Cranberries in pregnancy

Cranberry is an evergreen creeping semi-shrub plant that grows in Asia, Europe, and northern countries. These are valuable berries that contain sugars, organic acids (citric, benzoic, ursolic), vitamin C, flavonoids, pectins, glycosides, and microelements, including iodine. It would seem that there is no doubt about the usefulness of cranberries. They saturate the body with essential substances and strengthen the immune system. But can you eat cranberries during pregnancy? After all, during the period of bearing a child, the expectant mother has to limit herself in many ways, since not all products are allowed for pregnant women. Cranberries during pregnancy are the topic of our article today.

[ 1 ], [ 2 ]

Properties of cranberries during pregnancy

The content of minerals and vitamins in cranberries is so high that it is simply impossible to overestimate their properties. It is an effective natural antibiotic, a source of ascorbic acid, first aid for colds or hypovitaminosis.

Cranberry activates brain activity, improves the digestive tract. It is also taken as a preventative measure against urolithiasis, dyspeptic disorders, and pancreatitis.

The beneficial properties of cranberries during pregnancy are determined by the composition of the berry: it is a combination of biologically active elements, sugars, vitamins and mineral salts. Berries can be stored for a long time without fear that the product will spoil: benzoic and chlorogenic acids, which are part of the cranberry, ensure long-term freshness of berries without the use of preservatives and heat treatment.

Scientists began to study the beneficial properties of cranberries only recently, in the early 2000s. It all started with scientific proof of the fact that cranberries can have a detrimental effect on pathogenic bacteria in the body without affecting the course of pregnancy. In addition, scientists have discovered that the berry improves the condition and tone of blood vessels, which can serve as an excellent preventative measure against varicose veins during pregnancy. In addition, cranberries improve cardiac function and relieve headaches, reduce the incidence of caries and remove toxic substances from the body.

What else is useful in cranberries for expectant mothers:

• berries help with loss of appetite and improve digestive processes;
• reduce heartburn, prevent constipation and intestinal atony;
• accelerate metabolic processes;
• increase the body's immune defense (after all, getting sick during pregnancy is extremely undesirable).

In addition, cranberries are an excellent preventative for cystitis, pyelonephritis, and vitamin deficiency. Cranberry juice can also be used externally as a wash and lotion to treat burns, cuts, minor wounds, and ulcers.

Harm from cranberries during pregnancy may occur in case of individual intolerance to the berry, allergy. It is not recommended to use berries in case of acute gastritis, acute enterocolitis, gastric ulcer. Simultaneous intake of cranberries and sulfanilamide drugs is also undesirable.

Contraindications to cranberry consumption during pregnancy should be agreed upon with a doctor. For example, if you have a tendency to low blood pressure, you should limit your consumption of berries.

[ 3 ]

Cranberry for swelling during pregnancy

Often, changes in the hormonal background of the expectant mother contribute to tissue metabolism disorders in the body. As a result, swelling of the lower half of the body, legs, arms, and face may occur. This problem is especially relevant in the second half of pregnancy. You can regulate metabolic processes and remove excess fluid accumulation in tissues with the help of cranberries. The berries will restore trophic processes in tissues and improve the basic metabolism.

Swelling caused by urinary tract problems also responds to the beneficial healing effects of cranberries. Their bactericidal action neutralizes microbes that cause inflammation in the kidneys or bladder.

Cranberry is used quite successfully as a diuretic during pregnancy. In addition to combating edema, this property can be used to improve the condition of the cardiovascular system, since cranberry is an excellent source of potassium, which is essential for normal conduction of cardiac impulses, as well as for maintaining electrolyte balance.

[ 4 ]

Cranberry for colds during pregnancy

Everyone knows that it is undesirable to get sick during pregnancy, as well as to take any medications. But what to do if a cold suddenly “sneaks up” and you can’t take pills? There is a way out! Cranberry is an effective natural product against colds and even viral diseases.

Cranberries contain an irreplaceable set of vitamins: ascorbic acid, vitamin K, vitamins A and B. Such a vitamin complex will speed up recovery and activate the protective role of the body.

Organic substances contained in cranberries are represented, in particular, by citric and malic acids. They have a bactericidal effect, ridding the body of pathogenic microbes. Antimicrobial action also belongs to flavonoids - biological substances with antioxidant properties.

Natural sugars, represented by fructose and glucose, will give you strength in the fight against the disease, and the presence of microelements will ensure the normal course of physiological reactions in the body.

