraindications of chokeberry will be discussed in this article.
Is it possible to eat chokeberry during pregnancy?
During pregnancy, chokeberry helps the woman's body obtain most of the necessary vitamins and minerals. The fruits do not contain allergens, so they are safe for mother and baby when consumed wisely.
In the early stages
In the early stages, chokeberry helps normalize hemoglobin, supports the psychological health of the mother, and cleanses the body of toxins.. Eating fruits in the early stages of pregnancy reduces the manifestation of toxicosis. This is ensured by the fact that the berries have hepatoprotective properties - they protect the liver.
In the second trimester
Eating berries in the second trimester helps normalize blood pressure. This problem accompanies many expectant mothers.
In the later stages
In the third trimester, women often suffer from the development of edema. Chokeberry berries are used as a diuretic. But it is important to be careful when doing this. If use is accompanied by low blood pressure, then it is advisable to avoid this product.
Benefits and harms
If there are no contraindications, then black rowan berries will not harm mother and child if consumed in moderation. The product will only bring benefits.
For mother
Black rowan is rich in iodine, an essential element for women’s health. Iodine has a positive effect on the functioning of the endocrine system, due to which hormonal levels return to normal.
Berries also contain a lot of iron, which protects the body from iron deficiency anemia. The fruits help with physical exhaustion and headaches. Regular consumption of black rowan normalizes the functioning of the digestive system.
It is also recommended to include chokeberry in the diet for those who have a predisposition to the development of varicose veins. Berries strengthen and cleanse blood vessels. They act as a prophylactic against the formation of blood clots.
For a child
Fruits saturate the mother's body with vitamins and minerals. This means that they have a positive effect on the development of the fetus.
During breastfeeding, black rowan is useful because it makes milk of higher quality. Also, drinking drinks based on chokeberry activates the lactation process.
It is not recommended to give this berry to small children under 3 years of age. It is better to start introducing it into the diet in preschool age and only in small portions. The fruits have a sour and astringent taste, which children often do not like. Therefore, they are combined with other fruits and berries when preparing compote or juice.
The leaves are used as a remedy. A solution is brewed from them for inhalation if the child has a severe cough. Juices and jam help strengthen children's immune system.
Also chokeberry used for diarrhea in children.Fruits slow down peristalsis and make up for the lack of fiber, which binds to toxins and removes them.
Contraindications
It is important to know that black rowan also has contraindications, which are also relevant during pregnancy:
- Jams and fresh fruits are not recommended for constipation, as the product has a fastening effect.
- Pregnant women with low blood pressure should avoid eating berries in any form.
- You should not eat chokeberry fruits if you have a stomach ulcer or during an exacerbation of chronic gastritis.
Rules of use
Fresh fruits are consumed 50 g 2 times a day. Juice from berries take 1-2 tbsp. l. 3 times a day. Do this 30 minutes before meals.
Drink a decoction of berries 1/4 cup 3 times a day. To prepare it, 1 tbsp. l. berries pour a glass of water. Place the container on the fire and boil for 1 minute. Then leave for 1 hour, filter and put in the refrigerator.
In what form to use
There are several options for including rowan in your diet:
- fresh berries;
- juice (fresh or pasteurized);
- compote;
- decoction;
- preserves and jams.
Dry fruits are also consumed. They are added to tea or prepared as decoctions and infusions.
How to select and store berries
When purchasing chokeberries, it is important to ensure that the berries do not have any damage and are not dry or wrinkled. The fruits should be slightly soft and bright. It is advisable to ask the seller when the berries were picked. It is best if the collection was carried out after the arrival of the first frost.
In autumn, it is advisable to consume the fruits fresh. For the winter, they are usually used to make preparations. It is recommended to prepare jam or compotes. Freezing or withering is also acceptable.
To ensure that all the benefits of rowan berries are preserved, the berries are cut together with the brush. They are washed in cold water and dried in the oven at low temperature (about 50°C). It is important not to dry out the berries. After this, the brushes are hung on a rope for 1-2 days. They are then placed in plastic or glass containers and tightly closed. Dried berries are stored in a ventilated area with normal humidity levels.
For freezing, the fruits are pre-washed. After this, they are laid out on paper towels to dry. Then they are laid out in containers or bags and sent to the freezer. This rowan is perfect for making juice in the winter.
Can pregnant women eat red rowan?
During pregnancy, this berry is consumed with extreme caution, and it is better to avoid it altogether. Previously, red rowan was used as a contraceptive.
Conclusion
In chokeberry rowan There are many different beneficial substances that have a positive effect on the health of the expectant mother and child. This berry retains its beneficial properties in any form - both frozen and boiled. But it is important to take into account contraindications and not consume fruits in excessive quantities.