The health of expecting mothers is of utmost importance, and part of that is paying close attention to the foods they consume. Bean sprouts, in particular, have been a subject of controversy with pregnant women, since they may carry certain risks that could put the mother and the baby at risk. This blog post will explore the potential dangers that come with consuming bean sprouts during pregnancy and offer advice on how to proceed if you’re expecting. We’ll also discuss the potential benefits of bean sprouts and why it’s important for pregnant women to consult a doctor before introducing new foods into their diets. By exploring the pros and cons of eating bean sprouts as a pregnant woman, this blog post hopes to provide expecting mothers with the necessary information to make well-informed decisions about their health and the health of their unborn child.
What are the Benefits of Eating Sprouts During Pregnancy?
When fully cooked, of course, sprouts can be an incredibly nutrient-dense addition to your meals.
Leafy sprouts, like alfalfa and clover sprouts, have a nutrition profile similar to other greens. They do give you a little protein, as well as some fiber, vitamin C, and magnesium (source: USDA).
The latter two are essential nutrients for your immune system, which is lowered during pregnancy. Radish sprouts are particularly high in vitamin C (source: International Sprout Growers Association).
Sprouts with more substance, like bean and wheat sprouts, contain a little more nutrition. Pr cup, these sprouts boast 8-9 grams of protein and meet 3-4% of your daily need for fiber They are also reasonably high in iron and folate, both of which are essential for promoting a healthy pregnancy and preventing maternal anemia (source: International Sprout Growers Association, WHO).
Sprouts not only supply some of the nutrients your body needs while pregnant, but they may also make these nutrients more readily available to your body. Phytate, a naturally occurring substance found in many plant foods that binds to vitamins, minerals, and proteins to prevent full absorption, is broken down during the sprouting process.
With less phytate in the way, your body is able to absorb and use more of the nutrients in the food you eat (source: Harvard Health Publishing).
Some women also find sprouted grain products to be easier on their digestive tract. Similar to how sprouting decreases phytate, the sprouting process also starts the breakdown of harder to digest proteins and starches. Don’t worry about losing protein during sprouting, however. Those nutrients are still there, just in a more gut-friendly form (source: National Grains Council).
Can you eat raw bean sprouts?
As a result of the warm, humid environment in which bean sprouts are grown, bacteria like Salmonella and E coli and Listeria. Unless they are marked as “ready to eat,” bean sprouts are best used in stir fries and should not be added to salads raw.
Is It Safe to Eat Sprouts in Pregnancy?
It is not advised to consume raw sprouts while expecting. This statement applies to all varieties of sprouts, including mung bean, alfalfa, radish, and clover sprouts. Bacteria like Listeria, Salmonella, and E. Through cracks in the shell, coli can enter the sprout’s seeds. And once they are inside the seed, they develop in the same warm, humid environments that sprouts do. These bacteria can cause illnesses that are extremely dangerous for expectant mothers. Infants who contract listeriosis may experience premature birth, life-threatening infections, stillbirth, and miscarriage. Salmonella and E. coli can lead to illnesses that can even be fatal.
If sprouts are a favorite food of yours, make sure to eat them properly cooked to reduce the risk of illness. The sprouts won’t benefit from being cooked on a low flame because the heat from light cooking won’t be sufficient to eradicate these bacteria.
FAQ
Why can’t you eat sprouts when pregnant?
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