Maggi During Pregnancy – Is It Safe?

Does Maggi Masala Contain Ajinomoto?

The flavor enhancer (masala) packet that comes with Maggi is loaded with MSG – a taste enhancer. The Japanese name for this particular ingredient is Ajinomoto.

Maggi During Pregnancy: Harmful Ingredients

When you are considering the safety factors of a food item for a pregnant woman, it is important to research deeply and understand the various ingredients that are used in its making. While many ingredients may seem harmless, some can be dangerous, especially when having Maggi during pregnancy.

Here are some of the commonly used ingredients in the making of noodles. Let’s dig deeper into each of these ingredients to know if they are safe or unsafe during pregnancy:

1. Maida

Refined flour (maida) is stripped of all its nutritional values when it goes through the refining process. Consuming high quantities or regular consumption of this flour adds no benefit to you.  Maida takes more time to digest when compared to other commonly used flours. Though one can eat food made of maida during pregnancy, it is not recommended. It can cause digestive issues and can also make you gain weight due to all those empty calories. This is why Maggi during pregnancy may not suit you.

2. Salt

Salt has a direct impact on the BP of a person. Pregnancy causes drastic fluctuations in BP and many women suffer from hypertension (high BP) during pregnancy. Instant noodles and the flavoring agents are rich in salt, thus making noodles an unhealthy option of food during pregnancy.

3. Preservatives

All packaged foods contain high amounts of preservatives to increase their shelf lives. These preservatives are not very safe to consume during pregnancy. It can not only affect the health of the mother-to-be but can also have an impact on the baby’s health if consumed regularly.

4. MSG

Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) is used in many food items to enhance the flavor and make the dish tastier. MSG is made by natural fermentation processes just like vinegar, beer, etc. It is not only found in Maggi noodles but can be found in many other items like soya sauce, dips, premixed gravies, salad dressings, and even seasoned salt among others.

While it is mandatory for these food manufacturers to mention MSG on their ingredients list, MSG is not unsafe. It can easily be digested by the body. Packaged or instant noodles have high sodium content, which makes them unsuitable for regular consumption by pregnant women.

Side Effects of Eating Maggi During Pregnancy

Maggi has not been clinically proved as an unsafe food during pregnancy. Lab test results published by the manufacturers show Maggi during pregnancy is perfectly safe. However, here are some side effects to watch out for if you are craving for Maggi during pregnancy:

1. Weight Gain Due to Maggi During Pregnancy

The high content of maida and sodium can result in weight gain, especially for pregnant women who are already on the weight gain journey.

2. Hypertension

Again, the high content of salt and sodium can increase the BP levels of a pregnant woman.

[Read : Hypertension In Pregnancy]

3. Heart Burns

The spices added in the tastemaker packet, which is the actual essence of Maggi, can cause indigestion and heartburn in a pregnant woman.

4. High Cholesterol Due to Eating Maggi During Pregnancy

Packaged foods like Maggie contain high amounts of trans fats. Continued consumption of foods high in trans fats can cause your cholesterol levels to go off the charts – especially during pregnancy!

5. Breathlessness

The chemical used in preservatives can be very dangerous for not only the pregnant woman but the baby too, in the long run.

[Read : Feeling Short Of Breath (Breathlessness) During Pregnancy]

Maggi was the most loved instant noodle in India. It was comfort food for both young and old alike. The controversy where Maggi was blamed for having high levels of lead caused many people to avoid eating Maggi for good. However, if Maggi is your pregnancy craving, go ahead and give in. There is no harm in eating some Maggi once in a while. Just ensure you keep an eye on the quantity and the time you eat it (just before bedtime is not recommended).

FAQ’s

1. Does Maggi Increase Weight During Pregnancy?

It can increase the weight of a pregnant woman due to high levels of sodium and salt present in it.

2. Can Maggi Cause Heartburn During Pregnancy?

The noodles will not cause any heartburns as it is plain and flavorless. It is the tastemaker that causes all the complications mentioned above. The ingredients in them can make it indigestible for pregnant women, resulting in constipation and other digestive issues.

3. Can Maggi Affect the Unborn Child?

Maggi contains MSG and TBHQ, which when consumed in large quantities during the course of pregnancy, can in fact affect the unborn baby.

Read Also: Benefits Of Poha During Pregnancy