Can you eat gouda when pregnant?
In this article we are going to answer the questions: can you eat gouda when pregnant, what is gouda cheese, is gouda cheese pasteurized and healthy to eat when pregnant, types of cheese you should avoid when pregnant and how to add Gouda cheese to your diet.
Can you eat gouda when pregnant?
Yes, gouda cheese is completely safe to eat during pregnancy. Gouda cheese is part of the group of semi-hard cheeses that are made from pasteurized milk. Usually, you will read on the label if it’s from pasteurized milk.
Even when made from pasteurized milk, gouda is generally safe to eat when pregnant because it has a very high water content. Listeria is very unlikely to grow in semi-hard cheese.
According to the Food Microbiology Journal, the aging process further reduces the risk of bacteria surviving in the cheese.
What is gouda cheese?
Gouda cheese is a semisoft cheese originally from the Netherlands. It is coated with a thin natural rind in yellow paraffin. You can also find it in small presentations. It is characterized by its aromatic and caramel-like flavor. You can find some hints of nuts with sweet and creamy notes.
It has a smooth texture with a creamy flavor. Aged gouda is darker in color and has a stronger and saltier flavor. You can find them made from full-fat milk and low-fat milk.
Is gouda cheese pasteurized?
Gouda can be made with either pasteurized milk or no pasteurized milk. It depends where it comes from. Normally, the cheese that you find in the supermarkets is made from pasteurized milk but you can find gouda with unpasteurized milk when they are made more local.
Is gouda cheese healthy when pregnant?
Yes! Adding gouda cheese to your diet when pregnant is an excellent source of protein- especially calcium and vitamin B.
- Excellent source of protein that is vital for muscle building blocks and the development and growth of the baby.
- Rich in Calcium. Calcium is one of the most important nutrients we all need, especially for our bones. Dairy food is our first option to always include enough calcium in our diet.
- Rich in Vitamin D: This is one of the most important vitamins women need during pregnancy. Lately, many women have a deficiency of this vitamin and very few know it. The recommendation is 400-600 ug per day of Vitamin D.
- Rich in phosphorus, zinc, Vitamin A, and b12. All of these are very important for bone health, wound healing, eye and skin health, and the production of red blood cells.
According to Nutrition Data, gouda cheese is high in saturated fats but if you eat it moderately it’s good for you.
What cheese should I avoid when pregnant?
You should avoid cheese made with unpasteurized milk, soft cheese, bacteria-ripened, and blue-veined cheese that tend to grow listeria. Here is a list of cheese that is usually unsafe to pregnant women:
- Brie
- Camembert
- Feta
- Roquefort
- Queso fresco
- Queso Blanco
- Panela
- Curd
The risk of food poisoning with this type of cheese is too high because they have a very high water content. Pregnant women are too susceptible to this type of food poisoning. They are 20 times more susceptible to having worse side effects.
The FDA says that soft cheese, unpasteurized, is 50 to 160 times more prone to be contaminated with bacteria, especially Listeria monocytogenes.
The main side effects you can experience with a foodborne illness:
- Blood or brain infections
- Seizures
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Miscarriage
- Preterm labor
- Headaches
- Muscle pain
- Fever
How can I add gouda cheese to my diet?
There are many ways you can add gouda cheese to your diet. It is usually used in many dishes you can find at a restaurant or cook at home
- Cook some vegetables with gouda grated cheese, olive oil, salt, and pepper
- Add it to your homemade sandwich with full cooked ham, tomato, and spinach
- Make some pasta with grated gouda and add some fully-cooked chicken, fish, or meat.
- Just cut a piece and eat it with your favorites crackers or fruit as your snack
- Find some recipes here!
Here is a link that gives you reviews for you to buy the best gouda cheese.
Other FAQs about Cheese that you may be interested in.
What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?
Conclusion
In this article we answered the questions: can you eat gouda when pregnant, what is gouda cheese, is gouda cheese pasteurized and healthy to eat when pregnant, types of cheese you should avoid when pregnant and how to add Gouda cheese to your diet.
If you have any questions or comments, please let me know!
Citation
https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/cheese-pregnancy#talk-to-a-doctor
