Can You Eat Ketchup When Pregnant?

Can you eat ketchup when pregnant?

In this article we are going to answer, can you eat ketchup when pregnant? What is ketchup, is ketchup healthy to eat when pregnant, what brand of ketchup is safe to eat when pregnant, and if there are healthier options for ketchup to eat when pregnant.

Can you eat ketchup when pregnant?

Yes, you can eat ketchup when pregnant in moderation. Just dont use it if ketchup is beyond the use-by date. In the fridge, it can last for weeks. If it starts to turn brown it is better not to use it.

Ketchup can exacerbate some digestive issues such as heartburn. Also, it contains a high quantity of sugar and sodium. Just need to watch out for these two ingredients.

What is ketchup?

Ketchup or catsup is a table condiment with a sweet flavor. Tomato ketchup is made from tomatoes, sugar, vinegar, salt, seasonings, and spices. Spices may vary depending on the recipe. It can include onion, allspice, coriander, cloves, cumin, garlic, mustard, celery, cinnamon, or ginger.

The name ketchup comes from the Chinese word ke-chiap. Ke-chiap was a fish sauce popular in China.

The market leader is Heinz tomato ketchup. It is used as a condiment with fried or greasy food such as french fries, potato dishes, hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken tender, hot sandwiches, meat pies, cooked eggs, and grilled or fried meat.

There are some variations according to the history of tomato Ketchup. In the UK it used to be made with mushrooms, there are other recipes that include fish or anchovies.

The main difference between tomato ketchup and tomato sauce is that ketchup is made with tomatoes, sugar, vinegar, salt, and spices and is always served cold. While the tomato sauce is made with tomatoes, oil, meat or vegetables, and spices, it can be served hot.

Is ketchup healthy to eat when pregnant?

Ketchup is an important source of added sugar and sodium. If not consumed in large quantities, it can be part of a healthy diet without problems. According to the USDA, one tablespoon of ketchup, about 15 grams, contains 15 calories, 0.02 grams of fat, 136 grams of sodium, 4.1 grams of carbohydrates, 3.2 grams of sugar, and 0.16 grams of protein.

It is easy to consume more than 15 grams of ketchup in one meal. Just watch out for sodium and sugar. Food like ketchup that is consumed in small quantities has no important impact on your health unless you overeat it.

There are some brands that sell sugar-free ketchup and low sodium options. If you are watching sugar or sodium intake, you look for better options for you.

Use some balance and follow a healthy diet so you can enjoy some ketchup. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. A few nutrients need special attention during pregnancy, like folic acid, calcium, vitamin D, and omega 3 fatty acids.

Ideally, 2 servings of fruit and 5 servings of vegetables every day

Increase your intake of whole grains and cereal foods. Choose high fiber options

Milk, hard cheese, and yogurt are great options because they are high calcium foods.

Choose low-fat options and good fats: fats from vegetable sources like almonds, olive oil, and avocado.

Choose lean proteins and choose low mercury fish options.

Drink plenty of water

Always stay active

Avoid junk food whenever possible, it should not be part of regular meals

Check the labels before buying processed food to make the best option

Avoid buying canned food with syrup, look for canned food with plain/spring water or olive oil.

Avoid pre-cooked or ready meals

Choose low-fat options

Avoid food with added sugars

Avoid processed/undercooked meat

Skip fast-food restaurants, instead, try to do healthy meals at home

What brands of ketchup are safe to eat when pregnant?

Ketchup brands that are sold at the supermarket are generally safe to eat for pregnant women. They follow all food regulations to be safe for the general population. Heinz and hunts are the most popular brand of ketchup.

According to mashes, the best ketchup is Whataburger ketchup, Traders Joe’s, and Heinz. Here is the link.

Are there healthier options of ketchup to eat when pregnant?

Ketchup has a lot of added sugar that you don’t need when pregnant. There are healthy options for you to choose from with no sugar and less sodium.

Here is a link for ketchup with no added sugar, low sodium or sweetened with healthy ingredients. My advice, even if ketchup is hard to overeat, you need to take care of your sugar and sodium intake.

Conclusion

This article answered can you eat ketchup when pregnant, what is ketchup, is ketchup healthy to eat when pregnant, what brand of ketchup is safe to eat when pregnant, and if there are healthier options of ketchup to eat when pregnant.