The nutrition of a nursing mother should be complete and varied. Even when breastfeeding, it is not recommended to completely exclude sweets, because carbohydrates are a source of strength and vitality.
Jam is a valuable and healthy product, an alternative to sweets, sweet rolls and allergenic chocolate. With the right choice and moderate consumption, the product will not harm the baby, but will satisfy the mother’s needs for relieving nervous tension, fatigue and restful sleep due to the production of serotonin (the hormone of happiness) during the digestion of carbohydrates.
Benefit
Some useful elements in fresh fruits are unstable to high temperatures, so they are destroyed after heat treatment. But there are exceptions to this rule. For example, the finished jam retains a high concentration of B vitamins and ascorbic acid. Vitamins PP, E, and A are also heat-resistant, so boiled berries retain their antioxidant, rejuvenating, and protective properties.
Expert opinion
Sokolova L. S.
Pediatrician of the highest category
The calorie content of the product directly depends on the amount of sugar added during cooking. The less refined sugar the recipe provides, the more benefits for the nursing mother and baby.
Jam has the following positive effects on a woman’s body:
- recovery after high emotional and physical stress;
- fight against insomnia;
- serotonin eliminates depression, fatigue;
- flavonoids relieve spasms, strengthen blood vessels, stimulate hematopoiesis;
- fiber removes toxins, helps absorb and digest food;
- B vitamins improve brain function and nervous reactions;
- polyphenols have a positive effect on the liver, reduce cholesterol levels (blueberry, strawberry, lingonberry, strawberry jam);
- prevention of tumor formations (apricot, raspberry).
Pediatricians allow eating jam during breastfeeding as a source of vitamins to fortify milk.
The benefits of the product are determined by the norms of use. To eliminate the risks of allergies and endocrine disorders, it is recommended to introduce different types of jam in certain months.
What jam is possible and what is not for breastfeeding
Almost all jam ingredients have allergens, so, as in the case of fresh fruits, it is best to start with apple jam or marmalade.
Most likely, an allergy can be caused by a dessert made from blueberries, black or red currants, and honeysuckle. After eating a few spoons, you should make sure that the jam does not cause an allergy in the child.
When the baby reaches six months, you can introduce new jam products, for example, cherries, apricots, and fragrant strawberries. It is better to prepare cherry jam while breastfeeding by removing the seeds. Exotic varieties of jams, for example, from kiwi, citrus fruits, are best left for the child’s older age.
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Raspberry is usually introduced into the diet, provided that the woman does not have an allergic reaction to the berry.
It is definitely better to eat homemade jam instead of store-bought, because it is unknown what quality the ingredients were and how the jam was made. But homemade sweets also have a number of necessary conditions.
Doctors do not recommend consuming jam that is prepared quickly or simply pureed fruits, berries with sugar; such products can cause fermentation in the stomach, which will lead to gas formation.
If the jar has been stored for a long time, the contents may become sugary. Then it is recommended to heat the jam before use, for example, by placing the jar in hot water or simply warm it slightly on the stove, in the microwave, so that the amount of sugar becomes smaller.
Under no circumstances should a nursing woman eat sour or fermented treats.
You can also add jam when baking, to pies, buns, pies, even cakes, to make fruit drinks, jelly. In this way, mom will also make up for the lack of sweets and receive a lot of useful substances that are present in fruits and berries.
From gooseberries
Gooseberries have a sweetish taste with a slight sourness, jam is almost the same. After cooking and canning, the beneficial properties of the berry are retained. Gooseberries help normalize metabolism, improve immunity, and have a beneficial effect on the nervous and digestive systems.
The main quality is that the jam leaves the antibacterial properties of the berries, which are necessary for colds. But with all the advantages of gooseberries, they have a drawback - a laxative effect, so you should not consume them too much.
From quince
Quince has a slightly astringent, tart taste and the fruit acts on the body in a similar way. It can stop bleeding, including uterine bleeding, this is important after childbirth. It can help with diarrhea, and will also replenish iron deficiency, which was depleted during pregnancy. But at the same time, dishes made from it are undesirable for people with a high risk of blood clots. Even with excessive consumption of quince, a person may experience constipation.
