Can you eat glace cherries when pregnant?
In this brief article, we are going to answer the question: can you eat glace cherries when pregnant, what are the benefits of eating cherries, what side effects, and some recipes for glace cherries.
Can you eat glace cherries when pregnant?
Yes, you can eat glace cherries for maraschino cherries when pregnant. You just need to eat them in moderation because they have a high content of sugar. If you eat them occasionally they might not harm you.
Are glace cherries and candied cherries the same?
Glace cherries are also called candied cherries. They should not be substituted with Maraschino cherries. Maraschino cherries are cherries soaked in brine and then sweetened with corn syrup. They add red food coloring and almond extract.
Glace cherries or candied cherries are maraschino cherries that have been cooked with flavored syrup.
What are the benefits of eating cherries when pregnant?
Cherries are loaded with vitamin C and other nutrients that help the immune system. Glace cherries have the same benefits as normal cherries, just they have a higher content of sugar because of the coat.
They are rich in calcium, magnesium, and potassium which are essential nutrients for the development of a healthy baby.
- Cherries help to increase blood flow to the placenta.
- They are loaded with vitamins, minerals, and enzymes.
- The sweet flavor may help with nausea in the first trimester, just be sure to tolerate them.
- Rich source of iron to help with anemia, a common condition during pregnancy.
- Antioxidants in cherries help to prevent inflammation and edema.
Are there any side effects of eating glace cherries when pregnant?
- They may trigger an allergic reaction in some pregnant women because the immune system is overworking.
- Eating too many cherries may cause bloating, diarrhea and gas.
- Glace cherries, increase blood sugar and worsen gestational diabetes.
- Eating excess cherry cherries can cause rapid weight gain.
Excess weight gain
Remember, when pregnant you should watch for your weight gain. Too much simple sugar (sugar treats) or any alternative, can lead to excess weight gain and more complications for you and your baby.
In general, when pregnant you should follow a healthy diet. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. There are a few nutrients that need special attention during pregnancy like folic acid, calcium, vitamin D, and omega 3 fatty acids.
- Ideally, 2 servings of fruit and 5 servings of vegetables every day
- Increase your intake of whole grains and cereal foods. Choose high fiber options
- Milk, hard cheese, and yogurt are great options because they are high calcium foods.
- Choose low-fat options and good fats: fats from vegetable sources like almonds, olive oil, and avocado.
- Choose lean proteins and choose low mercury fish options.
- Drink plenty of water
- Always stay active
Gestational Diabetes
You can develop gestational diabetes which is a state where your body has trouble producing and using insulin which leads to high glucose levels.
You may need to take medication and the mother can develop diabetes even after the baby is born. If you eat too much sugary food, your glucose may get out of control.
How can I make glace cherries?
Glace cherries are so much better options because the ones you bought at the supermarket usually have more chemicals. They have more sugar and added chemicals like red #40 that can trigger allergic reactions, preservatives, and artificial flavors. So here is a recipe:
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup water
- 1 pound of fresh cherries previously washes and disinfected
- ½ lemon
- 1 cup apple juice
In a large bowl, put the sugar and water to boil. Mix until it’s completely dissolved. Add the cherries and the lemon.
Reduce the heat to low and let simmer until the syrup is completely red and tick, it will take approx 20 minutes. Remove from the heat, cover, and let it stand for 2 to 3 hours or all night.
Strain the cherries, keeping the syrup; set them aside.
Discard the lemon. Add the apple juice to the syrup. Over medium-high heat, bring the syrup to boil, cook for 5 minutes, return the cherries to the syrup, reduce the heat and cook slowly until the syrup is thick, about 105 degrees on a candy thermometer.
Your cherries can last up to 6 months in the refrigerator.
I will leave another link if you want another recipe!
Other FAQs about Cherry that you may be interested in.
Do cherries need to be refrigerated
Conclusion
In this brief article, we answered the question: can you eat glace cherries when pregnant, what are the benefits of eating cherries, what side effects, and some recipes for glace cherries.
