Pregnancy is stressful, and you must eliminate certain foods for the safety of the baby. After talking to a pregnancy nutrition specialist, you may still have questions. Mushrooms are one of those foods, and there are many myths about mushrooms around.
The Answer: Yes, When Cooked
Culinary mushrooms are safe to eat while you are pregnant, with a few caveats. The biggest one is that mushrooms are only completely safe when washed and cooked thoroughly. This process kills any potentially dangerous bacteria and cooks out carcinogenic compounds.
It’s also important to only eat culinary mushrooms from a reliable commercial source. Foraged mushrooms are dangerous, as distinguishing the edible from the non-edible varieties. The risk of problems from accidental ingestion of non-edible mushrooms is higher for pregnant women.
You can still enjoy most of your favorite mushroom dishes throughout your pregnancy since most require cooked mushrooms. You should only avoid raw mushrooms or unidentifiable such as those found in tartar or some salads. You can get more info on here.
The Magic Mushroom Caveat
At no point in a pregnancy is consuming so-called “magic mushrooms” safe. Magic mushrooms contain a compound called psilocybin, which alters brain function. There is a movie called Shrooms which focuses on the effects of these mushrooms. It’s dangerous for both the woman and the baby.
Women who are trying to get pregnant should also avoid magic mushrooms. According to a Reddit post, using them might alter people’s perception of media. Please check the laws in your area before other instances of ingestion.
The Health Benefits of Mushrooms
Mushrooms offer many benefits for every human body, but particularly for pregnant women. They’re nutritionally dense, low calorie, and low fat. Many women even report that fresh culinary mushrooms sit well in their stomachs.
Protein
Protein is necessary for every cell in your body, and you need to increase your consumption while pregnant to help your baby develop. A single 100 gram (about ¾ cup) serving has roughly 3.6 grams of protein. According to Nutrition.gov, proteins are key components of a balanced diet during pregnancy.
While the protein levels of mushrooms are small compared to meat, every amount helps unless you have been directed otherwise by your doctor. Unlike for meat, you can source for a vegetarian diet here.
Vitamins and Minerals
Mushrooms are nutritionally dense with several important components. Among the most important are multiple forms of vitamin B for brain development. Vitamin D helps with calcium absorption for strong bones. A vegetarian diet is versatile, providing nutrients for both you and your baby.
Fiber
Fiber is critical for ensuring healthy digestion throughout your pregnancy. Digestive differences are a common complaint you may experience. Fiber helps keep everything moving and improves your overall gut health.
Antioxidants
Your body has its own system for fighting unstable molecules, but ingesting food with antioxidants boosts its efficiency. This system helps bind unstable molecules in your blood. Several recent studies, such as according to UpToDate, have indicated that antioxidants can also mitigate certain congenital disability risks.
Conclusion
Cooked culinary mushrooms are safe to consume while you are pregnant, provided they are washed and cooked. Eating mushrooms during pregnancy provides many essential nutrients and beneficial compounds for your body and the healthy growth of your child.
This article is not a substitute for medical advice. Please speak with a medical professional before changing your diet. You may want to look at these heart disease symptoms and causes.
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