Can you eat redfish while pregnant?
In this brief guide, we will answer the question “can you eat redfish while pregnant?”. We will also learn about what redfish are, how they look and taste, the types of redfish, the nutrient composition and health benefits of redfish and how much redfish to consume during pregnancy.
Can you eat redfish while pregnant?
Yes, you can eat redfish while pregnant. However, it is better to ensure the fish is properly cooked. You should also generally stick to redfish that are less than 24 inches long or younger as their flesh is tastier.
What is a redfish?
The term “redfish” refers to a variety of fish species. Redfish, also known as red drum, channel bass, spot tail bass, puppy drum, or simply red, is a popular inshore game fish that can be found naturally along the Gulf Coast and the Atlantic Ocean.
The name “Drum Fish” is earned from the drum-like sound they produce when they are dragged out of the water or during courting. They are well-known shellfish that are commonly used as lobster bait.
What is the size of a redfish?
In their first year, redfish can grow to be between 12 and 14 inches long, and they can live for more than 40 years. Some weigh more than 50 pounds or 22.68 kilograms, with the world record being set at 94 pounds or 42.64 kilograms.
Close to the upper section of their tail base, they feature a distinctive black patch, an eyespot. Scientists believe that the black patch surrounding the redfish’s tail helps it fool predators into targeting the tail rather than the fish’s head, allowing the redfish to escape.
What does redfish taste like?
Redfish have a medium-firm and flaky texture and a mild, mildly sweet flavour. Red drums are not oily, but they have a low saturated fat content and have a mild flavour. Smaller ones, weighing between 10 and 15 pounds are more flavourful.
What are the types of redfish?
Several species of redfish are available although they are commonly located in the same habitat. Some species of redfish include:
- Redfish (Centroberyx affinis)
- Deepwater Redfish (Sebastes mentella)
- Norway Redfish (Sebastes viviparus)
- Acadian Redfish (Sebastes fasciatus)
- Red Drum (Sciaenops ocellatus)
- Rose Fish (Sebastes norvegicus)
- Red Snapper (Lutjanus campechanus)
- Blackfin Snapper (Lutjanus buccanella)
- Crimson Snapper (Lutjanus erythropterus)
- Malabar Blood Snapper (Lutjanus malabaricus)
- Southern Red Snapper (Lutjanus purpureus)
- Emperor Red Snapper (Lutjanus sebae)
- Lane Snapper (Lutjanus synagris)
- Sockeye Salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka)
- Vermillion Snapper (Rhomboplites aurorubens)
- Queen Snapper (Etelis oculatus)
What is the nutrient composition of redfish?
Redfish is abundant in important nutrients such as phosphorus, selenium, protein, calcium, vitamins B12, B6, niacin and more. For a 100-gram serving size of raw Acadian redfish (Sebastes fasciatus), it contains 79 calories, total fats of 1.5 g and protein of 15.3 g.
Its saturated fatty acids, total Sugars, total Carbohydrate and total dietary fibre values are 0 g. They also contain 52 milligrams of cholesterol, 36.5 micrograms of selenium and 287 milligrams of sodium.
How much redfish can pregnant women consume?
Pregnant women can eat redfish as long as they are properly cooked to avoid food poisoning, however, it is equally important to adhere to instructions on how much they can consume to avoid any problems.
It is recommended that pregnant women should eat red drum fish since redfish is low in mercury and should strictly adhere to the consumption of a serving-size, two times per week if only they are properly cooked.
How to cook redfish?
Redfish is tasty but the proper way of cooking also enhances the fish’s flavour. Redfish can be cooked in a variety of ways including grilling, baking, and more.
Unlike sushi, this fish should not be eaten uncooked since it is likely to have parasites that can cause a variety of diseases, thus it is important to cook them thoroughly before eating.
What are the health benefits of eating fish during pregnancy?
The good news is that fish is beneficial to both pregnant mothers and their developing babies. Eating fish approved by FDA for pregnant women has the following benefits:
- Aids in the development of the foetus. Fish is an excellent source of lean protein and necessary amino acids, which aid in the formation of all of your baby’s cells, including skin, muscle, hair, and bones. It is beneficial to the development of your child’s brain.
- It improves your memory. Getting enough omega-3s may also help you remember things better, which is especially useful if you’re dealing with a pregnant brain.
- It makes you feel better. An adequate intake of omega-3 fatty acids, particularly DHA, may reduce your risk of depression throughout pregnancy and postpartum.
- It helps to keep your heart healthy- A fish-rich diet can lessen your risk of heart disease by lowering blood coagulation and triglyceride (blood fat) levels, as well as lowering blood pressure if you already have it.
- The preterm birth risk may be reduced. Preterm birth rates are lower in locations where people eat a lot of fish, according to scientists. Some studies have connected adequate omega 3 intakes to a lower risk of preterm delivery.
Conclusion
In this brief guide, we have answered the question “can you eat redfish while pregnant?”. We have also learnt about what redfish are, how they look and taste, the types of redfish, the nutrient composition and health benefits of redfish and how much redfish to consume during pregnancy.
