Pregnant women often wonder if they can enjoy the delicious and protein-packed flavor of beef jerky without any risk. This beloved snack is cherished for its savory taste, long shelf life, and high nutritional value – but is it safe? Can you eat beef jerky when pregnant?
In this blog post, we'll answer this question and provide you with everything you need to know about consuming beef jerky safely during pregnancy.
Can You Eat Beef Jerky When Pregnant?
It's a common question asked by many expectant mothers: can you eat beef jerky when pregnant? The answer, according to medical professionals, is yes – in moderation.
Beef jerky is a high-protein snack made from dried strips of lean cuts of meat, such as flank steak or sirloin. It can be seasoned with spices and herbs like garlic powder, paprika, and oregano. Although protein in beef jerky is high and it's low in carbohydrates, eating too much jerky can present risks for pregnant women.
Why Do Some People Have Concerns About Eating Beef Jerky While Pregnant
The debate regarding the safety of eating beef jerky while pregnant continues to remain a hot topic among expectant mothers. On one hand, beef jerky is high in protein and can provide essential energy to keep you going throughout the day.
On the other hand, there are certain risks associated with consuming beef jerky while pregnant that cannot be overlooked. Let’s take a closer look at why some people have concerns about eating beef jerky when expecting.
Risks With Foodborne Illnesses
Foodborne illnesses pose a serious risk for pregnant women because their immune systems are compromised during pregnancy. For this reason, any food could potentially cause infection when not properly handled or cooked all the way through.
Beef jerky is especially dangerous in this regard due to its potential contamination with listeria bacteria; if left untreated, listeriosis can lead to miscarriage or stillbirth. To avoid this risk, it's important to store and handle your beef jerky correctly: store it in the refrigerator until ready to use and keep cold when traveling outdoors.
How long beef jerky lasts in the fridge will vary depending on the brand, so be sure to read directions and expiration dates carefully. Learn more with our guide that explains how to store beef jerky.
You should also opt for the best cut of beef for jerky to reduce the risk of contamination. Choosing the healthiest beef jerky options is a great way to balance taste and nutrition. Just keep in mind that with healthy can often come higher prices. See our guide on why is jerky so expensive.
And finally, it's wise to discard any expired products immediately as they could contain harmful bacteria that could make you sick. Don't keep expired beef jerky in your pantry as it may contain dangerous pathogens.
High in Sodium
Another concern related to consuming beef jerky during pregnancy is that it contains high levels of sodium. A serving sometimes contains around one-third of the daily recommended maximum intake for pregnant women which can put you at risk for gestational hypertension (high blood pressure) and preeclampsia (swelling of the face, feet, or hands).
Some brands have low sodium options, but be sure to read the label carefully and choose the lowest sodium varieties. These are great options if you want to enjoy a piece or two without putting your health at risk.
Extra sodium in the bodies of pregnant women can unfortunately result in a greater likelihood of developing preeclampsia, water retention, swelling, and other health complications, so it's important to stick with lower sodium options when possible.
If You Want to Have Beef Jerky When Pregnant, Here is Our Advice…
Pregnant women often worry about the safety of eating certain foods like beef jerky. With the proper practices, it can be a delicious and healthy snack when consumed in moderation. Here are some tips for safely enjoying beef jerky while pregnant.
Enjoy in Moderation
While beef jerky contains essential proteins and vitamins needed during pregnancy, it has high levels of sodium which can put you at risk for gestational hypertension (high blood pressure) and preeclampsia (swelling of the face, feet, or hands).
For this reason, it's important to practice moderation when eating beef jerky while pregnant — limit your portion size to two ounces per day or no more than four pieces. Additionally, opt for low-sodium versions with less than 350 milligrams per serving to get the maximum benefit without any health risks.
But can beef jerky go bad? Beef jerky lasts a very long time and can be taken along as an easy snack while traveling. It can last about two months if stored in an air-tight container in the refrigerator and following other best practices. So just because you are eating in moderation doesn't mean you'll end up wasting food.
Shop With a Trusted Jerky Maker
When looking to enjoy a piece or two of beef jerky while pregnant, consider shopping from Mahogany Smoked Meats. We are a trusted leader in online beef jerky for sale with an impressive selection of other products made from top-quality meats.
Additionally, we carry other types of premium jerky online including turkey jerky, elk jerky, buffalo jerky, wild boar jerky, and even fish jerky — perfect for adding variety to your diet.
Whether you’re looking for traditional slab beef jerky or something low in sodium and higher in protein, you’ll find all kinds of deliciousness available with just one click!
Final Thoughts on Eating Beef Jerky While Pregnant
So can you eat beef jerky when pregnant? Yes, eating beef jerky while pregnant can be safe and healthy when done correctly.
Be sure to remember the following tips and guidelines: store it in the fridge, choose low-sodium varieties, practice moderation, and buy jerky from a trusted source like Mahogany Smoked Meats.
You should also consult with your physician for additional advice and guidance on what’s best for you and your baby. Once given the green light, get the best beef jerky online and all your smoked meats for sale from our website with ease!
