Strawberries are definitely one of the most delicious fruits man has ever known. You have known all you life that you should eat fruits every day, and get as much fruits as possible into your diet, since that is what is supposed to make you stay healthy. However, now that you are pregnant, things have changed considerably, and you are no longer sure if you should continue eating strawberries. You have probably heard an equal number of cautions and encouragements regarding strawberries, and you are no doubt confused. In this article, we have looked at all the arguments in favor of and against eating strawberries during pregnancy.
A good addition
According to the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, it is important during your pregnancy to get a diet that has ample amounts of vegetables and fruits, so that both you and the baby can get all the nutrition that you will need. Strawberries are perfect additions to the diet plan of those months since they are rich in a number of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. Besides, they are delicious, and you are likely to eat them quite a lot when other foods tend to make you nauseated. However, you should keep in mind that there are certain hygiene procedures that you must follow while eating strawberries.
Also read: 6 foods to eat after pregnancy
Consult your doctor
To begin with, it is important that you discuss things with your doctor before you include strawberries in your diet. If you are allergic to strawberries, even mildly, it is likely that you will be advised against eating them during those nine months. Again, it is possible that you will be asked to avoid them if you have a history of food allergies, and not necessarily allergic to strawberries. It is also possible that you will not be allowed to eat strawberries if your family has a history of being seriously allergic to strawberries, and you haven’t displayed any signs so far.
Maintain hygiene
It is important to be hygienic while eating strawberries at any point of your life, but even more so when you are pregnant. You must wash them thoroughly before eating them, as it will remove all traces of pesticides and residual fertilizers. Strawberries, like all other fruits, might contain some bacteria and parasites like E.Coli, which is soil-bred, and may cause serious gastrointestinal disorders.
Eat in moderation
It is important to make sure that you take in an ample amount of strawberries each day, but at the same time, not overdo it. Do not eat them by themselves; mix them up with other fruits as a delicious fruit salad. Ideally, you should eat at least 2 to 3 cups of fruits each day, and try to include three or four strawberries in them. Remember that strawberries alone will not give you all the nutrients that you need, so you must eat a balanced diet of all kinds of fruits, vegetables, grains, and lots of water.
Also read: Can I eat litchis during pregnancy?
It is best to eat all natural during those crucial nine months, and the same holds for strawberries as well. Buy only whole fruits instead of processed products such as jams, jellies, and syrups. Avoid strawberry flavored foods as well, although you can have sweet treats that contain real strawberries.