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Sausage is a ubiquitous food popular for its spicy taste and crumbly texture. But even though some people like it, it’s a highly processed food that’s high in sodium, saturated fat, and nitrosaminesiX. Long-term exposure to these chemicals may raise a person’s risk of getting some cancers. So, can you eat sausage while you’re pregnant? It’s important to know this because eating highly processed foods can put your health and the health of your unborn child at risk.
We’ll talk about the different kinds of sausages, whether they’re safe for pregnant women, their health benefits and risks, and some tasty sausage recipes you can try at home.
Chinese sausage, also known as lap cheong, is a type of cured meat used in various Chinese dishes. If you’re pregnant and enjoy eating Chinese cuisine, you may be wondering if it’s safe to eat Chinese sausage during pregnancy.
The answer is yes, pregnant women can eat Chinese sausage in moderation as part of a healthy diet. However, there are some precautions to take and preparation guidelines to follow for safe consumption during pregnancy
This article will explore the safety, nutrition, risks and proper cooking methods for eating Chinese sausage while pregnant.
An Overview of Chinese Sausage
Chinese sausage is made from ground pork and pork fat seasoned with soy sauce, rice wine, sugar, and spices. It originated in southern China but is now popular throughout Asia and in Chinese restaurants worldwide.
There are two main types of Chinese sausage:
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Lap cheong – A moist, uncooked sausage that comes fresh or dried. It has a soft texture and sweet flavor.
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Lap yuk – A dried, hard sausage that is usually smoked or cured. It has a firmer texture and stronger smoked taste.
Both types are used to flavor dishes like fried rice, congee, and stir fries. They can be steamed, pan-fried, roasted, or added to soups and noodles.
When buying Chinese sausage, opt for fresh varieties over cured or smoked kinds to limit sodium and nitrates. Check the ingredients for potential allergens like wheat, dairy, or MSG.
Is it Safe For Pregnant Women?
In moderation, both fresh and cured Chinese sausage are safe for pregnant women to eat. To reduce risks, focus on the following:
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Avoid raw sausage – Always cook until steaming hot and fully cooked through. This kills any bacteria.
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Limit cured varieties – They can be high in sodium, which may increase blood pressure.
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Watch your portions – Too much fat and sodium can be unhealthy. Enjoy small amounts along with veggies.
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Cook thoroughly – Heat to 160°F for pork and 165°F for poultry to eliminate bacteria.
Overall, fresh varieties are the safest bet. Cook them properly and pair with healthy sides to mitigate risks.
Nutrition Facts and Benefits
In moderation, Chinese sausage offers some nutritional value:
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Protein – About 6 grams per 2-3 oz serving supports fetal growth and development.
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Iron – Around 1 mg per serving prevents anemia and aids in blood and oxygen supply for you and baby.
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Zinc – Approximately 1 mg per serving assists with immune health, cell growth, and enzyme function.
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Vitamin B12 – Needed for red blood cell formation and neurological health.
However, Chinese sausage can also be high in:
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Saturated Fat – Too much may increase pregnancy complications like gestational diabetes (1).
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Sodium – Excess intake can cause high blood pressure in pregnancy (2).
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Nitrates/Nitrites (in cured meats) – Associated with risks like miscarriage when eaten in large amounts (3).
To gain the most benefits without risk, enjoy a 1-2 oz portion along with fiber and nutrient-rich vegetables, fruits, and whole grains.
Potential Risks and Precautions
While Chinese sausage is generally safe in pregnancy, there are some potential risks to keep in mind:
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Bacteria from undercooked meat – Always cook sausage thoroughly to avoid toxoplasmosis, salmonella, listeria and other illnesses (4).
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High blood pressure from excess sodium – Limit intake of cured/smoked sausage and watch overall sodium consumption (5).
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Weight gain from too much fat and calories – Enjoy leaner varieties and small portions along with veggies.
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Harmful compounds in some varieties – Avoid sausages with artificial colors, flavors, MSG or excessive nitrates.
Discuss any concerns with your doctor and follow proper cooking guidelines to minimize risks.
How to Prepare Chinese Sausage for Pregnancy
Here are some tips for safely preparing Chinese sausage during pregnancy:
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Cook thoroughly to 160-165°F – Use a food thermometer to ensure sausage reaches a safe internal temperature.
