Is It Safe To Have Sprouts During Pregnancy?

What Are Sprouts?

Sprouts are small seeds that are germinated to become tiny plants. Various seeds can be soaked overnight or more and then tied in a cloth. This process leads to the seeds sprouting. You can consume these sprouts in raw or cooked forms. However, they are generally consumed raw.

Two of the most common variants of sprouts are the moong beans and the alfalfa. These sprouts are a healthy snacking option and are packed with various nutrients. However, some harmful bacteria in them cause ill effects when consumed during pregnancy. This is why experts always advised staying away from consuming sprouts during pregnancy.

Nutritional Value of Sprouts

Sprouts contain all the necessary nutrients that a plant requires to sustain life and grow further, and hence they are a very nutritious food source. The key nutrients present in sprouts are Vitamin C, Vitamin B, Folate, essential amino acids, fiber, and lysine.

Is it Safe to Eat Sprouts During Your Pregnancy?

Eating sprouts during pregnancy can have many health benefits. For example, sprouts contribute to your overall protein intake. However, as per the Food and Drug Administration, it is not at all safe to consume sprouts when you are pregnant including sprouts such as alfalfa, radish, clover, and moong bean sprouts.

Why Raw Sprouts Are Not Safe During Pregnancy?

Raw sprouts can harbor certain bacteria such as Salmonella, Listeria, and E. Coli. Some of these bacteria are notorious for being heat-resistant too. Such bacteria are responsible for causing contamination and food poisoning. Many outbreaks have been linked to contaminated sprouts that have been contaminated and sometimes. These bacteria in the sprouts can cause illnesses that are quite dangerous for pregnant women, leading to stillbirth, miscarriage, premature birth, and other life-threatening infections to the newborn baby in some rare cases.

[Read: Benefits of Eating Lentils During Pregnancy]

Are Home Grown Sprouts Safer?

Even if the sprouts are grown at home in safe conditions, they do possess the risk of being affected by bacteria and can cause ailments if eaten raw or not well cooked. It is always best to eat fully cooked sprouts. Due to the weak immune systems of pregnant women, it is best to avoid sprouts altogether, as they are more at risk of being affected by the foodborne diseases caused by the sprouts.

What Are the Safety Measures to be Taken While Eating Sprouts During Pregnancy?

If you want to eat sprouts in small amounts during pregnancy, here is what you can do;

• Wash them completely to remove bacteria.
• Make sure to eat well-cooked sprouts.
• Avoid completely if you are not in the best of health.
• While eating out, ensure your salads and other food does not contain raw sprouts. If there are, request the chef to re-do your food with well-cooked sprouts.

What Are the Benefits of Eating Cooked Sprouts During Pregnancy?

Eating cooked sprouts have the following benefits for a pregnant woman:

• Improve your Digestion
• Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids
• Instant energy booster
• Rich source of protein
• Prevent anemia

[Read : Soybeans During Pregnancy]

How to Incorporate Sprouts into Your Pregnancy Diet?

Following are some ways to incorporate sprouts into pregnancy diet:

1. Salads

You can prepare yummy salads with boiled sprouts. By adding finely chopped onions, chopped coriander leaves, tomatoes, and other vegetables you can increase the nutritional value. You can add a few drops of lemon juice and a pinch of salt to satisfy your pregnancy cravings.

2. Sandwich

You can incorporate boiled sprouts as sandwich fillings. By pairing it with whole wheat bread, you can double the benefits.

3. Curry It

You can even make Indian curries with sprouts. In that case, add the boiled sprouts to the curry. With all those spices, onions, and tomatoes, it can be an excellent side dish for your meal. You can go ahead and eat sprouted Moong in pregnancy.

4. Snack It

You can add some boiled sprouts to your Poha instead of potatoes to make it more nutritious.

[Read : Carrots During Pregnancy]

What Are the Guidelines For Buying, Storing, and Eating Sprouts During Pregnancy?

To ensure that the sprouts you buy from the store are fresh and safe to consume, here are some guidelines to abide by for buying, storing, and eating the sprouts:

• Make sure to buy sprouts that are kept in the refrigerator and look fresh.
• Don’t buy the ones with a musty smell or the ones that look skinny.
• Make sure to store the sprouts below 40-degree Fahrenheit temperature, and also make sure the fridge is clean.
• Thoroughly rinse and clean them before using them.
• Fully cooking the sprouts will bring down the risk of foodborne disease.
• You can add cooked sprouts to fries, soups, and stews also.
• If you are baking the sprouts, then make sure they are crisp and brown.

No doubt, sprouts are extremely healthy and are rich in vital nutrients, but you must be extremely cautious while eating them as they can cause food poisoning. If you are pregnant, it is best if you avoid sprouts altogether. If you still feel like eating them, then make sure you consult with your medical practitioner first if you can consume sprouts at this time, as the doctor will know your pregnancy state in and out and can guide you accordingly.

FAQ’s

1. Are Sprouts Good During Pregnancy?

If we are to abide by the verdict of the Food and Drug administration, then consumption of all kinds of sprouts is a big NO during pregnancy. But, if you are not able to resist your feelings for these tiny greens, then consume only the fully cooked sprouts.

2. Can I Eat Sprouts During Pregnancy?

Yes, you can eat sprouts during pregnancy, but only once the sprouts are fully cooked. Uncooked or raw sprouts are considered unhealthy and unsafe for pregnant bellies.

3. Which Sprouts are Good During Pregnancy?

All kinds of cooked or boiled sprouts are good enough to be consumed during pregnancy. This is inclusive of all kinds of sprouts, like alfalfa, radish, clover, and moong bean sprouts.

4. Which Sprouts are Safe During Pregnancy?

Any kind of sprout that is either boiled or well-cooked or stir-fried is safe to be consumed during pregnancy. But no sprout in its raw form is permissible for consumption by pregnant ladies during the nine months of pregnancy.

5. Can I Eat Palm Sprouts in Pregnancy?

It is better to avoid palm sprouts during pregnancy, as like any other raw sprouts, palm sprouts can also cause food poisoning.

6. Can Sprouts Increase My Protein Intake While Pregnant?

Yes, it can. sprouts are a rich source of protein for vegetarians. This slowly boosts your protein levels.

7. Should I Eat Sprouted or Non-Sprouted Sprouts?

It is recommended to eat the sprouted variety, fresh. This is healthier in many ways. If you sprout too many, you can store it in a refrigerator and consume it.

8. Can I Eat Raw Sprouts When Pregnant?

Adding fresh sprouts to your salad can be refreshing. However, they can contain a number of bacteria. Ensure you wash them well before storing it away in the fridge.

9. Are Sprouts Risky During Pregnancy?

Many believe they can be. If not washed properly, or not sprouted in clean water, it can contain bacteria. This type of bacteria is not safe for both mom and baby.

Read Also: Is It Safe To Eat Cabbage During Pregnancy?