Dogwood
The jam has a beautiful rich dark burgundy color and a pleasant sour taste. Dogwood contains succinic, malic, ascorbic acid and essential oil. The berries are valued for their tonic and strengthening qualities; the berries reduce gas formation in the stomach. But due to the properties of the berries, the baby may become constipated, so you need to eat it in small portions, and when the child is three months old.
Blueberry
Blueberry jam has a strong aroma of wild berries, it is dark blue in color with a pleasant taste. Blueberries are recommended for vision problems and cardiovascular diseases. Berries help regulate the functioning of the pancreas and normalize intestinal function.
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Apricot
Apricots are full of vitamins and contain large amounts of potassium and magnesium. Fruits will help normalize metabolism and remove harmful components from the body. However, apricots are famous for their laxative effect, and jam retains this property. Doctors advise eating it for constipation; however, be careful when consuming it if a nursing mother suffers from an upset stomach. It is recommended to try apricot jam if the baby is already three months old.
Raspberry
Raspberries are the most popular and effective remedy against colds. It contains a lot of vitamin C and salicylic acid, which makes raspberries a medicinal plant. Salicylic acid is found in many medications, and it also has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic effects.
Jam is suitable as a good helper in the fight against colds, because due to taking antibiotics, a nursing mother will have to stop feeding.
Raspberries also contain copper, potassium, manganese, cobalt, molybdenum - these substances are necessary for the body. In addition to berries, you can use leaves and twigs; they should be brewed like tea.
But despite all the beneficial properties of raspberries, they are considered a strong allergen, so unless there is a clear need, it is better to start eating jam when your baby is six months old.
Cherry
Cherry is rich in vitamins B, E, P, which make it a healthy berry, especially for the body of a nursing mother. It helps those suffering from anemia and atherosclerosis. With proper heat treatment, cherries retain some of the beneficial substances, for example, iodine, iron, folic acid, and fiber. Cherry strengthens the immune system, increases the quality and quantity of breast milk, and helps the proper functioning of the stomach and intestines.
It is important to know that due to the dark color of the berries, cherries are considered an allergen, so it is better to start consuming them no earlier than the baby’s three months. Also, the jam must be boiled well, and not just ground with sugar, otherwise it can cause stomach discomfort.
Apple
Apple jam is considered the most popular, since apples grow everywhere, in every summer cottage, but the main advantage is associated with the beneficial properties of the fruit. Mothers include apples in their diet because of the minimal risk of allergies in their infants, as well as because of the large amount of vitamins, minerals, and pectin; for the same reasons, apple jam is valued during lactation. However, for desserts it is better to use varieties with yellow or green skin.
Plum
By consuming plums, a nursing woman receives a whole range of essential vitamins and minerals - zinc, calcium, magnesium, vitamins E, B, K. Plum has a positive effect on blood quality and improves the elasticity of blood vessels.
Jam or jam usually has a thick consistency and a pleasant aroma. However, the fruits have a laxative, diuretic effect, so people suffering from gastrointestinal disorders should not eat them in large quantities; it will be useful for improving blood vessels and the circulatory system, strengthening the immune system.
Pear
Pear is a fruit filled with vitamins, it contains E, A, P, and minerals: magnesium, iron, iodine. Jam made from this fruit is considered safe for breastfeeding. By the way, after heat treatment, the fruit retains many beneficial properties, for example, jam helps get rid of heartburn, will cheer you up, it can be used as an antipyretic, it has a slight diuretic effect, so it is used for kidney diseases. Also, pear jam can restore the elasticity and firmness of the skin and restore its radiance.
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Currant
Currants are indispensable during the lactation period, as they significantly increase milk flow. Doctors recommend berries as a good remedy against anemia, hypertension, gastritis, and even atherosclerosis.
The composition of currants is distinguished by a large amount of vitamin C and B5, which helps metabolism and also supports the immune system during the cold season. It is better to use currant jam from three months.
Strawberry and strawberry
Strawberries and wild strawberries contain many useful substances and vitamins. Strawberries can help lower blood pressure and renew the blood. The berry also supports a weakened body, and the presence of vitamins B, C, folic acid, pectin, carotene makes strawberry and strawberry jam beneficial for the brain and nervous system, and strawberry jam is also very aromatic. The mother should consume products made from these berries no earlier than a month and a half after giving birth, but only if the baby does not develop a rash or itching.
