Is It Safe To Have Acai Berry During Pregnancy?

What is Acai Berry?

Acai berry is an inch-long fruit from the Acai palm tree. It is reddish-purple in color and are common in the Central and South American regions.

Acai berry is very well known for its distinctive taste and anti-aging properties. It is believed to contain high levels of antioxidants – even higher than what you find in cranberries, blueberries, or strawberries.

Is it Safe to Consume Acai Berries During Pregnancy?

There have been very few studies about the effect of Acai berries during pregnancy.
Acai berry, as a fresh (this is available only around the area they are grown in) or frozen fruit, can be consumed during pregnancy, unless you have pollen allergies or your doctor has advised you against Acai berries.

However, ensure you do not consume the unfiltered or unpasteurized Acai juice as it can lead to Chagas disease – which in turn can be transferred to the baby inside. This can result in premature birth or low birth weight.

Consuming Acai berry powder has to be limited, especially when you are pregnant. The reason is, when the berries are dried and made into a powder, the water content is lost and the powder is highly concentrated.

It is always safer to check with your doctor, who can suggest how much of this powder you can consume in a day.

Top 10 Health Benefits of Acai Berry During Pregnancy

Regular consumption of Acai berries helps to promote overall health, including your skin. During pregnancy,  you can consume it in moderation for the following health benefits:

1. Promotes Heart Health

Lower cholesterol and sugar levels combined with the high levels of antioxidants help reduce hypertension and improve blood circulation.

2. Helps in Weight Loss

They contain healthy fats and low levels of sugar. This helps you feel fuller for longer without adding on the calories.

3. Nourishes the Skin

Acai berries are rich in antioxidants. The anti-oxidants and other nutrients present in this fruit are loved by many cosmetic brands for their positive impact on the skin.

4. Helps in Digestion

Pregnancy causes a lot of digestive issues. Acai berries are rich in fiber, which aids in better digestion.

5. Reduces Lung Irritation

Acai berries help to reduce lung inflammation and irritation. Pregnancy can increase the stress on your lungs and Acai berries can help combat this irritation.

6. Improves the Cells in the Body

The detoxification quality of the Acai berries helps in removing unwanted toxins from your body and promotes better blood circulation and cell health.

7. Anti-Aging Effect

Lots of topical creams contain Acai berries. It is famous for its anti-aging properties. Consuming these fruits can help in maintaining supple skin and retain elasticity.

8. Helps in Maintaining a Healthy Libido

A woman will generally have a higher sex drive while pregnant or when she is in her fertile period during her menstrual cycle. This is nature’s way of improving the chances of conception. Acai berries help to improve one’s fertility, thus leading to improved libido.

9. Improves Mental Strength

Acai berries are rich in magnesium, potassium, zinc, and various other Vitamins, which are brain food.

10. Boosts Immune System

These berries, in addition to high levels of Vitamin C, contain anthocyanins and are rich in antioxidants, thus improving your immunity when consumed regularly.

5 Side Effects of Consuming Acai Berry During Pregnancy

When you are consuming Acai berries while pregnant, watch out for the following side effects:

1. Allergic Reactions

If you have any signs of itches, hives, rashes, headaches, or swelling of the lips, mouth, or tongue, stop consuming Acai berries and consult your doctor immediately.

2. Miscarriage

Large quantities of Acai berries in your system can trigger uterine contractions. This can result in miscarriages.

3. Gastrointestinal Problems

These are rich in fiber, hence too much Acai berries can result in diarrhea and gastric troubles.

4. Blood Sugar

If consumed as a juice, the fiber is all lost and this can result in a spike in blood sugar, especially if you are suffering from gestational diabetes.

5. Headaches

Pregnancy is a very sensitive period and Acai berries can cause severe headaches in some if they are unable to digest it properly.

Ways to Consume Acai Berry in Your Pregnancy Diet

There are many ways to enjoy this super fruit as a part of your diet during pregnancy:

1. Fruit Bowl or Juice

Add the frozen fruit to a bowl of fruits, or just have the juice. You can munch it for those sudden pregnancy cravings too.

2. Acai Berry Smoothie

A handful of Acai berries, a few other berries of your choice blended with a banana, and some milk or water can be a great smoothie on the go.

Very little research has been conducted about consuming Acai berry during pregnancy or breastfeeding. So, it is safer to consult your doctor before consuming this fruit. This is important if you are relying on the powdered or frozen form of Acai berry rather than the fresh ones.

FAQs

1. Does Acai Have Folic Acid?

Yes, it contains a good quantity of folic acid.

2. Can I be Allergic to Acai Berries?

Yes, if you have a pollen allergy or are allergic to other berries, you can be allergic to Acai berries as well.

3. Can I Eat Acai Every Day?

Very little research is available about consuming Acai during pregnancy. Therefore, it is not a great idea to overload on this fruit.

4. Can Consuming Acai Berry Everyday Replace my Folic Acid Medication?

Acai berries are rich in folic acid. However, you cannot skip you prenatal vitamins or folic acid supplements on this account. Also, consuming too much of any fruit is not a good idea when pregnant.

5. Can Acai Berry Lead to an Abortion?

Consuming high quantities of acai berries is believed to cause uterine contractions. This may cause a miscarriage. If you love the taste, have Acai in moderation.

6. Can I Have Acai Berries to Control Weight Gain During Pregnancy?

Acai berries can make you feel full for a long period of time. This can suppress your appetite, thus resulting in weight loss. Pregnancy is not a time to eat foods to lose weight. Eat what is good for you and feels right for your tongue.

7. Can Acai Berries Help Relieve Constipation During Pregnancy?

Yes, they can. Acai berries are rich in fiber. It can help you pass stool easily.

8. Can I Have Acai Berry Tea Everyday When Pregnant?

Acai berries are a rich source of antioxidants and other nutrients. You can have acai tea regularly. However, consult your doctor before you start having it every day.