Do you love salami, prosciutto, pepperoni and any other type of cured meat that’s salty and packed with umami? While these types of meats are often a source of sodium, nitrates and nitrites, which have been linked to certain health risks like high blood pressure. However, there aren’t many studies confirming all the risks. Additionally, it’s important to keep in mind that the ways that you eat the meat makes a big difference. While eating salami once in a while isn’t going to hurt you or your baby, there are some risks associated with it while you are pregnant. Keep reading for more information!
What Are Nitrates and Nitrites?
First, let’s cover the basics about what nitrates and nitrites are in case you haven’t heard about these terms before. Nitrates and nitrites are additives that are often found in cured meats, like salami, ham, pepperoni and other processed meat products. If you have ever opened a salami or ham sandwich and your mouth feels numb, that is an indication that the sodium nitrate and nitrites in the cured meat have reacted with the iron in your saliva and your mouth. Nitrates and nitrites are used to cure meats because they help prevent the growth of harmful bacteria and extend shelf life. The amount of nitrates or nitrites in cured meats is so low that it’s almost negligible.
Pros and Cons of Salami While Pregnant
As we’ve established above, nitrates and nitrites can be found in salami, ham, pepperoni and other cured meats. What are the pros and cons of salami while pregnant? Let’s find out! – Pros – Cured meats like salami are high in protein. There are about 7 grams of protein in each ounce of salami. Protein is an important nutrient for your growing baby. Salami is a good source of iron. A single ounce of salami can provide 20% of your daily iron needs. Iron is essential for the development of your baby’s brain and nervous system. – Cons – Salami is high in sodium. An ounce of salami contains 390mg of sodium. This is higher than the daily recommended amount of sodium for pregnant women (1300mg). Salami also contains nitrates and nitrites. These have been linked to increased risk for certain diseases in adults and have been shown to have negative impacts on fetal development during pregnancy.
Should You Avoid Salami While Pregnant?
While some research indicates that salami might be harmful to you and your baby, other studies suggest that it isn’t a risk at all. However, it’s important to note that the amount of nitrates and nitrites in cured meat varies. The amount of these chemicals in a single serving of salami is so small that there is no reason to avoid it entirely. Instead, you should eat salami in moderation as part of a healthy, balanced diet. You can find some great alternatives to salami here. If you are worried about the amount of sodium, nitrates, and nitrites in salami, you can always read the nutrition facts on the label. You can also try other types of cured meats like ham, prosciutto, or pepperoni that might be lower in sodium.
How to Eat Salami While You’re Pregnant
If you decide to eat salami while you’re pregnant, you should consider having it as part of a balanced meal. This will help to balance out the amount of sodium and other minerals in the salami. If you have a few slices of salami by themselves, you might have to drink a lot of water to stay hydrated. If you do decide to eat salami, here are some tips for eating it while you are pregnant: – Choose lower sodium salami. Try to find salami that has a low amount of sodium. – Eat salami with other foods. Instead of having a sandwich with salami, try to eat it with crackers or some bread and butter. This will help to reduce the amount of sodium that you get from the salami. – Drink water. You should always drink plenty of water when eating salami.
Ham
Ham is another type of meat that is often cured with nitrates and nitrites. In fact, many types of ham are cured with the same spices and herbs that go into salami. While eating ham while pregnant is generally safe, you should still consume it in moderation. The same goes for smoked ham, which is cured with nitrates and nitrites. Keep in mind that the amount of sodium and nitrates in ham varies depending on how it is prepared. If you are going to eat ham while pregnant, choose a lower sodium ham like Canadian bacon or Virginia ham. You can also choose to eat cured ham that doesn’t include nitrates or nitrites.
Pepperoni
Pepperoni is a type of salami that is a staple at many pizza places. Like salami, pepperoni is often cured with sodium nitrate and nitrites. Pepperoni is usually high in sodium, which means that you should eat it in moderation. You can find lower sodium pepperoni, but you might have to switch to Italian pepperoni if you want to avoid sodium nitrate and nitrites completely. You can eat pepperoni while pregnant, but try to eat it in moderation. Pepperoni is high in calories and fat, so you don’t want to overdo it while pregnant. You can eat pepperoni as part of a sandwich, as an appetizer with cheese, or as a topping on a pizza.
Final Words
While eating salami, ham, pepperoni, prosciutto and other cured meats while pregnant isn’t completely out of the question. You might want to limit yourself to one serving per week. Keep in mind that the amount of nitrates, sodium, and other additives in cured meats vary from brand to brand. You can also choose lower sodium nitrate-free salami or ham if you are worried about the amount of sodium in these foods. If you are worried about the amount of nitrates and nitrites in cured meats, you can always choose to eat high-quality ham or salami that doesn’t contain these additives.