Sea buckthorn
Sea buckthorn helps fight inflammation, diseases of the oral cavity, it will effectively cope with coughs, and help with fever. The berries are rich in vitamins C, B6, E, A. It is especially important that sea buckthorn jam will make mom calmer and more resistant to stressful situations.
You can start eating sea buckthorn jam from two months.
The effect of jam on lactation and milk composition
During breastfeeding, it is recommended to increase the daily calorie content of the menu by 450-500 kcal [1].
Given the restrictions on certain types of sweets, homemade jam becomes one of the best options for a source of carbohydrates and calories. The milk receives beneficial elements from the fruit.
Popular pediatrician E. O. Komarovsky allows jam in the menu of a nursing mother, but only in moderation. He insists that only a well-fed, satisfied mother can ensure high-quality lactation, and therefore the health of the baby. But the doctor emphasizes the word “moderate”.
Sweet foods are introduced into the diet carefully, with close monitoring of the baby’s reaction. In addition, the type of fruit matters. Some types of jam are allowed in the diet from the first days of feeding, as the least allergenic - apple, pear, gooseberry.
Is it possible to eat jam during breastfeeding?
Breastfeeding is a special period in a woman’s life, which is accompanied by a lot of restrictions. If you are looking for sweets that you can eat while breastfeeding, you might want to consider jam. This is a valuable and useful product that has a good effect on the health and mood of the mother. Of course, it does not contain as many vitamins and minerals as fresh berries and fruits, but it brings many benefits. This is especially noticeable in winter, when stores often sell unripe fruits loaded with pesticides.
Is it possible to eat jam while breastfeeding, when and in what quantity depends on the composition of the jam.
Jam from some fruits is prohibited for nursing mothers due to allergenicity. In addition, the sugar content may trigger some negative reactions. Therefore, when introducing jam into the diet, it is important to adhere to the rules for its use.
In the first days, first month after birth
The use of jam in the first month after childbirth is extremely limited. Almost all types are prohibited due to allergenicity. In the first month, the baby’s gastrointestinal tract adapts to a new type of diet, so he is not ready to accept foods that are difficult to digest or allergens.
Apple jam is considered the safest. This is what you can eat during breastfeeding from the first days. It is important to remember that it must be an organic product, containing nothing but fruit and sugar. Some doctors claim that all varieties of natural treats are allowed, since the need for a breastfeeding diet has not been proven. They claim that the absence of allergies in the mother and close relatives is a clear sign that the product is safe for the baby. In any case, the choice is up to the mother.
How to properly introduce it into the diet?
Any new product for a nursing mother should be introduced into the diet with extreme caution. Dr. Komarovsky believes that mother can eat jam even from birth in small quantities, because she should not change her diet. He believes that it is optimal to eat in the usual way and with familiar foods, monitoring the child’s reaction.
According to more traditional methods, it is best to introduce the product in minimal quantities the first time. It is recommended to try one new product at a time. Eat one teaspoon of jam or jam in the morning with water. A negative reaction most often manifests itself within 1–2 days after meeting, but it is better to observe for up to a week. Allergies can manifest themselves in the form of rashes, coughs, spots, etc. In addition, a small child may experience colic, bloating, or problems with bowel movements.
If no negative effects are identified, you can gradually increase the dose. The maximum amount for each type of jam is different, which we will discuss below. After checking the reaction, you can eat the product in the form of a fruit drink made from jam or jam with cottage cheese.
When and why should nursing mothers not have jam?
Most often, they talk about a ban on jam during breastfeeding precisely because of the risk of developing allergies, because most berries and fruits are allergens. Usually, the likelihood of an allergic reaction is discussed precisely in the first month of a baby’s life, since one cannot be sure how the body will react to a new component.
It is also known that the risk of allergies can be increased by sugar in jam. In addition, sweets can cause colic, flatulence, and problems with bowel movements in young children. Contraindications include diabetes mellitus and individual intolerance. All other restrictions and side effects depend on the specific type of jam and the properties of the components. So, blueberry jam can strengthen, and raspberry jam can lead to dehydration. It is important to consider such factors when choosing a treat and adhere to the rules of consumption.
Store-bought or homemade?
