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Spicy Food During Pregnancy | Is It Safe To Consume?
As long as consumed in moderation, pregnant women may continue enjoying spicy foods. It is generally accepted that eating spicy food during pregnancy won’t harm you. However, the question still might arise is: is it safe for your baby to consume spicy dishes while being pregnant?
Eating spicy food during pregnancy
Although eating spicy dishes in moderation won’t necessarily cause you any problems, you still need to watch for indigestion and heartburn if you are pregnant. You might notice that even if your craving for spicy foods increases after getting pregnant, you may still have some after-effects which you should take note of.
We all know the popular myths that spicy foods help to predict your baby’s gender or bring on labor for mothers who have passed their due date. However, there is nothing based on science that can provide the claim to be true although many say that it gives them a helping hand.
Yet, it may be still true that eating spicy foods when you are pregnant has a knock-on effect on the uterus due to its stimulating effect on your digestive system and bowels.
Nevertheless, keep in mind that it is important to rely on a healthy diet that has plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables while being pregnant.
Consuming pepper during pregnancy
Eating black pepper is safe during pregnancy as long as you exercise moderation as it is with any other food. Because, if taken in excess, it may cause acid reflux, indigestion, accompanied by a burning sensation.
Furthermore, pepper contains a lot of vital nutrients like vitamins C, and K. It is also a great source of minerals, such as iron, calcium, and antioxidants.
What are the side effects?
There are some side effects which may lead you to experience some allergic reactions, burning sensation, and even increase body fat. You might need to consult your physician if you face any of these symptoms caused by the consumption of spicy foods during pregnancy.
Can you eat noodles during pregnancy?
Although they are tasty and come with a lot of spices, consuming instant noodles during pregnancy may not be a good idea. This is because instant noodles do not offer any nutritional value and only give you a feeling of satisfaction for a short period of time.
These foods include certain ingredients, such as MSG, which can pose risks for your unborn baby if consumed in excess amounts. Therefore it is wise to simply avoid eating instant noodles as long as you are pregnant.
Besides, since noodles also contain the following ingredients, consumption should be definitely limited for pregnant women.
Maida
Maida is made of completely refined flour that does not have any nutritional benefits since all nutrients are removed during the process of refining.
Salt
Noodles contain a lot of salt which may exceed the daily allowed limits. Thus, frequent consumption may affect your health and increase the chances of developing hypertension.
Preservatives
Instant noodles contain many preservatives that are added to prolong its shelf life. However, this may have an adverse effect on your growing baby.
Monosodium Glutamate
Many foods nowadays contain MSG, which might add that savory taste. Since it helps to enhance the taste of noodles, companies use large quantities to make them more delicious.
While eating foods that contain MSG in small quantities won’t harm pregnant women, frequent consumption still may put your child at risk. Therefore, it is still better for you to avoid eating foods that contain these kinds of ingredients for the duration of pregnancy.
