Pregnancy is a special time full of changes in every aspect of life, and expectant mothers are naturally curious about what they can do to keep their pregnancy smooth. From various old wives’ tales to opinionated advice about what to eat or drink, pregnant women sure have it hard to get legitimate information.
However, just a few simple additions to your diet can do wonders for your pregnancy! The unassuming bottle of tart cherry juice in your fridge can offer many nutritional benefits, especially for expectant mothers.
Lewisville Women’s Care’s board-certified gynecological expert, Dr. Munira Dudhbhai, says, “Tart cherry juice has nutritional properties that can aid pregnant women’s issues, such as disturbed sleep, digestive issues, and general discomfort. However, getting a green light from your gynecologist before incorporating it into your diet is recommended.”
The Many Benefits of Tart Cherry Juice for Pregnancy
The trending mocktail with tart cherry juice might be more than just a fad, especially for expecting ladies. Cherry juice has great nutritional properties, making it a valuable part of a pregnancy diet. Here is how this delicious beverage helps pregnancy symptoms.
Good Sleep
Most pregnant women experience insomnia, often lacking the necessary hours of sleep. Tart cherry juice is a natural source of melatonin, a hormone that can regulate sleep-wake cycles.
Drinking tart cherry juice can improve sleep quality and its duration. It increases the bioavailability of tryptophan, which aids melatonin production and promotes better sleep.
Immune System Support
Tart cherries’ vitamin C and flavonoids strengthen the immune system and protect the mother and fetus from infections.
Anti-inflammatory Properties
WebMD says that cherries contain many polyphenols and antioxidants, including anthocyanins, hydroxycinnamic acid, and flavonols. These can be particularly beneficial for managing discomfort associated with pregnancy-related conditions.
Aids Digestion
Constipation is a common issue women face during pregnancy; cherries have a high fiber content that can promote regular bowel movements.
Hydration
Cherries have a high water content that can help keep pregnant women hydrated and reduce the risk of heat exhaustion.
Blood Sugar Prevention
Tart cherries may assist in regulating blood sugar levels and potentially reduce the risk of gestational diabetes.
Considerations Before Using Cherry Juice During Pregnancy
While cherry juice is rich in nutrients, it might not be suitable for all pregnant women. Dr. Dudhbai explains, “Tart cherry juice is not recommended for women with pre-existing allergies to cherries or those with glucose intolerance in pregnancy, owing to the sugar content.”
Even though cherry juice is safe for most people, it might contain high amounts of sorbitol. This sugar alcohol can cause stomach pain and diarrhea for some. So, it’s best to consume it in moderation in any given case.
How to Include Tart Cherry Juice in Your Diet
The best thing about cherry juice is that it is as versatile as it is delicious. You can have tart cherry juice in many ways in your daily diet.
Tart Cherry Mocktail
A tart cherry mocktail, made by combining the juice with lime, honey, and sparkling water, can be a refreshing evening drink.
Dilute with Sparkling Water
If you’re unsure about any additions to your tart cherry juice but don’t enjoy its acidic taste, consider diluting it with plain or sparkling water to reduce its acidity.
Infused Water
Add a splash of tart cherry juice to your water for a tasty thirst quencher.
Salad Dressings
A vinaigrette using tart cherry juice, olive oil, vinegar, and seasonings can provide flavor.
Frozen Treats
If you’re overheated, there’s nothing like a popsicle to cool you down. Blend cherry juice with other pureed fruits and pour them into popsicle molds.
Takeaway
Cherry juice is a natural beverage that is easy to incorporate into daily life while providing many health benefits. Pregnant women need all the help they can get to keep their symptoms at bay and keep their health in check.
So, a sip of cherry juice once or twice a day can provide a refreshing treat and key nutrients all in one go
Annie Edith is an experienced journalist and content creator with a strong passion for health and wellness. She takes a unique approach to her writing, exploring the latest trends in Dental, Fitness, and mental well-being, while providing readers with informative, research-based articles.