There is nothing healthier than homemade jam made from home-grown fruits or berries. You can be 100% confident in the quality of such a product. If you decide to buy homemade jam from people, it is better to abandon this idea, especially during breastfeeding. You don’t know what raw materials were used, where these fruits and berries were collected, or under what conditions the jam was made. Such a product may contain a lot of pathological microorganisms that can harm the mother and baby.
For those who do not want or cannot make jam at home, there are stores where you can find a product for every taste. Such a product is much healthier and safer than one bought secondhand on the market. It is important to choose jam with an organic composition, without flavors, preservatives and other chemical additives. In addition, pay attention to the expiration date and appearance of the product. It is better if it is jam in a glass container. There should be no lumps, foam, etc. This is a sign of a low-quality product.
Reviews
Veronica, 32 years old
I only ate homemade jam during breastfeeding. Most often apple and blueberry, as I read that they are not allergenic. The baby had no reaction. But she is not allergic. I already ate honey when I was six months old.
Kira, 25 years old
At 3 months I really wanted sweets. I bought a jar of jam. I think it's better than any chemicals. So what do you think? My stomach was so twisted. The diaper was full every hour. I didn't eat anymore.
Is it possible for a nursing mother to
Although lactation significantly limits the mother’s diet, some joys still remain for her. For example, a nursing mother can include jam in the menu quite early. At the same time, it is very important to monitor the quality of the product. Avoid:
- five minutes of jam;
- fruits and berries, ground with sugar;
- jam that was poorly sealed or stored improperly;
- incorrectly prepared (signs of technology violation - mold on the surface or lid, beginning fermentation).
Spoiled jam can cause stomach upset in mom. And harmful substances formed as a result of intoxication with mother’s milk can reach the child, disrupting the functioning of his intestines.
How to choose jam in a store?
If you choose a store-bought product, pay attention to the expiration date. Well-prepared raspberry jam can be stored unopened for up to 2 years. In addition, carefully study the composition. Real jam contains only raspberries, sugar, and water. Please note that the berries should come first.
Flavorings, preservatives and other chemicals are harmful during breastfeeding; they negatively affect the body of an infant and increase the risk of developing allergies. If you notice them in the composition, you should know that most likely the raw materials from which the delicacy is made are not very good, since the shelf life is quite long even without additives.
Pay attention to the appearance of the jam. It must be packaged in glass containers. The consistency should be uniform in appearance, without lumps. If the product is candied, it means that the manufacturing technology was violated.
Raspberry jam
Raspberry jam It contains a lot of vitamins and microelements, which is why it is recommended to eat it when you have a cold. However, as noted above, it can be a strong allergen for your baby.
If the baby is prone to rashes and allergic reactions, then the mother should not eat raspberry jam. During a cold, you will have to resort to other methods of treatment: eat a lot of fruits, vegetables and berries containing vitamin C, drink a lot of hot liquids.
Beneficial features
Berries that ripen on bush and tree cherries contain a large number of substances that have a beneficial effect on the body, in particular:
- vitamin C, together with tannins and anthocyanins (pigments of plant origin), helps strengthen blood vessels, normalizes high blood pressure, and makes the body more resistant to external adverse factors;
- folic acid helps the nervous system function normally;
- coumarins prevent thrombus formation, lowering the blood clotting threshold, and also prevent cholesterol “plaques” from forming in the vessels;
- iodine is important for the proper functioning of the thyroid gland;
- a large amount of fiber helps normalize intestinal activity during constipation, which is especially important for many women after childbirth.
It should also be noted that cherries have the following beneficial properties:
- normalizes the activity of the stomach and pancreas, as well as the gall bladder;
- helps the body fight viruses;
- has a hemostatic effect;
- has anti-inflammatory properties;
- is included in some herbal cough preparations, as it has an expectorant effect;
- serves as a medicine in the fight against E. coli and dysentery;
- helps increase vitality and mood by stimulating the production of the hormone serotonin.
It is obvious that cherries have a whole range of properties that make them useful for mother and child during breastfeeding.
It is important to note that this product rarely provokes an allergic reaction.
Introducing cherries to the menu
Like any new product, you should try it little by little (limit yourself to two or three berries), preferably after finishing your morning feeding. In this case, if the baby has digestive problems, they will occur during the daytime or evening hours, and not at night.
