Are you pregnant and craving something savory? Look no further. Sardines are a great option that will satisfy your cravings while also providing numerous nutritional benefits for both you and your growing baby.
What are Sardines?
Sardines are small, oily fish that are typically found in the Mediterranean Sea but can be found all over the world. They are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, protein, vitamin D, calcium, and iron.
Why should Pregnant Women eat Sardines?
Eating sardines during pregnancy has numerous health benefits for expecting mothers and their unborn babies. Here's why:
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential during pregnancy as they promote healthy fetal growth and development of the brain and eyes (and who doesn't want a smart baby with good eyesight?).
Protein
Protein is necessary for building cells in both mom and baby's body. It also helps repair tissues after delivery.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D promotes bone mineralization and helps regulate immune responses (imagine having super-immunity!)
Calcium
Calcium supports healthy bones which is important especially when carrying extra weight (read: big belly).
Risks associated with Eating Sardines During Pregnancy
While it is generally safe to consume sardines during pregnancy, there is still some risk involved due to their mercury content. Keep them limited to two or three servings per week maximum to avoid going overboard on this heavy metal that could harm your little one.
Thankfully other than those concerns there aren't many reasons not to indulge.
To put things into perspective here's a list of potential risks against a list of SPICY BENEFITS!
| Risks | Spicy Benefits |
|---|---|
| Mercury contamination | High in omega-3 fatty acids |
| Smell of oily fish | Rich source of protein |
| Low in Sodium | Excellent source of calcium, vitamins D and B12 |
So get your taste buds tingling, grab a can or two of sardines from the supermarket and let's get creative with including them in our meals.
How to Eat Sardines?
Sardines are incredibly versatile- they can be eaten on their own, with crackers or toast. They also pair well with pasta dishes as well as salads but you want something more concrete? Here we go!
Savory Sardine Salad
This is one such salad that is both nutritious and delicious:
Ingredients
- 1/2 head lettuce (whatever you've got - romaine works great)
- 1 medium tomato
- 1 small onion
- Salt & pepper to taste
Dressing:
2 cans (that's right two cans because one would only make it not spicy enough) lemon juice flavored sardines
Mayonnaise
Vinegar
Preparation
Thoroughly clean vegetables before use. Chop lettuce into smaller pieces; slice tomatoes and onions leaving out the skins (you don't want any thing gross ruining your meal). Next take some mayonnaise; add vinegar together then mix them up really nicely until it forms an even spreadable consistency.
Finally pour the dressing over the veggies ensuring that all parts have been covered properly . Sprinkle salt and pepper over everything afterwards for extra flavor.
Voila! An easy-to-make healthy sardinaceous salad made possible by none other than your friends – the humble canned sardines.
What else could we do with these little fishes?
Other Simple Recipe Ideas Using Sardines During Pregnancy
There are many simple ways to incorporate this underdog ingredient into everyday meals.
Sardine Avocado Toast
Toast a slice of bread and slather mashed avocado over it. Top with sardines, parsley leaves, salt & pepper for taste.
Sardine Pasta
Cook pasta as per instructions but low on the herbs this time so that we can allow the full flavor of our star ingredients to shine through.
In a pan heat remaining oil from your recently consumed salad, add garlic and sauté until lightly golden. Next throw in your 2 cans (remember rule #1) sardines making sure not to let them fry too much then mix properly - it will come together nicely forming delicious viscous gravy you won't believe! Toss cooked noodles into the sauce and blend everything well before topping off with finely chopped coriander.
Baked Potatoes w/ Sardine Dip
Boil some potatoes; sprinkle generously with salt after initially draining water then put into oven at 180 degrees Celsius for about ten minutes or until crispy brown outside layer forms around em'. Meanwhile mash up 2 cans worth of canned lemon juice flavored sardines mixing in some mayonnaise and maybe even curry powder if you want an extra kick Serve dip alongside baked potatoes for an easy snacking option when feeling peckish between meals!
Conclusion: All Aboard The Floaty Boat With Our Safe & Savory pals – CANNED SARDINES!
Savoring safe seafood doesn't have to be boring! Consuming canned sardines during pregnancy is definitely something every pregnant woman should explore because few other things pack so much nutritional goodness within such small confines. So go ahead ditch those sugary cravings! Why eat something empty when opportunity awaits via these generous boats providing ironclad nutrition across all palates?