Eating healthy foods during pregnancy is helpful in a lot of ways. It ensures that the mother is healthy and free from complications to support the pregnancy. It also benefits the baby by providing the needed nutrients for its growth. There are a lot of healthy foods to choose from, like Blueberry fruit. In addition to its delicious flavor, it has a lot of health benefits. Just what the mother needs for her and the baby.
1. Low-calorie Snack
Expect to gain weight during pregnancy. It is only normal since you are growing another being inside your belly. However, it is important to monitor weight gain. There is a specific range of weight pregnant women should be in. Under or above, the normal may result in problems. One of these is diabetes.
Maintaining a healthy weight should not only focus on limiting food intake. Instead, it should be about choosing the right food. Blueberry fruit is the perfect food for expecting mothers. Hence, it is because they are low in calories and packed with a lot of nutrients. It has a lot of water, which makes for a very filling snack. Therefore, it lessens the craving for unhealthy foods. You may eat it as fresh fruit, or you can also go for blueberry yogurt.
2. Heart Health
A healthy heart is necessary during pregnancy. Also, it will ensure that the nutrients from the mother will flow to the baby. Pregnant women experience an increase in blood volume. Blueberries are beneficial to balance this.
3. Improve Brain Function and Memory
Pregnancy can be challenging. At times, it may be stressful. Also, too much stress can is not good for normal brain function. For expecting mothers who experience a hard time recalling and thinking, the blueberry fruit is perfect for you. Studies show that this improves areas of the brain that are important for intelligence.
4. Prevent UTI
Urinary tract infections are common in women. It may also affect pregnant women. However, the expansion of the body may put pressure on the bladder and other organs. Vitamins in blueberries can fight off infections.
5. Gut Health
When you are expecting, you are likely to poop more. Blueberries will help you deal with this. They contain a lot of fibers. These are important for a healthy gut since it can improve the bowel movement. Fiber aids indigestion. It also helps solve constipation. Yogurts are also good for stomach problems. Eating blueberry yogurt will surely solve your toilet concerns.
6. Immune System Strength
Pregnant women should avoid diseases and infections as much as possible. The body can do this on its own as long as you have a strong immune system. You can achieve this by taking in food or supplements rich in vitamin C. Of course, not all pills will be safe during pregnancy. That is why blueberries are the right choice for you. Vitamins in blueberries are needed to boost the immune system. It also helps in the absorption of iron in your body.
7. Baby’s Development
Blueberries are rich in folate. Therefore, it is a very important nutrient during preconception and early pregnancy. It plays a major role in the baby’s development. It also ensures that the baby’s spinal cord will develop properly. ½ cup of blueberries is enough to meet the daily goals of this nutrient.
The number of blueberries you need will depend on your age, height, weight, and how far you are pregnant. Of course, it is best to contact your doctor first. Blueberries are safe to eat during pregnancy as long as they are eaten in usual quantities as you would eat other food.
Important Note
Moreover, avoid eating too much. Be mindful of the blueberries you are eating. As much as possible, go for the fresh fruit. You can easily incorporate this into your diet. One can add to their favorite snacks. An effective way of reaping its benefits is by adding it to your breakfast. You can put it in your oatmeal. Also, it provides a healthy and filling way of starting your day. If you want an interesting flavor in your salad, you can also add it. Some turn it into a smoothie, which is a very delicious way of hydrating yourself.
