Every food taken during pregnancy should be taken with care. It is advised that honey should be avoided in children under one year of age as it carries bacteria to the body. In this case, let’s find out whether the mother can add honey when the baby is growing in the womb and whether it will harm the baby.
Is honey safe during pregnancy?
Pregnant You can eat honey while there. It is also said to be safe. In very rare cases honey may contain bacteria that can lead to botulism. It should not be given to a child under one year of age as it can attack the nervous system and poison the body.
But the body’s natural defense system prevents this bacteria from multiplying. It is said to be safe for adult consumption. Research shows that botulism in honey does not cross the placenta and affect the baby when honey is added during pregnancy.
What are the benefits of eating honey during pregnancy?
The vitamins, minerals and antioxidants present in honey are beneficial. Honey is used as a medicinal product. Eating honey during pregnancy can have many benefits.
- Reduces body inflammation. Helps increase antioxidant activity.
- Honey acts as an antibacterial agent
- Helps in treating cough
- Promotes wound healing.
- Helps to relieve digestive problems.
- Honey is said to be a quick energy booster as it contains natural sugars. Honey acts as a stimulant to control pregnancy fatigue.
How much honey can a pregnant woman eat?
There is no definite limit to consuming honey during pregnancy. But this is important because of the high sugar content in honey. Excessive consumption of honey can cause weight gain and other health problems.
Honey is better than the usual processed sweetener. As it can increase the sugar level, it is better to reduce the consumption of honey during pregnancy to one or two tablespoons per day to balance the blood sugar level in the body during pregnancy.
Is raw honey safe for pregnant women?
There are no studies on the safety of honey during pregnancy. But there’s no reason to believe it’s unsafe either. Unpasteurized honey does not carry the same risk of listeriosis as unpasteurized cheese and meat. Since it is less processed than pasteurized honey, it may contain more antioxidants.
Honey sold in stores is pasteurized for storage purposes. Honey is pasteurized using the same method used to pasteurize milk. It is heated to 161 degrees F for 15 to 30 seconds and then cooled rapidly. So the honey does not ferment.
Can you eat honey if you have gestational diabetes?
Women with diabetes, including gestational diabetes, should watch their sugar and carbohydrate intake. Honey is part of a balanced diet. It breaks down into simple sugars just like other carbohydrates and sugar sources. This also increases blood sugar in the body. A teaspoon of honey is a reliable source of 17 grams of carbohydrates if a pregnant woman with gestational diabetes or a woman at risk of diabetes wants to add honey. So honey can be paired with a protein or fiber source to reduce the blood sugar effect.
Who are the pregnant women who should never eat honey?
- Diabetes Unruly women
- Indigestion disorders
- Women who experience gastrointestinal problems
- Do not add honey during pregnancy. It can worsen gastrointestinal problems.
- When honey is not pure and hygienic it can harm health.
