Benefits of Eating Blueberries During Pregnancy

Blueberries have long held the title of being a superfood- a food item that offers maximum health benefits but with minimum calories. While this fruit may be tiny, its nutritional value is mighty- making them one of the most nutrition-dense berries. They are packed with antioxidants that come from Anthocyanidins- a chemical that gives the fruit its unique colour. Antioxidants have anti-inflammatory properties that help keep the body healthy and strong. So it’s no surprise to hear that doctors often recommend eating blueberries during pregnancy.

Benefits of Blueberries During Pregnancy

While there are many fruits that provide nutrition and nourishment during pregnancy, blueberries are regarded as one of the best fruits for women’s health. Here are 5 reasons why: 

1. King of Antioxidant-Rich Food

Antioxidants are chemicals that protect the body from free radicals that damage the body’s cells and tissues, contributing to ageing and disease. Eating blueberries benefits for females, especially during pregnancy can help boost health and immunity during this critical time. 

2. Rich in Vitamins and Minerals 

Besides antioxidants, blueberries are also rich in vitamin C, manganese, folate and other vitamins and minerals that can boost your immune system and keep your skin and hair healthy. It’s the abundance of these minerals that make blueberries one of the best fruits for women’s health. 

3. Naturally Low in Calories 

Eating blueberries during pregnancy is especially great as this is a period of time when a woman is eating for two- causing hunger pangs throughout the day. These tasty treats are extremely versatile and also make great low-calorie desserts and snacks during pregnancy.

Blueberries- Fresh, Dried or Frozen? 

While eating fresh blueberries is definitely the best way to consume these superfoods, finding fresh blueberries in India may be difficult and expensive. Another way to eat one of the best fruits for women’s health is by eating them frozen. While frozen blueberries also have the same nutritional value as fresh ones, they are also difficult to find in regular supermarkets across India. Another way to consume blueberries is in dried form.

Advantages of Dried Blueberries 

If we compare a single serving of dried blueberries with fresh blueberries, you’d be surprised to discover that both options contain the same amounts of fibre and antioxidants. Both options are packed with vitamins and minerals that are essential for the body. A major difference between these two is the calories. As dried blueberries are preserved naturally with sugar, they are higher in calories and sugar levels. However, it is because of this sugar that we can get easier access to blueberries and thus reap the blueberries' benefits for females. Even with the sugar content, because of the many benefits of this superfood, dried blueberries are widely regarded as one of the best dry fruits during pregnancy.

How to Eat Dried Blueberries During Pregnancy 

Now that you know the many blueberries' benefits for females, you may be wondering how to consume this best dry fruit during pregnancy. Whether you are looking for healthy snacks during pregnancy or a simple and nutritious breakfast recipe, here are a few ways to incorporate blueberries into your daily life and reap the many blueberries' benefits for females during this stressful time.

1. Dried Blueberries with Yoghurt 

If you are looking for a super quick and easy snack during pregnancy, try mixing dried blueberries with yoghurt. The best part is that you won’t need any sugar as the sugar content keeps this dessert sweet while also balancing the calories out. You can also boost the nutritional value and taste of this healthy snack during pregnancy by adding in some nuts. Wondering how can eating nuts benefit your health? Here are 9 nuts to go nuts for that also make great snacks during pregnancy. 

2. Nutritious Breakfast Smoothie

A simple breakfast for pregnant women is having a fresh, homemade smoothie. Simply throw in fresh fruits, veggies and dried blueberries into a blender with some milk, yoghurt or coconut water and blend until smooth. You can even add in some almonds, pistachios and cashews- the three types of nuts you need. This healthy and sweet smoothie is packed with essential minerals, making it the perfect breakfast for pregnant women. 

3. Topping for Granola and Oatmeal 

Two healthy foods for breakfast for pregnant women include granola and oatmeal as they are packed with fibre, protein and keep you full for longer. But a great way to boost this breakfast and make it sweeter is by adding dried blueberries. You can simply toss in some of Happilo’s Premium Duet Berry Mix of dried cranberries and blueberries to your oats/ granola for a healthy and delicious breakfast. 

4. Dried Blueberry Trail Mix 

During pregnancy, you often experience hunger pangs and sweet cravings. While it is important to satisfy your cravings, it is also important that these sweets and snacks during pregnancy are healthy. Trail mixes are a nutritious blend of dry fruits and nuts in a single pack that make excellent snacks that keep you full and healthy. If you are on the lookout for a premium and healthy trail mix, try Happilo’s Super Moms Trail Mix. This mix is excellent for new or expecting moms as it contains the goodness of nuts, seeds and dry fruits. It also has dried blueberries- one of the best dry fruits during pregnancy.  

So now that you know the several health benefits of blueberries during pregnancy and how to incorporate them into your diet, are you ready to give these tiny superfoods a try? 

If you are on the lookout for other dry fruits and nuts to boost your health during pregnancy, visit Happilo. Happilo is a health food brand that aims to promote health and nutrition through smart snacking. They offer a wide range of premium quality nuts, dry fruits, trail mixes and much more that is meant to satisfy all your cravings without any guilt. With the help of international suppliers from the US, Afghanistan, Thailand, Happilo brings you the tastiest produce without compromising on quality.