Intake of African cherry fruit during pregnancy supplements lacking nutrients as it contains a good amount of Fiber, Calcium, Zinc, Vitamins C, Nicotinamide, Pyridoxine, Thiamine, and more [1, 7] that support the health and growth of the baby. While the ascorbic acid in African cherry fruit boosts the immune system of pregnant women, Calcium helps their baby develop a strong bone.
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Additionally, a related study noted that the fruit is rich in natural antioxidants that combat oxidative stress, while the vitamin C and fiber contents of the fruit support nutrient absorption, and aid digestion respectively [2].
African cherry fruit near me
Equally known as Chrysophyllum albidum, the African cherry fruit is seasonal, mostly found in the dry season (December to late March) in most Igbo markets in the South East part of Nigeria. At a very low cost, with as little as N100, you can buy the quantity that satisfies your taste. It can also be found in other African countries like Cameroon, Uganda, Ghana, and the Benin Republic.
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African cherry fruit Benefits To Pregnant Women
Intake of African cherry fruit during pregnancy offers a lot of benefits to pregnant women, here are some of the known benefits depending on its nutrients value:
- Lower the risk of chronic infectious disease.
- Supplement lacking nutrients that support baby development.
- Promote digestion and weight management.
- Lowers blood sugar and high blood pressure
Lower the risk of chronic infectious disease.
African cherry fruit is rich in vitamin C and other phytochemicals compounds like Terpenoids, and flavonoids which strengthen our body’s immune and lower the impact of oxidative stress [2]. Remember, oxidative stress [3, 4] has been associated with several chronic diseases and infections which can be detrimental during pregnancy.
Thankfully, African cherry fruit contains Alkaloids Saponins, Flavonoids, and Tannins which have antimicrobial effects on bacteria [2, 5], including ascorbic acid which can help fight oxidative stress.
Supplement lacking nutrients that support baby development.
Intake of African cherry fruit during Pregnancy may help support the health and development of the fetus due to the presence of certain vital nutrients [6] such as
- Vitamin C: Boost the immune system.
- Nicotinamide: Improves fetal growth and prevents preeclampsia [7].
- Pyridoxine: Prevents cardiovascular malformations and orofacial clefts [8].
- Selenium: Prevents preterm birth and low birth weight [9].
- Riboflavin: Prevents high blood pressure (Preeclampsia) [10], Supports your baby’s nerve, bone, muscle development, and metabolism of other B vitamins [11].
- Thiamine: Boost the production of ATP from glucose in the brain, this enables Mom and baby to use carbohydrates as energy [12].
- Cyanocobalamin: Boost the production of red blood cells, for proper blood circulation and health of the nervous system. This will reduce lack of energy or extreme tiredness during pregnancy [13].
- Calcium: Supports teeth and bone health
- Iron: Promotes transportation of hemoglobin [14].
- Zinc: Helps lower the risk of preterm births.
Other minerals include Potassium, Manganese, Copper, Magnesium, Phosphorus, and Chromium [7].
Promote digestion and weight management.
African cherry fruit is rich in dietary fiber which promotes digestion and helps in weight management. According to a study, dietary fiber is beneficial to a pregnant woman as it helps to boost gut health, and encourages the production of ATP which is a usable energy and prevents gestational weight gain [15].
Another related study noted some of the importance of dietary fiber during pregnancy are listed below :
- It prevents gestational hypertensive disorder.
- Lowers glucose intolerance
- Prevents Indigestion
- Treats constipation
- Prevents gestational weight gain [16, 17].
3. Lowers blood sugar and high blood pressure
African cherry fruit contains compounds with anti-hyperglycemia properties capable of reducing the level of sugar in the bloodstream and normalizing elevated blood pressure.
According to a related study, the occurrence of maternal hyperglycemia could result in gestational diabetes mellitus, which may result in a complication that may endanger Mom and baby [18]. The same goes for Gestational hypertension which experts warn could be dangerous during pregnancy [19].
However, one supporting animal study on streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats confirmed that ethanol extract from African cherry fruit was able to ameliorate hyperglycemia and reduce high blood pressure due to the antioxidant-rich content of the fruit [20, 21, 22].
Another study also pointed out that intake of African cherry fruit during pregnancy may reduce arterial pressure (systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels), as indicated in hypertensive-treated rats [24].
4. May help fight microorganisms.
Intake of African cherry fruit during Pregnancy may help protect against the activities of microorganisms that may increase the risk of infectious diseases.
According to research, infections like Staphylococcus aureus are not linked with any birth defects, however, once it finds its way into the bloodstream, could cause high fever that might increase the chance of birth defects [23].
Interestingly, a study to evaluate the antimicrobial activities of African cherry fruit, leaves, and seeds, noted that the fruit extract showed the highest antimicrobial effect against Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus.
It is important to know that this evidence is limited, hence more research is needed further. Infections shouldn’t be taken unseriously, especially during pregnancy. Always consult health experts, and avoid self-medication.
Side effects of African cherry fruit
Despite the numerous benefits of eating African cherry fruit during pregnancy, excessive intake also has health concerns such as flatulence, diarrhea, and hypoglycemia, which retard the absorption of nutritious ingredients for diabetic subjects.
Also, African cherry fruit contains small amounts of Tannins. Although tannins may help fight bacteria and microorganisms, however, when it is excess in the body may reduce nutrient absorption.
Lastly, African cherry fruit is generally safe during pregnancy but excessive intake should be avoided.
Final word
Intake of African cherry fruit during pregnancy offers great benefits to pregnant women. It contains nutrients such as fiber, calcium, zinc, and vitamins C that support the health and growth of the baby. The fruit is also rich in natural antioxidants that combat oxidative stress, aid digestion, and support nutrient absorption.
Intake of African cherry fruit during pregnancy may lower the risk of chronic infectious diseases, supplement lacking nutrients that support baby development, promote digestion and weight management, lower blood sugar and high blood pressure, and fight microorganisms.
JC is passionate about finding the impact of foods (feeding habits) on human fertility and reproductive health and a way to improve fertility.
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