Can pregnant women eat seafood?
Diet during pregnancy is very important. Poor eating habits may affect the development of the fetus and the mother\’s health. However, many pregnant women have questions about whether they can eat seafood. In this article, we will explain in detail whether pregnant women can eat seafood and how to ensure a healthy diet.
Eatable seafood
Many types of seafood are safe to eat during pregnancy, such as salmon, cod, shrimp, and crab. These seafood are rich in nutrients, such as protein, vitamins and minerals, which are very beneficial to the health of pregnant women and fetuses. However, it is important to note that these seafood should be cooked.
The importance of cooked food
Raw seafood contains a large number of bacteria and parasites, which may pose a threat to the health of pregnant women and fetuses. Therefore, pregnant women must ensure that seafood is fully cooked when consuming it. Cooked fish or shrimp should be a uniform white color.
Seafood that cannot be eaten
However, there are some seafood that should not be eaten during pregnancy. For example, sashimi, whale meat and puffer fish are absolutely inedible. In addition, caviar, oysters and scallops should be avoided as much as possible, especially in the first three months of pregnancy.
The problem of mercury in seafood
Some large fish may contain higher amounts of mercury, such as sharks, tuna, and eels. These seafood, which are high in mercury, should also be avoided because mercury can affect the development of the fetal nervous system. Therefore, when pregnant women buy seafood, they should choose seafood with low mercury content, such as salmon and cod.
How to ensure a healthy diet?
Your diet during pregnancy should be healthy, balanced, and include a variety of food types. It is recommended that pregnant women eat five different colored fruits and vegetables every day, while maintaining moderate intakes of carbohydrates, proteins and fats. At the same time, it is also important to avoid high-calorie, high-fat and high-salt foods and increase the intake of appropriate amounts of fiber, magnesium, iron and calcium.
The importance of vitamin and mineral supplements
In addition to seafood, pregnant women\’s diet should also include high-quality protein, recovery and salad oils, nuts and seeds, dairy products, fruits and vegetables, etc. These foods can not only supplement the energy and nutrition of pregnant women, but also promote the normal development of the fetus.
Summary
Pregnant women can eat some cooked seafood, such as salmon, cod, shrimp and crab, which can provide nutrients needed by pregnant women and fetuses. However, raw seafood and seafood rich in mercury need to be avoided. In addition, pregnant women\’s diet should be healthy and balanced, including various types of food, and supplemented with appropriate amounts of vitamins and minerals. It is important that the diet during pregnancy should follow a scientific approach to ensure the health of mother and fetus.
