Pregnancy is a time in a woman's life where she should pay extra attention to what she eats. After all, what you eat determines the health of both you and your baby. One question that comes up quite often is whether ice cream can be harmful during pregnancy.
While it's tempting to indulge in some delicious frozen goodness during your pregnancy, it's important to understand that certain types of ice cream could actually affect the health of your unborn child. Before we get into the nitty-gritty details about whether or not ice cream is safe for pregnant women, let's first take a look at what exactly makes up this creamy treat.
What Exactly Is Ice Cream Made Of?
Ice cream isn't exactly rocket science - it can basically be broken down into three main components: milk/milk powder, sugar, and air! The type of milk used depends on the flavor (and brand) of ice cream being produced; skimmed or whole milk usually make up most recipes but other varieties such as coconut milk might also be incorporated.
Most commercial brands add artificial flavors,thickeners, emulsifiers, colors and preservatives which help give them longer shelf lives.
Here are some notable ingredients found within typical store-bought vanilla-flavored products:
- 10% fat content from mixed sources
- Skimmed Milk Powder
- Glucose Syrup
- Sugar
- Emulsifier E471
So there you have it folks - while ingredients may vary depending on variety or recipe sources (artisanal stuff) many different types usually do contain these listed unique properties whose impact goes much further beyond satisfying sweet cravings for expectant mothers no less!
Can You Eat It Or Not? Let’s Find Out
It really depends on what kind of ice cream you're talking about here. While some homemade ice creams can be quite safe for pregnant women to eat, many commercial ice cream brands out there contain additives and preservatives that could pose some health risks.
Here are a few things you'll want to consider:
Sugar Content
One aspect of eating "too much" ice cream during pregnancy is the consumption of too much sugar which may not only cause gestational diabetes but also puts your child at risk after birth in terms of developing obesity (yes we know how important it is for you!). For mothers who cannot resist their sweet cravings, go 'ay-natural' by opting for fruit juice or honey-sweetened sorbet instead.
Artificial Flavors And Colors
Many store-bought varieties use artificial flavours and colors as well as emulsifiers. These components have been found to trigger food allergies, hyperactivity levels and bowel irritations – allergic reactions being one great example where anaphylaxis can occur in rare instances!
To avoid all this drama look out for natural flavors like vanilla bean or caramel with plant-based coloring such as beetroot juice . Store bought ice creams should list every ingredient that they put inside right on their container! If the ingredients aren't listed anywhere then avoid it like a bad cold.
Bacterial Contamination
Apart from these factors , bacterial contamination due to sellers handling money, unhygienic preparation standards or unsafe storage practices come into play when those frozen temperatures dip below zero . Trust us mother-to-be flushing microbial pathogens down drain would never bring joy so properly vet both retail outlets before making any purchases. Nevertheless homemade treats offer benefits over store-bought - significantly lower chance contracting green-mold spore illnesses.
Bottomline: Ice Cream Is Safe Beside These Concerns...
In general, it's okay to indulge in a scoop or two here and there while pregnant - just make sure you're aware of what specific ingredients your favorite brand contains (and always keep moderation at the forefront!) It's important to remember that while ice cream might be a tasty treat, it shouldn't compromise the health of you or your baby.
As always ensure high quality delivery and storage practices if purchasing
What Now?
So now that we've got all those serious concerns out of the way, let's take a look at some different types of ice cream options that you can indulge in during your pregnancy (without having to worry about any harmful additives!)
Homemade Ice Creams: Your best bet yet!
This is perhaps one of the absolute safest ways to indulge in some delicious creamy treats without fear for yourself and expecting baby! With just a few simple ingredients (milk/custard base, sugar/honey plus additional flavorings) homemade ice creams are pretty hard to resist - they taste great and are relatively easy on both mothers-to-be & their lil ones as well.
- Vanilla Bean
- Strawberry Shortcake
- Pistachio Raspberry Swirl
Sorbets: Sweet And Fruity For All Cravings
Sorbets aren’t shy either for pregnant mommas keen on tantalizing palette with refreshingly fruity zest - they lack milk but still retain same fulfilling sweetness courtesy from honeys , agave syrup or fresh fruits themselves!
- Mango Sherbert
- Watermelon/Lemon Mint
- Pineapple-passion sorbet
When it comes down consumption frozen delights preggers moms may get away with their numerous cravings by opting 'clean',fat free hennery feed joy such as low-fat yogurt topped-off mixed berry-mixture!. These alternatives allow indulgence responsibly and makes them feel sated instead of watching like lame ducks making relatives festively merry !
Wrapping Up This Delicious Topic Of Pregnancy And Ice Creams
It’s essential expectant women maintain optimum nutrition levels necessary healthy babies accordingly ! While there no substantive studies that fully support zero harm towards pregnant gustation of frozen treat -evaluating available information suggests consuming ice cream within limits can be quiet safe no harm salvo few crucial considerations for grabbing homemade or low caloric sorbets.
Those with special dietary or health requirements should always consult their healthcare provider prior variations in nutritional intake.
Regarding guilt, remember humans are allowed to enjoy delights! so enjoy that cone this summer (in moderation).