Acai berry is supposed to be loaded with various health benefits, and can actually help in a great way in treating a lot of issues, including sexual disorders, and weight loss. But, is Acai actually good for pregnant ladies, or not, is the question that needs to be answered. This article will explain whether acai should be consumed during pregnancy or not, with a list of benefits and side effects explained.

Acai Berry – What is it?

Acai is a grapefruit, which grows on the acai palm trees. They are inch-long and are reddish purple in colour. These are commonly found in the rain forests of South America. The fruit has a high nutrient value, which definitely makes it a super food. Some of the great benefits of having acai include regulating the cholesterol, promoting loss of weight, and giving relief from arthritis. More benefits are explained in detail below.

How safe is Acai during pregnancy?

Acai berries are loaded with nutrition, so these can definitely be included in the diet during pregnancy. It contains amino acid, which can help in promoting the growth of foetus. It also contains various essential vitamins and minerals, which are really important for promoting the development of the unborn child. Also, it contains antioxidants, which can help the body in fighting the free radicals, so that the risk of miscarriage is lowered. The fiber in the fruit can aid in improving digestion, and relieving constipation related issues. But, stay safe from the fruit, if you are allergic to it.

Benefits of Consuming Acai during Pregnancy

There are various health benefits associated with consuming acai during pregnancy. Some of them are explained below:

Healthy heart

The antioxidant anthocyanin in the fruit helps it in maintaining the cholesterol levels. It is also useful in regulating the blood circulation. It improves the blood composition, and relaxes the blood vessels, so that the heart remains healthy and strong.

Maintaining healthy weight

Pregnant ladies tend to overeat, and most of the times, the weight gets accumulated on their bodies, without being passed on to the baby. Eating acai can help in maintaining a healthy weight, so that they don’t become too overweight.

Skin nourisher

Acai berries help in giving a healthy glow to the skin. And, a pregnant lady will be glowing, in spite of her fatigue and tiredness. So, throughout the pregnancy, the skin will continue to glow for the expectant mother.

Helps in the digestion process

Pregnancies bring along a lot of complications, including digestive problems. For this, the berries are useful in keeping the digestive system functional and clean, and aids in proper digestion.

Reduces the irritation of lungs

Lungs get swollen at times, and can lead to respiratory problems. And, having a child in the tummy can put a lot of pressure on lungs, leading to breathing issues. Acai can help in reducing all kinds of irritation that occurs in lungs.

Keeps body cells healthy

The anthocyanin, which is an antioxidant, is found in abundance in acai. It helps in fighting against the invasion of all the free radicals. And, this keeps the body cells healthy and strong.

Improves stamina

Regular consumption of acai can help in increasing the blood circulation. By flushing out the poisonous toxins, it improves the stamina.

Keeps the person mentally strong

Acai consumption can improve cognitive abilities, and keeps the brain healthy and strong.

Tastes delicious

The acai tastes delicious, which makes it a superfood during pregnancy, especially when nothing tastes good enough.

Rich in proteins and amino acids

The berry gives the necessary amount of proteins and amino acids, which are really essential for the mother during pregnancy. It helps the baby to grow in a proper way.

Loaded with antioxidants

The berries are loaded with antioxidants, which helps in the elimination of harmful toxins. It also reduces the risk of cancer and heart disease.

Contains essential vitamins

Acai berries are abundantly loaded with Vitamins, such as Vitamin A, Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B3, Vitamin C, and Vitamin E. It also contains Calcium, Potassium, Copper, Magnesium, Zinc, etc.

Energy boost

Acai helps in increasing the energy levels of pregnant ladies, as it reduces the fatigue, exhaustion, and lethargy. It also helps in relieving the stress.

Risks associated with consuming Acai during pregnancy

Acai berries are safe to consume during pregnancy, but there are some risks associated with it, which will need to be kept in mind:

Allergies

Some people are susceptible to allergies with acai consumption. So, if there are any of the signs of hives, itches, rashes, headaches, or swelling of lips, mouth, tongue, throats, etc., or wheezing problems, one should consult a doctor immediately, and avoid consumption of berries completely.

Miscarriage

Having large quantities of acai can lead to some abnormal activities, which can stimulate the contractions of uterus, and can cause miscarriages. So, don’t go overboard, and have berries in moderation.

Gastro problems

Acai berries can also cause diarrhoea, which is caused due to irritation of intestinal tracts. Some other symptoms can include abdominal pains, cramps, dehydration, improper bowel movement, etc.

High calorific value

Berries are loaded with sugar and calories, which can lead to a spike in blood pressure in the pregnant ladies.

How to consume Acai during pregnancy?

Some women find the taste of acai to be quite overwhelming. Such people should try out the following methods of consuming acai:

• You can make delicious smoothies out of the acai berries, by blending them with bananas, blackberries, pomegranates, and orange juice.
• We could also make a berry shake by mixing it with soy milk or almond milk.
• You could also add it to the coffee and enhance its taste.

Acai berries can be a great energy booster, and can give the unborn babies and their mothers, a lot of health benefits. So, go and get yourself some acai nourishment. But, be sure to have them moderately, else it might become unsafe. Anything and everything in moderation works, especially when you are carrying.

Refereces:

https://www.beingtheparent.com/acai-berry-during-pregnancy/