Beyond Burgers: A Safe Pregnancy Option?

Beyond Burgers are generally considered safe for consumption during pregnancy. However, it is important to note that they are highly processed and packed with complicated ingredients, so moderation is key. While Beyond Burgers can be a good source of fibre, folate and iron, they also contain less protein, zinc and vitamin B12, and have a high salt content. It is always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional for specific dietary advice during pregnancy.

Beyond burgers are safe to eat during pregnancy, according to research

Beyond burgers are a type of veggie burger that has gained popularity in recent years. With a growing number of people adopting vegetarian and vegan diets, and with meat shortages due to COVID-19, these burgers have become a common alternative to traditional meat burgers. But are they safe for pregnant women to consume?

Nutritional Value

According to new research funded by the U.S. National Institutes of Health, Beyond Burgers are safe to eat during pregnancy. The study found that imitation meats like Beyond Burgers are a good source of fiber, folate, and iron while containing less saturated fat than ground beef. However, they also have lower levels of protein, zinc, and vitamin B12, and they contain a high amount of salt.

Food Safety

One of the primary concerns during pregnancy is food safety, as certain foods can carry bacteria or parasites that can be harmful to both the mother and the baby. Traditional meat burgers, for example, need to be cooked thoroughly to an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure safety. However, veggie burgers like Beyond Burgers are less susceptible to bacteria due to the absence of meat, and they are often sold frozen or pre-cooked, further inhibiting bacterial growth.

Toppings and Sides

When it comes to toppings and sides, pregnant women need to be cautious as well. Lettuce, for instance, should be skipped when dining out, and at home, it should be properly washed before consumption. Tomatoes and onions are safe to eat raw at home if handled and washed properly, but when eating out, it is recommended to ask the restaurant to heat the whole sandwich or just the veggies until hot. Pickles are generally considered safe, as are fully cooked bacon and pasteurized cheese. For sauces, it is best to stick to store-bought options that contain pasteurized eggs and avoid homemade or fresh-prepared egg-containing sauces.

Overall Recommendation

In conclusion, Beyond Burgers are safe to consume during pregnancy, provided they are properly cooked and handled. They offer a good source of fiber, folate, and iron, and their lack of meat reduces the risk of foodborne illnesses. However, it is important to be mindful of the toppings and sides that accompany the burger, as well as the overall nutritional balance of the meal.

They are a good source of fibre, folate and iron

Fibre is an important part of a healthy diet during pregnancy. It can help with digestion and prevent constipation, which is a common issue for pregnant women. The Beyond Burger is a good source of fibre, with 2 grams per serving. This is an advantage over regular beef burgers, which contain no fibre.

Folate, or vitamin B9, is another essential nutrient during pregnancy. Folate helps with the development of the baby's brain and spine and can prevent neural tube defects. The Beyond Burger is a good source of folate, containing 100% of the daily value. This is a benefit over regular beef burgers, which contain less folate.

Iron is also crucial during pregnancy, as pregnant women need almost twice as much iron as they normally would. Iron helps prevent anaemia, which can cause fatigue and affect the baby's growth. The Beyond Burger is a good source of iron, providing 20% of the daily value. This is comparable to the amount of iron in a beef burger.

While the Beyond Burger is a good source of fibre, folate, and iron, it's important to note that it is also highly processed and may contain a large amount of salt. As with any food, moderation is key, and it's always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional for personalised dietary advice during pregnancy.

They have less protein, zinc and vitamin B12 than beef burgers

Beyond Burgers are vegan, plant-based burgers that are safe to eat during pregnancy. However, they are not a direct substitute for beef burgers in terms of nutritional content. While they are a good source of fibre, folate, and iron, Beyond Burgers have less protein, zinc, and vitamin B12 than beef burgers.

Protein is essential for the growth and development of the foetus, and zinc supports the healthy development of the baby's brain and immune system. Vitamin B12 is crucial for the baby's brain development and blood cell formation. Therefore, it is important to ensure adequate intake of these nutrients through other dietary sources if Beyond Burgers are consumed regularly.

The nutritional profile of Beyond Burgers is not superior to beef burgers. While they have lower saturated fat content, they contain more sodium. Additionally, they are highly processed and packed with complicated ingredients. However, they are free from antibiotics and hormones, which may be present in animal meat.

In conclusion, while Beyond Burgers are safe to consume during pregnancy, they should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. They should not be relied upon as the sole source of protein, zinc, and vitamin B12. It is always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional for personalised dietary advice during pregnancy.

Beyond burgers are highly processed and packed with complicated ingredients

Samantha Schleiger, an integrative dietitian based near Milwaukee, has expressed doubts about the health value of faux meats, including for pregnant women and children. She notes that the labelling on these products may make them sound healthy, but in reality, they are highly processed and packed with complicated ingredients.

The ingredients in a Beyond Burger include:

• Water
• Pea Protein
• Expeller-Pressed Canola Oil
• Refined Coconut Oil
• Rice Protein
• Natural Flavors
• Mung Bean Protein
• Methylcellulose
• Potato Starch
• Apple Extract
• Salt
• Potassium Chloride
• Pomegranate Extract
• Vinegar
• Lemon Juice Concentrate
• Sunflower Lecithin
• Beet Juice Extract (for colour)
• Lycopene Color (from Tomato)

While Beyond Burgers are free from GMOs, soy, gluten, and bioengineered ingredients, they are still highly processed and may contain allergens, such as legumes.

Some people may prefer to avoid Beyond Burgers due to their processed nature and complicated ingredients, while others may find them to be a suitable alternative to meat during pregnancy, especially for those who are vegetarian or vegan.

It's best to avoid eating cold burgers during pregnancy

Cold cuts, deli meats, and undercooked meat are off-limits during pregnancy. Raw or cured meats can contain bacteria or parasites that can be harmful to both the mother and the developing baby. Listeria, a type of bacteria that can cause a rare but dangerous infection called listeriosis, is of particular concern. While the risk of contracting listeriosis is generally low, pregnant women are more susceptible, and their developing babies are more vulnerable to serious complications and even death. Listeriosis has been associated with miscarriages, stillbirths, premature births, and infant death.

To reduce the risk of exposure to Listeria, it is recommended to cook meat thoroughly until it is steaming hot or reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). This includes deli meats, hot dogs, and bacon, which should be heated to this temperature before consumption during pregnancy.

In summary, it is best to avoid eating cold burgers during pregnancy due to the potential presence of harmful bacteria or parasites. Instead, opt for thoroughly cooked burgers or plant-based alternatives like Beyond Burgers, consumed in moderation.

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