When fighting a cold, it is important to remember that prolonged heat treatment can destroy most of the vitamins and microelements in the berry. In this regard, cranberries should not be boiled for more than 5-10 minutes.

Cranberries with honey added will be especially beneficial. Honey complements and enhances the antipyretic and anti-inflammatory effects of cranberries.

[ 5 ], [ 6 ]

Cranberry for cystitis during pregnancy

Regular consumption of cranberries speeds up recovery from cystitis and also reduces the likelihood of recurrence of the disease.

The use of cranberries for bladder inflammation is associated with the action of organic acids, which inhibit the development of microbes.

The berry contains active substances that do not lose their properties when exposed to gastric juice. They have a detrimental effect on most microorganisms, including streptococci and E. coli.

It has been established that regular consumption of cranberries can immobilize microbial flora: it becomes difficult for bacteria to linger near the walls of the bladder, so they are actively excreted through urination.

Bacteria can only survive in an alkaline pH. Cranberries can "acidify" urine, worsening the conditions for the existence of microbes.

Benzoic acid, which has a detrimental effect on many types of microbes, also plays a significant role in the bactericidal properties of cranberries.

Cystitis is a fairly common ailment during pregnancy, so regular consumption of cranberries can serve as a good preventative measure against this unpleasant disease.

[ 7 ], [ 8 ]

Cranberry for blood pressure during pregnancy

In case of high blood pressure, experts recommend including cranberries in the daily diet. The berry stabilizes the tone of blood vessels and normalizes blood pressure.

Also, one of the mechanisms for reducing pressure can be called the diuretic properties of cranberries. Cranberries gently relieve tissues from excessive fluid accumulation, remove accumulated toxic substances without affecting the level of potassium in the body and without disrupting cardiac activity.

During numerous observations, scientists have found that cranberries have the ability to prevent the formation of vascular plaques and reduce cholesterol levels in the blood. This property helps protect blood vessels from ischemia and hemorrhages, and prevent the formation of blood clots.

The berries contain ursolic and oleandic organic acids that help to expand coronary vessels and improve cardiac function.

Therefore, pregnant women who are prone to hypertension can safely consume cranberries as a preventative measure against vascular spasms and high blood pressure.

If you are prone to low blood pressure, you can eat cranberries, but you should do so while periodically monitoring your blood pressure.

Cranberry Recipes During Pregnancy

Different countries around the world have their own recipes for preparing cranberries. However, it is most beneficial to eat fresh berries whole, because they are a powerful source of many useful substances, including vitamin C.

Traditional medicine uses not only the berries, but also the leaves of the plant, brewing them instead of tea. Such tea is used for arthritis, sore throat, rheumatoid pain. However, the main application is still the cranberry berry - a storehouse of useful substances.

There are many ways to prepare cranberries during pregnancy, and you can choose any recipe that suits you.

• Cranberry juice

To prepare such a mors, you need to thoroughly wash the berries and squeeze out as much juice as possible, which should then be placed in the refrigerator. Pour the remaining pulp with water (1 liter of water per 150 g of pulp), boil, filter and mix with the previously obtained juice and sugar (or honey, to taste). The drink can be prepared for several days by placing it in the refrigerator.

• Potato-cranberry juice

A vitaminized drink developed at the center for therapeutic nutrition. We take the cranberry juice we have already prepared as a basis, add freshly squeezed potato juice to it, previously settled for an hour and drained of starch. To improve the taste, in addition to sugar or honey, try adding a little vanilla sugar. This drink can be taken three times a day, one third of a glass.

• Cranberry juice

The most valuable drink that has not undergone heat treatment and has retained all its beneficial properties in full. Juice is the best way to quench your thirst, especially during fever and colds. With the addition of honey, this drink becomes simply irreplaceable for coughs, acute respiratory infections, pyelonephritis, toxicosis accompanied by nausea, headache, and loss of appetite. During pregnancy, fresh juice is best diluted with boiled water, reducing its concentration.

• Cranberry decoction

It is not recommended to boil the berries for more than 5 minutes, as this will destroy many useful vitamins and substances that make cranberries so valuable. To prepare the decoction, you can take a liter of clean water and a full cup of ripe berries, previously crushed with a masher or ground in a blender. Boil the mixture and immediately remove from the heat, cool, add honey and a pinch of cinnamon. Do not add honey to the hot decoction - it can also lose its beneficial properties, wait until the drink cools. If you are allergic to honey, you should replace it with sugar.

