Is It Safe To Eat Goji Berries During Pregnancy?

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Goji berries during pregnancy can be highly nutritious for the maternal health, as well as the baby if taken in adequate quantities. They are juicy fruits known for their medicinal value while also offering several vital nutrients.

The consumption of the berries in moderate quantities may help address general pregnancy-related problems such as constipation and morning sickness. However, eating the berries in excess may cause side effects for the mother and baby.

Read on to learn about the safe consumption of goji berries while pregnant, including its benefits and side effects.

What Is A Goji Berry?

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Goji berries, also widely popular as wolfberries, are juicy oblong dark red or orange berries. They grow on the Goji tree, which is around three meters high. Goji berries are native to China and taste somewhere from bitter to sweet. Several parts of goji tree, such as roots, leaves, bark, berries, and other parts, offer several medicinal and health benefits. So, you may enjoy eating goji berries while pregnant to ensure a healthy pregnancy (1). Goji berries are also used as herbal remedies in Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Is It Safe To Eat Goji Berries During Pregnancy?

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Yes, you can enjoy eating juicy goji berries while you are expecting. However, you need to watch how many goji berries you eat, as an excess of it can prove harmful to your pregnancy. In fact, goji berry is popular as a superfood to have during pregnancy. Goji berries promote good growth and development of your fetus. However, if you suffer from high blood pressure or pre-eclampsia, diabetes, or are on anticoagulants, then consult your doctor before you go for goji berries.

Be watchful

Goji berries may lower your blood sugar. So, if you are already taking diabetes medication, consuming these berries might cause your blood sugar to drop further. So, seek a doctor’s advice (1).

Health Benefits Of Goji Berries During Pregnancy

The antioxidant and nutrient content in goji berries provide you and your unborn baby several health benefits during pregnancy. Find below some common goji berry benefits in pregnancy.

1. Treats morning sickness

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Eating Goji berries during pregnancy helps you treat malaise and morning sickness effectively. So, you can eat a few of the berries every day to alleviate the discomfort during pregnancy.

2. Supports prenatal development of the fetus

Your body tends to undergo several changes during pregnancy altering your endocrine and digestive system. So, you need lots of minerals and prenatal vitamins to promote the prenatal development of your unborn baby. Goji berries contain lots of vitamins, like Vitamin A and Vitamin C and minerals like calcium and magnesium, that help in the appropriate growth and development of your fetus and help you enjoy a healthy pregnancy. Also, the antioxidant content of the fruit protects you and your fetus from cell damage.

3. Reduces cholesterol

The American College of Cardiology (ACC) states that during pregnancy, there can be an estimated 25 to 50% increase in the cholesterol levels of a woman. Goji berries help minimize cholesterol levels in your blood during pregnancy. The fruit helps eliminate toxins and other harmful substances from your body that otherwise may prove harmful to your health during pregnancy.

4. Boosts hemoglobin

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Goji berries contain good amounts of iron. So eating the iron-rich berries during pregnancy will help you prevent iron deficiency and boost your hemoglobin count. Good hemoglobin count in pregnancy will prevent the risk of anemia and its harmful effects such as fatigue and dizziness.

5. Cures constipation

Goji berries are rich in dietary fibers and thus act as a natural laxative. So consumption of the berries will help you get rid of constipation troubles while expecting.

6. Promotes sound sleep

One of the traditional Chinese uses of goji berry is to induce sound sleep and minimize stress. So, eating the nutritious fruit during pregnancy can help you have a sound sleep and minimize your stress.

Side Effects Of Eating Goji Berries During Pregnancy

Although there are several health benefits of eating goji berries during pregnancy, an excess of consumption of the berries can endanger your pregnancy. Here, we list some common side effects of eating an excess of goji berries while expecting.

1. Birth defects

High amounts of selenium present in goji berries can lead to birth defects in your fetus. So, you should eat the fruit in moderation while expecting.

2. Miscarriage

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Goji berries contain betaine, an organic nitrogenous substance, which can lead to uterine contractions that can lead to miscarriage(1).

Point to consider

Consuming goji berries might cause allergic reactions if you are already allergic to tomatoes and nuts (1).

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can goji berries help with fertility?

Goji berries contain potent antioxidants and are widely believed to promote sexual wellness and fertility (2). However, more scientific studies are needed to prove its efficacy in humans (1).

2. Do goji berries balance hormones?

Goji berries are rich in potassium and various amino acids, essential in regulating hormone production. According to a study, Goji berries might benefit hormonal profiles (3). However, more studies are warranted to validate these findings.

3. How much caffeine is in goji berries?

Goji berries do not naturally contain caffeine. However, Goji berry tea, made with a mix of Goji berries and tea leaves, contains caffeine.

Goji berries are nutritious fruits that are abundant in antioxidants and thus a helpful fruit for the immune system. Their dynamic nutritional profile makes them a superfood that can impart several health benefits with regular consumption. Most healthy expecting mothers can safely consume goji berries during pregnancy. Eating goji berries during pregnancy in moderation may help relieve morning sickness and support fetal development. However, excessive consumption may have adverse effects, especially when a mother has high blood pressure or takes anticoagulants. You should eat healthy snacks and make safe food choices in pregnancy. Hence, goji berries should be consumed in moderate amounts as a part of a well-balanced diet to support your prenatal nutrition.

Infographic: Benefits Of Goji Berry During Pregnancy

Goji berry has been consumed extensively by Tibetans and Chinese over the centuries as a traditional medicinal herb. Recently, studies have found numerous potential beneficial effects of these berries on the general well-being of people and on the prevention and treatment of several conditions. Here are some key benefits of this superfood for expecting mothers.

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team

Key Pointers

• Pregnant women can consume goji berries but not in excess.
• Consume goji berries only after talking to a doctor if you have high blood pressure, diabetes, or are on anticoagulants during pregnancy.
• Goji berries help with morning sickness and fetal growth, reduce cholesterol, increase hemoglobin, cure constipation, and promote better sleep.
• Excessive consumption can lead to allergies and adverse effects such as congenital disabilities or pregnancy loss (rarely).

Image: Stable Diffusion/MomJunction Design Team

References

MomJunction's articles are written after analyzing the research works of expert authors and institutions. Our references consist of resources established by authorities in their respective fields. You can learn more about the authenticity of the information we present in our editorial policy.

1. Goji.
   https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/natural/1025.html
2. Shahrajabian
   et ali.; (2019); A Review of Three Ancient Chinese Herbs
3. Egon Andoni
   et al.; Effect of Goji Berry (Lycium barbarum) Supplementation on Reproductive Performance of Rabbit Does.

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