Can I Eat Beef Jerky While Pregnant? Beef jerky is an excellent source of protein and other nutrients. It contains almost no carbohydrates or sugars, which makes it an ideal snack for most people watching their weight. If you are pregnant, however, you need to take special care about what you eat. There is some risk in eating beef jerky while pregnant because it may be contaminated with bacteria such as listeria monocytogenes. This bacteria can cause miscarriage or a serious infection in your baby that may even lead to death. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a warning regarding all ready-to-eat meat products during the first trimester of pregnancy due to recent outbreaks of listeriosis among pregnant women who ate these products. However, if you can find a trusted brand that follows strict hygiene standards when processing their meats, and if you handle and store your jerky properly once opened, then there should not be any problems with eating it while pregnant. Here’s more on this topic:
Beef Jerky Nutrition
Beef jerky is a great source of protein, niacin, and zinc. It contains a little bit of most essential nutrients. It is an excellent source of protein. Protein is essential for your baby’s growth and development. It helps in building muscles and other tissues and is also important for the proper functioning of your baby’s brain. Pregnant women need about 40 extra grams of protein per day. Jerky is also a rich source of iron. Iron is an important mineral required by your baby. It is needed for the growth of your baby’s body and formation of red blood cells that are necessary for carrying oxygen. Zinc is another important nutrient found in beef jerky. It is important for your baby’s brain development. A deficiency of this mineral during pregnancy has been linked to lower cognitive abilities in children.
Pros of Eating Beef Jerky While Pregnant
Jerky is low in calories, which makes it an excellent snack for people watching their weight. This is especially true if you choose lower-fat options since fat contains more calories than proteins and carbohydrates. Eating jerky during pregnancy is also good for your baby’s development. It is a rich source of protein, iron, and zinc — all nutrients that are essential for fetal growth. Pregnant women often crave for salty and sweet foods. Jerky is a great snack for those cravings since it is high in sodium, which is what makes it taste salty, as well as in protein and carbohydrates.
Cons of Eating Beef Jerky While Pregnant
Beef jerky is high in sodium, which is good for your body during pregnancy but not so much for your baby. The excess salt may cross the placenta and enter your baby’s bloodstream, which is harmful for the baby. Bacteria found in raw meat, including listeria monocytogenes, can cause serious infections in your baby. You need to be extra careful while eating jerky during pregnancy as this bacteria can easily get into your system.
Is Beef Jerky Safe for Pregnant Women?
Some pregnant women may be wondering if beef jerky is safe to eat since there have been recent reports of listeria outbreaks. Jerky made from fresh cuts of beef that is thoroughly cooked to a minimum internal temperature of 160 degrees F (71 degrees C) is safe for pregnant and non-pregnant people alike. If you are pregnant, however, you need to be extra careful about what you eat. While listeria infection is rare, there are certain foods that are more likely to be contaminated with it — namely, ready-to-eat meats, unpasteurized milk and soft cheeses. You need to make sure that the jerky you eat is made from fresh cuts of beef that are cooked thoroughly. It is also important to store it in a cool and dry place and to eat it in 2 weeks.
How to Safely Enjoy Beef Jerky During Pregnancy?
If you want to eat beef jerky while pregnant, you need to choose a trusted brand that prepares its jerky using a stringent process, including proper cooking and cleaning of equipment. You also need to store the jerky properly. Keep it in a cool, dry place away from other foods. Finally, if you decide to eat beef jerky while pregnant, be sure to watch your intake. One serving of jerky is around 2 ounces. You can have jerky as a snack or as a part of your lunch. Keep in mind, however, that jerky should be a treat, not a full meal. It is best to eat it only once a day and to pair it with a nutritious and balanced meal.
Conclusion
Beef jerky is an excellent source of protein and other nutrients. It contains almost no carbohydrates or sugars, which makes it an ideal snack for most people watching their weight. However, if you are pregnant, you need to be extra careful when choosing your snack. There is some risk in eating beef jerky while pregnant because it may be contaminated with bacteria such as listeria monocytogenes. If you can find a trusted brand that follows strict hygiene standards when processing their meats, and if you handle and store your jerky properly once opened, then there should not be any problems with eating it while pregnant.