Pregnant women have to take extra care with the foods they eat, being mindful of the nutrients they are taking into their bodies. Pregnant women should be aware of the foods that are beneficial to both their health and the health of their unborn child. One such food is sardines, a small fish packed with nutrients. But can pregnant women safely eat sardines? In this blog post, we will explore the role of sardines in a pregnant woman’s diet and explore the benefits, as well as any potential risks, that come with eating sardines while pregnant. We’ll look at the nutritional value of sardines, and how they can be part of a healthy, balanced diet for pregnant women. We’ll also discuss the importance of consulting a health professional before making dietary changes during pregnancy. By the end of this post, you should have a clear understanding of the role of sardines in a pregnant woman’s diet.
To ensure high quality, I looked for sardines that are caught using sustainable practices to protect our oceans and companies that are transparent about where their fish are caught. The only brand I consume is Wild Planet. I’ve researched their practices and feel comfortable feeding myself and my little bean their products.
Omega-3s are found in some foods like flaxseeds and walnuts, but by far the richest concentration comes in seafood. Sure, you can take fish oil supplements, but I prefer to get as many supplements as I can through my diet — and Harvard Medical School agrees with that philosophy.
Enter: the incredible sardine! Sardines are a complete nutritional powerhouse, and this $16 six-pack on Amazon turned out to be the answer to all my omega-3 woes as well as being a rich source of protein, calcium and iron — all imperative prenatal nutrients. The low mercury content of sardines is due to the fact that they only eat plankton, and as an additional bonus, this makes the superfood environmentally sustainable. Finally, sardines are one of the least expensive, high-quality seafood sources you can find, and buying the canned version means you can stock up without worrying that they’ll go bad before you get around to eating them.
I completely comprehend if the thought of regularly consuming sardines is not particularly appetizing to you, but give the little guys a try! I’ve discovered that the texture and flavor of sardines when flaked are quite similar to tuna, and they make the ideal protein topper to my salads. Additionally, I’ve been frying them in the olive oil they come in and topping a bowl of roasted vegetables or avocado toast with them. I’ve also been putting them in sandwiches with crusty bread and cheese. Bonus: My dog’s coat has never been so shiny and soft because I’ve been sprinkling the can’s leftover oil on her food at night.
One thing I kept hearing about was the advantages of taking omega-3 fatty acids while pregnant. Increased intake of omega-3 fatty acids, particularly DHA and EPA, has been linked to a lower risk of preeclampsia, a reduction in preterm labor, and proper eye, brain, and nervous system development in fetuses. Omega-3 deficiency can even affect a baby’s development and cause behavioral problems after birth. I was certain that I needed to concentrate on including more omegas in my prenatal meal plan.
Are Sardines Safe to Be Consumed in Pregnancy?
Because they have very little to no mercury, sardines are safe to eat while pregnant and are a delicious source of nutrition for the unborn child. Pregnant women are advised to limit their weekly seafood intake to no more than 12 ounces in order to ensure their safety. Because there is a chance of contracting various diseases from eating raw seafood while pregnant, the American Pregnancy Association does not recommend it. During pregnancy, consuming sardines up to three times per week is safe. Sardines should not be consumed raw or undercooked by pregnant women because all raw fish sources carry a risk of germs and foodborne illnesses. In fact, the majority of healthcare professionals and organizations committed to natural healthcare would agree with this recommendation.
Pregnancy and fish: What’s safe to eat?
You’re not alone if you’re uncertain about whether eating seafood is safe while pregnant. Understand the guidelines for pregnancy and fish.
Nutrition during pregnancy can be confusing, especially when it comes to recommended seafood intake. Heres help understanding the facts.
FAQ
Is sardine high in mercury?
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