If within two days the baby behaves as usual and no allergy symptoms appear, you can gradually increase the portion of cherries. There are no strict restrictions, but you should not get carried away with the berry, as it has a laxative effect.
A relative of the cherry, the sweet cherry is no less useful, although it has a slightly different set of properties. It is included in the diet of a nursing mother according to the same principles.
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The benefits and harms of jam
It is better to give preference to sweet preparations - preserves or jams. Store-bought sweets - chocolate, candy, marshmallows, etc. - contain many harmful components that will negatively affect the quality of milk and the baby’s health.
All types of jam prepared at home will be much more useful for both mother and baby than their store-bought counterparts. They contain vitamins and beneficial microelements, while they do not contain harmful preservatives or dyes.
However, you need to eat jam carefully, carefully observing the child’s reaction. Although it consists only of fruits and sugar, improper use can cause an allergic reaction, cause constipation, colic or diathesis. After all, many fruits and berries are serious allergens. And sugar during breastfeeding is an ambiguous product.
Is store-bought or homemade jam healthier during lactation?
If you are faced with a choice of which jam to prefer, homemade or from the store, then, of course, the answer is homemade. Homemade jam, which is based on fresh berries collected from your garden, is always the healthiest. If you plan to buy homemade jam from your grandmother at the market, then store-bought is better. This homemade jam is made from unknown berries. It can be closed in non-sterile conditions, with dirty hands, etc. All this is extremely dangerous and can lead to poisoning, which will affect the health of your child.
How to introduce it into the diet?
- Meet deadlines. Rushing can cause an allergic reaction or digestive problems in your baby.
- Start with the safest varieties, because brightly colored fruits often cause increased gas formation and colic in babies.
- Don't eat on an empty stomach. The first time, no more than 1 tsp is allowed. per day. Then the dosage can be gradually increased to the maximum allowable 4-5 tsp.
- Before use, heat slightly in a water bath so that the crystallized sugar becomes liquid.
- Monitor the reaction of the baby's body.
- Add new types little by little to those already tried.
- Try to enjoy jam in the first half of the day so that you have the opportunity to watch your baby.
Possible negative reactions in the baby:
- allergic rash;
- swelling and redness of the skin or mucous membranes;
- peeling;
- colic in the tummy;
- problems with stool.
If problems are detected, jam should be immediately excluded from the menu and seek advice from a pediatrician.
Introduction timing table
| Jam | Month | ||||
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 6 | |
| Apple | + | + | + | + | + |
| Pear | + | + | + | + | + |
| From gooseberries | + | + | + | + | + |
| Peach | + | + | + | + | |
| Cherry | + | + | + | + | |
| Strawberry | + | + | + | + | |
| Sea buckthorn | + | + | + | + | |
| Strawberry | + | + | + | + | |
| Currant | + | + | + | ||
| Plum | + | + | + | ||
| Blueberry | + | + | + | ||
| Blackberry | + | + | + | ||
| Apricot | + | + | + | ||
| Lemon | + | + | |||
| Raspberry | + | ||||
| Rosehip | + | ||||
The benefits of cherries in women's nutrition
Like many stone fruits, cherries have nutritional benefits that are important for a nursing mother. It contains a lot of fluid and mineral compounds, the deficiency of which many nursing women suffer from. Particularly valuable are iodine and phosphorus, potassium and copper, vitamins that strengthen the vascular network and tonic the veins. It is useful to enrich your diet with fresh cherries, desserts and dishes with them, and compotes. Cherries have a known anti-anemic effect, which is very useful for young mothers during the recovery period. Vitamin C in its composition helps in the absorption of protein and iron from food.
Also, a diet enriched with cherries and other fruits helps to compensate for the deficiency of fiber and water, which is the prevention of constipation, one of the delicate problems of nursing mothers. There are few calories in the sweet berry, it saturates well, fights excess weight and has an antioxidant effect.
Composition and calorie content of cherries
Such unique and beneficial properties of cherries are due to its rich vitamin and mineral complex, which includes:
- Beta carotene;
- Vitamins A, C, PP;
- Potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, folic acid;
- Pectins;
- Anthocyanins;
- Bioflavonoids.