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Avoid undercooked meat – Cook until no pink remains to prevent bacteria-related illnesses.
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Don’t eat cold, leftover sausage – Only consume freshly cooked sausage immediately after preparing.
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Limit cured/smoked kinds – They can be higher in sodium, nitrates and nitrites.
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Pair with veggies – This balances nutrients and fiber for better digestion.
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Portion control – Stick to 1-2 ounces at a time and avoid overdoing fat, salt and calories.
Proper handling and cooking kills any potential bacteria, while moderation and veggie pairings make Chinese sausage safe to enjoy during pregnancy.
Healthier Alternatives to Try
If you want to avoid Chinese sausage but still crave the flavors, here are some healthier alternatives to try while pregnant:
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Lean pork or chicken – Substitute meat seasoned with similar spices.
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Tofu or tempeh – For plant-based protein sans the fat, salt and preservatives.
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Turkey or chicken sausage – Opt for leaner options with less fat than pork sausage.
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Smoked paprika – Adds smoky flavor without the sodium or nitrates.
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Liquid smoke – Produces the smoky taste of cured meats in a safer way.
Discuss any major diet changes with your doctor and listen to your body. But in general, these alternatives can provide a nourishing experience minus the risks.
The Bottom Line
Chinese sausage can be safely enjoyed in moderation during pregnancy when handled properly. Focus on fresh, fully cooked sausages, watch your portions, and pair with plenty of vegetables and grains.
To avoid complications, limit intake of cured meats high in sodium and nitrates. Always cook Chinese sausage thoroughly until steaming hot, and don’t eat cold, leftover sausage. If in doubt, talk to your doctor about diet and lifestyle choices for a healthy pregnancy.
With some simple precautions, Chinese sausage can still satisfy pregnancy cravings and provide nutritional benefits. But as with any diet in pregnancy, moderation is key.
Side Effects Of Sausages During Pregnancy
You can be sure that homemade sausage is safe to eat, but you can’t be sure that ready-to-eat food is free of diseases that come from food. A sausage can affect your prenatal health in more ways than one:
Fruity curried sausages
You will need:
- 1tbsp olive oil
- 20g butter
- 2 finely sliced onions
- 1tbsp corn flour
- 1tsp curry powder
- 500ml chicken stock
- 2tbsp apricot jam
- 6 cooked and chopped sausages
- 90g sultanas
How to:
- In a pan, heat the oil and butter together.
- Add onions and cook for about five minutes. One more minute of cooking after adding the corn flour and curry powder.
- After that, add the chicken stock and mix everything well.
- Let it all come to a boil. Once it starts to boil, turn down the heat and let it cook for ten minutes. Add the jam and the sausages and stir again. Now add the sultanas and cook for another five minutes.
- Remove from heat and serve with warm rice and vegetables.
Can I eat sausage while pregnant?
FAQ
Is Chinese sausage fully cooked?
Are sausages safe during pregnancy?
Is Chinese sausage processed meat?
Is Chinese food safe while pregnant?
Can I eat sausage if I’m Pregnant?
The quick answer is yes, you can enjoy sausage safely when you’re pregnant. That said, there are some food rules you’ll need to follow to ensure you and your baby don’t get sick. Here are the types of sausages you can safely eat, notes for preparing them, and when you should call the doctor if you have concerns.
Is it safe to eat sesame seeds for pregnant women in their first month?
Sesame seeds are safe to eat at any time during pregnancy as they contain many essential nutrients including protein, fiber, and healthy fatty acids. You must only monitor for any signs of a sesame allergy.
Can pregnant women eat Chinese food?
To be honest most Chinese food is perfectly fine to eat when pregnant as long as it is served hot. But that said there are some ingredients that are safer than others for pregnant women. Chinese food can have a lot more sugar and salt in certain dishes that you may not be aware of. What about MSG?
Are you craving Chinese food while pregnant?
If you find yourself craving Chinese food while pregnant, you are not alone! This is a very common craving among pregnant women. While some people think it is the MSG content that causes these cravings, the fact is that researchers still don’t know the true cause.