Is it safe to eat every variety of bagels during pregnancy?

In this brief guide, we will discuss the question “is it safe to eat every variety of bagels during pregnancy?”. As well, we will discuss what bagels are, what are the varieties of bagels, and other concerns about eating bagels during pregnancy. 

Is it safe to eat every variety of bagels during pregnancy?

No, it is not safe to eat every variety of bagels during the pregnancy period. There are some varieties of bagels that may contain ingredients that can be dangerous to the development of the baby.  

What bagel ingredients should pregnant women avoid?

There are some ingredients that pregnant women should avoid eating, like unpasteurized dairy products and some types of seeds that can be found in some varieties of bagels. 

What are the seeds that pregnant women should avoid?

Some varieties of bagels can contain poppy seeds on the top. According to Romper, the poppy seeds are related to opiates and heroin and if you eat bagels with poppy seeds, there may remain a trace of these substances in your organism, so it’s recommended to avoid them. 

What are dairy products?

Dairy products or milk products are products made from milk. Examples of dairy products can include many varieties of cheese, yogurt, lactose-free milk, and others.  

What are unpasteurized dairy products?

Unpasteurized dairy products are made from raw milk that was not treated in the industry. Raw milk can contain innumerable pathogenic microorganisms that can cause foodborne illness in humans. 

What are pasteurized dairy products?

The pasteurization of milk and dairy products is to destroy the pathogenic microorganisms and be safe for consumption. Milk and dairy products that are not pasteurized are prohibited to be commercialized for humans.   

What can happen if I eat bagels with unpasteurized dairy products?

Some varieties of bagels contain cream cheese and cheese, and if dairy products have not been made with pasteurized milk, you will have the chance of getting a foodborne illness and being sick which can put your baby at risk. Below are some examples of pathogens in raw milk.

  • Mycobacterium tuberculosis;
  • Mycobacterium bovis;
  • Staphylococcus aureus;
  • Escherichia coli;
  • Salmonella;
  • Brucella;
  • Coxiella Burnetti;
  • Yersinia enterocolitica;
  • Campylobacter jejuni;
  • Listeria monocytogenes.

What is foodborne illness?

Foodborne illnesses are diseases caused by the consumption of food contaminated with viruses, bacteria, parasites, or chemical compounds, like herbicides. Below are some curiosities about foodborne, according to the World Health Organization. To know more, click here

  • One in ten people in the world is sick from contaminated food every year;
  • The contamination can happen at any phase of the food production, including in the commerce chain;
  • Foodborne illnesses commonly cause diarrhea, but can also cause neurological, immunological, and gynecological problems;
  • There are more than 250 foodborne illnesses;
  • The incubation period is on average from many hours to 7 days.    

What are the symptoms of foodborne illness?

Foodborne illness can have many different symptoms, as there is a range of diseases linked to contaminated foods. Below are the common symptoms, according to the Minnesota Department of Health.  

  • Presence of diarrhea and/or vomiting, that can last about 1 to 7 days;
  • Abdominal pain or abdominal cramps;
  • Nausea;
  • Mild or high fever;
  • Tiredness;
  • Fatigue;
  • Back/joint aches.

What should I do if I am having symptoms of foodborne illness?

If you are experiencing some symptoms of foodborne illness, it is recommended to go to some hospital and see a doctor, as there are some pathogens that can also put your baby at risk.

What are bagels?

Bagels are food derived from bread and have origin in Poland, by the Jewish communities. The bagels have the format of a ring and are commonly topped with seeds. Bagels doubt are made with rye and whole grain.

What are the varieties of bagels?

As bagels become popular worldwide, you can find many varieties of bagels with different ingredients. Below are listed the common varieties of bagels, by Wikipedia.

  • New York Bagels. This bagel has malt as an ingredient and the fermentation is for many days and is at a cold temperature, and is salted;
  • Montreal Bagel. This bagel also contains malt as an ingredient, but is sweetened and is topped with sesame seeds;
  • St. Louis Bagel. This bagel is made with popular ingredients, but the bagel is sliced into eight pieces, which results in a big surface;
  • Asiago Bagel. This bagel is also made with popular ingredients, but the bagel is cooked with asiago cheese on top.    

What should pregnant women eat?

Pregnants should avoid alcohol, any kind of raw food or uncooked, unpasteurized milk or by-products, not sanitized fruits and vegetables, unpasteurized drinks, and others. Always choose to eat food made with good hygiene.

What is a recipe for bagels? 

You can make safe bagels at home, avoiding using poppy seeds and using pasteurized dairy products. If you click here, you can check a complete recipe for New York Bagel.  

Other FAQs about Bread that you may be interested in.

Can you freeze beer bread?

Can you toast bread in an air fryer?

Can you make bread without salt?

Conclusion

In this brief guide, we have discussed the question “is it safe to eat every variety of bagels during pregnancy?”. As well, we have discussed what bagels are, what are the varieties of bagels, and other concerns about eating bagels during pregnancy.

References 

https://www.romper.com/p/can-you-eat-poppy-seeds-while-pregnant-a-drug-expert-explains-the-risks-8991458 Accessed: 05/04/2022

https://www.who.int/health-topics/foodborne-diseases Accessed: 05/04/2022

https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/foodborne/basics.html Accessed: 05/04/2022

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bagel Accessed: 05/04/2022

 

Was this helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!