• Cranberry tea

Place 2 tablespoons of crushed fruit in a cup or teapot, pour boiling water over it, cover with a lid and let it brew for 15 minutes. Drink this tea several times a day regardless of meals. You can also make regular tea (black or green, at your discretion) and add a spoonful of cranberry jam to it.

• Strained cranberry jam

Take 1 kg of cranberries, a glass of water and 1.5 kg of granulated sugar. Grind the fruits in a blender or mince, add a glass of water, boil for 10 minutes over moderate heat, then add granulated sugar and cook until thickened. Pour into a clean dish while hot. It is good to add chopped nuts or mashed apples to this jam.

• Sugar Cranberry

An excellent winter delicacy, beloved by both adults and children. Beat the egg whites well. For 1 kg of fruit, use the whites of two eggs. Roll the washed and dried berries in the protein foam, then in sugar. Such a delicacy can be stored for almost the entire winter, preferably in the refrigerator, but it is possible without it.

• Cranberry compote

This compote is especially good for dyspeptic disorders. Mix equal parts of cranberry berries and leaves. Use a tablespoon of this mixture per 200 ml of water. Boil over low heat for no more than 10 minutes. Add sugar to taste. You can drink this compote 4-5 times a day, half a glass at a time.

• Frozen Cranberries

Of course, fresh cranberries are considered the most useful, but frozen berries also retain all their beneficial properties. For successful freezing, the fruits should be washed, sorted and dried very well, then poured into cellophane bags or containers and placed in the freezer. The method for preparing drinks from frozen cranberries is the same as from freshly picked ones.

• Cranberries with sugar

Fresh berries need to be sorted and dried. Grind the fruit using a meat grinder or blender and add a sufficient amount of granulated sugar. Take at least 1.5 kg of sugar per 1 kg of berries. Store the jam in the refrigerator.

• Cranberries with honey

An excellent combination for colds, coughs, and lung diseases. Honey can be added to fresh cranberry juice, fruit drink, or compote. The ideal combination is 400 ml of juice and 6 tablespoons of honey. This drink can be taken orally or used to gargle with sore throats.

• Cranberry sauce

Squeeze the juice from 100 g of berries, pour a glass of water over the pulp, bring to a boil and filter. Add 3 tablespoons of granulated sugar, grated lemon peel and a teaspoon of diluted starch to the resulting broth. Bring to a boil again, then add the previously squeezed juice. This sauce can be used for desserts, ice cream, puddings and casseroles.

• Cranberry Kissel

Mash 0.5 kg of cranberries, pour in water (3 liters) and boil for 5-6 minutes. Add 0.5 kg of sugar and 150 grams of diluted potato starch. Stir, bring to a boil and cool.

The benefits of cranberries are preserved in any form: in compote, fruit drink, jelly, jam. Fresh berries do not lose their properties for at least 4 months after harvesting. Frozen fruits can retain their vitamin composition for more than a year.

[ 9 ]

Reviews of cranberries during pregnancy

The number of positive reviews about cranberries is almost 100%. However, some experts warn against eating cranberries in the first trimester of pregnancy. This is due to the large amount of ascorbic acid in the berry, which can provoke muscle contractions of the uterus. However, eating cranberries in reasonable moderate quantities is allowed during this period.

Of course, when dealing with colds during pregnancy, it is much safer to take cranberry treatment than antibiotics. However, this treatment should also be agreed upon with your doctor to avoid negative consequences.

In most cases, doctors admit that cranberries are an excellent natural antiseptic. Some even compare the effect of cranberries to antibiotics. And there is some truth in this: the berries destroy most types of bacterial and microbial cells. Cranberry juice can even affect the cholera pathogen.

Cranberries will prevent you from catching a cold during pregnancy, will provide your body with a sufficient amount of vitamins and organic acids, will reduce the manifestations of toxicosis, will reduce swelling, will serve as a preventive measure against pyelonephritis and varicose veins of the lower extremities. Not bad for one type of berry, isn't it?

Now you know how to brew cranberries during pregnancy and how to prepare them for future use.

Cranberries during pregnancy will help you get through this period without any unpleasant moments, protect your weakened immune system from viral and bacterial infections, and will also be beneficial as a preventative measure.

[ 10 ], [ 11 ]