The luscious cranberries are powerhouses of nutrition that can be enjoyed in several forms, such as juices, sauces, and desserts. You may wonder, can pregnant women drink cranberry juice? It is not easy to resist the temptation, especially if you are craving this tasty drink. Keep reading this post to find out whether or not consuming cranberry juice is a good idea for pregnant women, its benefits, and also its possible side effects.
Is Cranberry Juice Safe During Pregnancy?
Yes, it is safe to consume cranberry juice but in moderation. Cranberry is a nourishing fruit that contains antioxidants, flavonoids, and polyphenols (1). Also, it is considered effective in treating urinary tract infections during pregnancy. However, too much of the fruit could have adverse effects on you. Also, your body may not accept certain fruits. If you observe such reactions with cranberry juice or if your doctor asks you to avoid it, then you should refrain from consuming the fruit or its juice.
Benefits Of Cranberry And Cranberry Juice During Pregnancy
Cranberries are rich in vitamin C and fiber. These tasty and petite fruits can be consumed in any form to reap health benefits.
1. Prevents urinary tract infections
Urinary tract infection is one of the common problems in pregnancy. Eating fresh cranberry fruit or drinking freshly made cranberry juice could help in preventing UTI. The fruit contains certain compounds that do not allow bacteria to hold onto the urinary tract (2).
2. Reduces risk of kidney stones
Brushite and struvite are rare kidney stones known to occur in pregnant women. But these could be problematic to manage during pregnancy. Nonetheless, cranberry juice could help prevent or reduce the risks of formation of these stones (3).
3. Boosts immunity
The immune system tends to get weaker when you get pregnant. Consuming cranberries, which are filled with antioxidants, could help you fight infections and cut down bad cholesterol from the body. You can have dried cranberries or blend fresh cranberries to enjoy a glass of juice (4).
4. Improves oral health
Cranberries have a molecule named NDM or non-dialysable material, which is known to be effective in preventing dental caries (2).
5. Prevents stomach ulcers
As per a few studies, cranberries help in preventing bacteria (H. pylori) from holding on to the walls of the stomach. The bacteria are responsible for causing stomach ulcers, which can be prevented by eating cranberries or drinking cranberry juice (2). Cranberries can be had as fresh fruit or juiced. Some prefer dried cranberries as they are easy to carry and consume as snacks.
Can You Have Dried Cranberries During Pregnancy?
There is no evidence in favor of or against the consumption of dried cranberries during pregnancy. Dried cranberry is made by dehydrating the fresh fruit. Some of the dried cranberries available in the market are plain, while others are sugar coated. Both the forms can be consumed when you are pregnant, as no harmful effects have been observed. However, buy from a reputable brand to stay safe.
Is Too Much Cranberry Juice Bad?
Anything consumed in excess is not good for your health. When you are pregnant, you should have a balanced diet, which means moderate portions of anything you are eating or drinking. Drinking a lot of cranberry juice during pregnancy could upset your tummy and might also result in diarrhea. Diabetics need to take extra precautions while having juices even if they dont drink them often. Your doctor knows well about your health condition. So you may ask what quantity of cranberry would be safe for you in pregnancy.
