Is It Safe to Consume Mushrooms During Pregnancy?

Are you pregnant, or know someone who is? Then, this article is a must-read. While pregnancy is an exciting time, it is also a time when the right diet and nutrition are crucial. We are unaware of many foods that are good for pregnant women. One such ingredient is the mushroom. Have you ever wondered whether mushrooms are good for pregnancy?

Mushrooms can be quite beneficial for expectant mothers. They offer several key health benefits– boosting energy levels, aiding digestion, reducing inflammation, fighting infections, and strengthening bones while promoting red cell growth! Read on to learn why mushrooms are good in a pregnancy diet.

Nutritional Value of Mushrooms

Mushrooms are a low-calorie food rich in the following essential nutrients.

1. Antioxidants, vitamin B, and minerals: These are important for immunity.
2. Prebiotics: Good for a healthy gut function.
3. Vitamin D: A key nutrient for a healthy pregnancy and foetal growth.

One cup of mushrooms contains the following nutrients-

• Carbohydrates (19 gm)
• Proteins (2.9 gm)
• Fats ((0.4 gm)
• Niacin (21% of daily requirement)
• Riboflavin (22% of daily requirement)
• Selenium (27% of daily requirement)

Mushrooms for Pregnancy: Is it Safe to Consume?

If a woman had mushrooms before pregnancy and they did not cause any allergy or side effects, then eating them during pregnancy is relatively safe. Button, shiitake, and oyster mushrooms can be included in a balanced diet. These offer valuable nutrients beneficial for both the mother and the developing foetus. However, it's crucial to avoid raw or undercooked mushrooms to reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses.

Health Benefits of Mushrooms During Pregnancy

 If you’ve ever wanted to know “Are mushrooms good for pregnant women?" we’ve listed a few reasons below as to why mushrooms are a great addition to a pregnant woman’s diet.

• Mushrooms have a ton of nutritional value! Consuming 100 grams of mushroom can provide about 27.5 calories, 3.7 grams of protein, and 1.98 grams of carbohydrates.
• Mushrooms are known to be a rich source of B vitamins, including B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), and B5 (pantothenic acid) which are essential for the health of pregnant women and for the development of the foetus. The major role of vitamin B is listed below:

• Vitamin B1 plays a huge role in the baby's brain development, increasing the mother's energy and reducing pregnancy fatigue.

• Vitamin B2 supports the baby’s nervous system development, healthy skin, good eyesight, and strong bones and muscles.

• Vitamin B3 also plays a major role in helping to improve circulation in the mother's body, so that the foetus is well nourished. It also maintains cholesterol levels and cardiovascular health of both mother and baby.

• Vitamin B5 helps to enhance food metabolism and prevents digestive disorders during pregnancy.

• Vitamin D: Mushrooms are also known to be a good source of Vitamin D. This helps in the absorption of calcium in the body, which further helps develop stronger bones and teeth in the foetus.

• Iron: During pregnancy, a higher amount of iron is essential to support the developing fetus and placenta, as well as to increase the mother's red blood cell count.

Types of Mushrooms to Eat While Pregnant

Pregnant women can safely consume the following types of mushrooms, provided they are well-cooked and sourced from reliable outlets:

• Button Mushrooms: Commonly used and widely available, they are nutritious and versatile in recipes.
• Shiitake Mushrooms: Known for their rich flavour and potential immune-boosting properties.
• Oyster Mushrooms: Low in calories and a good source of protein and fibre.
• Portobello Mushrooms: Meaty texture makes them a great meat substitute in various dishes.
• Enoki Mushrooms: Delicate and often used in soups and salads; ensure they are thoroughly cooked.

Side Effects of Mushrooms During Pregnancy

While mushrooms are generally safe, some potential side effects include:

• Allergic Reactions: Though rare, some individuals may experience allergies to certain mushroom varieties.
• Digestive Issues: Improperly cooked or contaminated mushrooms can lead to stomach discomfort or food poisoning.

It's essential to cook mushrooms thoroughly and purchase them from reputable sources to minimise these risks. Additionally, it is advisable to have a health insurance plan in place to protect expecting mothers from everything from a food allergy to serious health issues during this crucial period.

Types of Mushrooms to Avoid While Pregnant

During pregnancy, it's advisable to avoid:

• Wild or Foraged Mushrooms: Identifying safe wild mushrooms requires expertise; some varieties are toxic and can be harmful.
• Psychedelic or "Magic" Mushrooms: Containing psilocybin, these mushrooms have hallucinogenic properties and are unsafe during pregnancy.

Sticking to commercially grown, edible mushrooms ensures safety for both mother and child.

Conclusion

If you’ve ever wondered, “is mushrooms good for pregnancy?”, we hope this article has helped! Mushrooms are loaded with important nutrients that can help boost your health and your growing baby’s too. One should keep in mind that mushrooms should always be consumed fresh, clean, and properly cooked to limit bacterial and fungal infections from penetrating the body and avoid cases of food poisoning during pregnancy.

So, go ahead and add these power foods to your curries, soups, salads or sandwiches and create some healthy meals for you and your baby.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational purposes only. Please consult a medical or nutrition professional before making any significant changes in your daily diet. Relying on any information provided in this blog is solely at your own risk, and ICICI Lombard is not responsible for any impact or consequences resulting from the use of the information shared.