Pregnancy is full of dietary restrictions and a series of precautions that need to be taken to keep the mother and child healthy. One common question that many expecting mothers ask is, “Can you eat burrata when pregnant?” Burrata is a soft and luscious cheese with a rich flavour that is very popular. But while you are pregnant, you need to be careful about your diet. In this article, we will delve into the safety of consuming burrata during pregnancy and the precautions to take.
What Is Burrata?
Burrata is an Italian cheese originating in Puglia. It’s prepared with mozzarella and cream. The crust is hard and stiff, while the inside is soft and creamy and often described as a mozzarella bag filled with fresh cream. Burrata is renowned for its creamy and lush flavour and melt-in-the-mouth texture, and as a result, it is popular in salads, sandwiches, and pizzas.
Dangers of Consumption of Cheese in Pregnancy
Pregnant women should be careful when consuming certain types of cheese. The main reason for cheese is to make you ill with Listeria, a kind of bacteria that causes food poisoning. Listeriosis (listeria infection) is a dangerous condition for the mother and the child that can lead to severe complications, including miscarriage, stillbirth or preterm labour. Therefore, you have to be careful about the cheeses that you eat during pregnancy. Cheese can also be high in sodium and fat, which may be unhealthy for everyone, but can be particularly detrimental to weight gain during pregnancy and blood pressure management. However, it is usually the fear of bacterial infection from soft cheeses, particularly, that is the focus.
Can You Eat Burrata When Pregnant?
So, can you eat burrata when pregnant? There are several choices, with a very important one being that pasteurised milk is used in forming this burrata. Pasteurisation is a process in which the temperature of the milk is raised enough to kill harmful bacteria (Listeria). If the equation is made from pasteurised milk, it’s generally considered safe to consume during pregnancy. However, if the burrata is made from unpasteurised milk, it is more likely to be contaminated with Listeria. This is why it is important to read the label or ask the producer whether the cheese was made with pasteurised milk. In case you don’t know, it is always better to do without unpasteurised cheeses during pregnancy.
How to Enjoy Burrata Safely While Pregnant
If you love burrata and are wondering, “Can you eat burrata when pregnant?” There are a few things one can do to enjoy it safely. Use only pasteurised milk for burrata: Based on your personal preference, the first and foremost step you should take before preparing burrata is to select pasteurised milk. It’s always a good idea to read the packet carefully before eating a commercially produced burrata, as most are pasteurised, but it’s best to double-check and ask the store. If you are in a restaurant or purchasing from a speciality shop, be sure that the burrata is pasteurised. Also, since unpasteurized foods are more likely to be contaminated with foreign matter, you should first avoid soft, unpasteurized cheeses. Second, store burrata in the refrigerator and consume it before it expires. If it’s been out for more than 2 hours, throw it out because it can grow bacteria. Burrata is best eaten fresh, and it’s usually safest to eat it within a few days of it being made. Always check the packaging for a use-by date, because you really don’t want to eat something past its edible date.
Nutritional Value Of Burrata
Aside from being a delicious food, burrata can offer several nutritional benefits when consumed in moderation during pregnancy. It is a great source of protein, calcium, vitamin A, and vitamin D. These nutrients are essential for both mother and child. Protein aids tissue repair and the development of the baby, and calcium aids in the growth of bones. Despite its high-calorie content, burrata is a creamy, rich product that should always be enjoyed in moderation as part of a healthy diet.
Which Other Cheeses Are Safe To Eat While Pregnant?
If you’re still wondering, “Can you eat burrata when pregnant?” This might lead one to ask whether other cheeses are safe to consume during pregnancy. The general rule is that hard cheeses, such as cheddar, Swiss, and Parmesan, are mostly safe due to their lower moisture content, which makes it harder for bacteria to grow. Today’s cheeses are often made from pasteurised milk, which reduces the risk of harmful bacteria. Soft cheeses like brie, camembert and fresh mozzarella (unless it’s pasteurised) are potentially riskier than hard cheeses owing to the risk of listeria contamination. They are therefore not recommended unless you can be sure they are pasteurised.
When to Avoid Burrata During Pregnancy
Although a wide selection of burrata items can be consumed during pregnancy, if the product is made from pasteurised milk, choose it without any problems. If you have a compromised immune system, the immune system of pregnant women is naturally suppressed to accommodate the growing baby. In such cases, it is better to avoid soft cheeses altogether. The early weeks of pregnancy are an important time for the development of the foetus, so if you are unsure about the safety of a particular food, it is best to avoid it. Never consume burrata or any other unpasteurized milk cheese, as they pose a risk of foodborne illness.
Conclusion
In conclusion, can you eat burrata when pregnant? Yes, as long as the burrata is made from pasteurised milk, it is relatively safe to eat during pregnancy. Always check the label, and when you do not know, stick to cheeses known to be pasteurised. As with any food during pregnancy, it’s important to consume it in moderation, so enjoy your burrata as part of a well-balanced diet. Although some foods seem like they need to be avoided when you are pregnant, if you are ever unsure, it is always best to check with your health care provider to ensure the foods you consume are safe for you and your baby.
FAQs
Is burrata safe to eat when pregnant?
Burrata made from pasteurised milk is safe to eat during pregnancy. Just avoid unpasteurized versions.
Can I eat burrata in my first trimester?
Yes, as long as it’s pasteurised, burrata can be enjoyed safely during the first trimester.
What should I check before eating burrata during pregnancy?
Always check if the burrata is made from pasteurised milk. Unpasteurized cheese should be avoided.
What are the risks of eating unpasteurized burrata?
Unpasteurized burrata may contain harmful bacteria, including Listeria, which can be dangerous during pregnancy.
Are all cheeses safe during pregnancy?
Hard cheeses made from pasteurised milk are safe. Soft cheeses should only be consumed if they’re pasteurised.