These berries are especially rich in vitamins A and C. 100 grams of cherries will provide about 20% of the daily requirement for vitamin A and 17% for vitamin C.
A large number of flavonoids ensure better absorption of vitamin C, which means benefits for the immune system, skin, hair and joints.
| Vitamins | |
| Vitamin PP | 0.4 mg |
| Beta carotene | 0.01 mg |
| Vitamin A (VE) | 17 mcg |
| Vitamin B1 (thiamine) | 0.03 mg |
| Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) | 0.03 mg |
| Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) | 0.08 mg |
| Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) | 0.05 mg |
| Vitamin B9 (folic acid) | 6 mcg |
| Vitamin C | 15 mg |
| Vitamin E (TE) | 0.3 mg |
| Vitamin PP (Niacin Equivalent) | 0.05 mg |
| Vitamin H (biotin) | 0.4 mcg |
| Macronutrients | |
| Calcium | 37 mg |
| Magnesium | 26 mg |
| Sodium | 20 mg |
| Potassium | 256 mg |
| Phosphorus | 30 mg |
| Chlorine | 8 mg |
| Sulfur | 6 mg |
| Microelements | |
| Iron | 0.5 mg |
| Zinc | 0.3 mg |
| Iodine | 2 mcg |
| Copper | 100 mcg |
| Manganese | 0.08 mg |
| Chromium | 7 mcg |
| Fluorine | 13 mcg |
| Molybdenum | 10 mcg |
| Bor | 125 mcg |
| Vanadium | 25 mcg |
| Cobalt | 1 mcg |
| Nickel | 15 mcg |
| Rubidium | 77 mcg |
It is worth separately noting the quantity and variety of anthocyanins that make up cherries:
- Chrysanthemum,
- Mecocyanine,
- Antirinin,
- Cyanidin,
- Peonidin,
- Cyanidin 3-glucoside,
- 3-rhamnoglucoside.
And also the presence in it of tannins, pectin, coloring substances, inositol, organic acids, among which are: malic, citric, quinic, shikimic, acetic, formic, lactic, succinic, aconitic, chlorogenic, isochlorogenic and neochlorogenic acids.
The macronutrient composition of cherries is also interesting, in which one can distinguish a high fiber content and a low amount of sugars, which allows you to consume this product even while losing weight.
In addition, it would not be amiss to mention here that this product helps reduce “bad” cholesterol in the blood, normalize metabolism and, accordingly, weight.
| The nutritional value | |
| Calorie content | 52 kcal |
| Squirrels | 0.8 g |
| Fats | 0.2 g |
| Carbohydrates | 10.6 g |
| Alimentary fiber | 1.8 g |
| Water | 84.4 g |
| Starch | 0.1 g |
| Ash | 0.6 g |
| Organic acids | 1.6 g |
| Mono- and disaccharides | 10.5 g |
Choosing a sweet treat
A young mother, especially in the first month after the birth of her baby, needs recovery. In addition, her body requires healthy nutrients that will allow her to produce adequate quality breast milk in sufficient quantities. That is why it is very important to make the menu as varied as possible during this period.
A special place in the diet of the mother of a newborn is given to various sweets. Such products are an excellent source of simple carbohydrates, which provide nutritional strength and vitality.
In addition, it has been scientifically proven that eating sweets provokes the production of the happiness hormone serotonin in the body. As you know, many mothers experience severe stress during breastfeeding, sleep poorly and are mentally tired, so stimulating the production of this hormone comes in handy.
Jam, among all sweet treats, is considered one of the most suitable products to introduce into the diet of a young mother.
Essentially, it’s just sugar and fruits or berries – as simple, tasty and at the same time natural as possible. Of course, this only applies to homemade products; you should be careful when choosing store-bought treats.
The composition of purchased sweets quite often includes some substances that can harm the health of a small child. Preservatives, dyes, stabilizers and other chemical additives that enter the baby’s body with mother’s milk often cause rashes, stomach upset, swelling, and so on.
That is why, before purchasing jam in the store, be sure to carefully study its composition. A natural product should not contain anything other than berries or fruits and sugar. Many experts recommend completely abandoning store-bought products and eating only homemade preparations - this way you can be one hundred percent sure that the delicacy is natural.
