When it comes to pregnancy, the expectation is that you should behave in a conservative manner to ensure the best health for both you and your baby. This includes being careful about the things that you eat. One food that you may be wondering about is wasabi, a green horseradish paste commonly used in Japanese cuisine. In this blog post, we’ll be exploring the question “Can you eat wasabi while pregnant?” We’ll look at the potential risks associated with eating wasabi while pregnant, as well as any potential benefits. Along the way, we’ll also provide some tips on how to safely consume foods that contain wasabi, if you decide it’s something that works for you and your baby. By the end of this blog post, you should have a better understanding of the potential risks and benefits of eating wasabi while pregnant, as well as how to best enjoy this flavorful condiment during your pregnancy!
Is It Safe to Eat Wasabi When Pregnant?
The root of the wasabi plant, also known as Japanese horseradish, is used to make the paste known as wasabi. The Japanese native plant has been used for both food and medicine for a long time. Vitamin C, potassium, and magnesium are among the vitamins and minerals that are abundant in wasabi.
Most likely, the wasabi you’ll find at a sushi restaurant isn’t even wasabi at all, but rather a concoction of horseradish, mustard, and food coloring. The authentic product has a more vivid green color and a more pungent flavor because it is made from the wasabi plant’s root. Real wasabi is also more expensive and harder to find.
Whether you come across real or fake wasabi, both are safe to eat in moderation during pregnancy. However, Wasabi paste contains allyl isothiocyanate (AITC)(source: J-stage Journal), which is a compound that can stimulate contractions resulting in miscarriage and birth defects (source: New Jersey Department of Health).
Because of this, it’s best to steer clear of consuming a lot of wasabi while expecting. However, a small amount used sparingly as a condiment shouldn’t cause any issues. It’s important to note that if you’re eating wasabi along with sushi or sashimi, you should first determine whether those foods are safe to consume during pregnancy.
You should stay away from certain types of sushi, such as those made with raw fish or shellfish. These might be contaminated with parasites or bacteria that could harm you or your child.
Speak with your healthcare provider if you have any concerns about consuming wasabi while expecting. They can provide you with advice that is specifically tailored to your situation.
Wasabi has a horseradish and/or mustard base, so eating a lot of it while expecting can also have unfavorable effects like:
Because wasabi can irritate the mouth, throat, nose, digestive system, and urinary tract, you might experience the symptoms above (source: WebMD). If you get these symptoms just right after you consume wasabi, it might be best to cut back or limit your intake until after your baby is born.
What can a pregnant woman eat at a sushi restaurant?
Pregnant women still have plenty of choices for dining at a sushi restaurant that don’t involve raw fish. It is advised that you select sushi made with cooked seafood like eel or imitation crab (typically made with pollock) or vegetables like cucumber or avocado.
As are miso soup, bento boxes with rice, vegetables, and teriyaki beef or chicken, or tamago (egg omelet on rice).
Only raw fish sushi rolls and other dishes like poke and sashimi need to be avoided.
Although vegetable tempura is also safe, please be aware that the batter’s high calorie content should not be consumed in excess.
Do Japanese eat sashimi when pregnant?
#5: Do Japanese eat sushi while pregnant? Japanese women generally don’t stop eating sushi while pregnant. In Japan, raw fish is actually regarded as a healthy prenatal food that is both safe to consume.
FAQ
Can I eat wasabi sushi when pregnant?
Is it safe to eat horseradish while pregnant?
Avoid use. Use should be avoided during pregnancy and lactation because toxic irritants are released upon crushing. Horseradish may cause miscarriage.
Is wasabi good for fertility?
Deficiencies in manganese could be associated with impaired fertility, growth retardation, birth defects, and general weakness.
Can you eat soy sauce while pregnant?