Is It Safe to Eat Pepperoni During Pregnancy?

It is better to avoid it during pregnancy. Including it in your diet may cause health problems, digestive discomfort, and weight gain. Here is detailed explanation of why it makes sense to avoid pepperoni when you are pregnant. 

It Leads to Weight Gain

You get about 138 calories form an ounce of pepperoni – it also contains 12.31g of fat, out of which 4.16g is saturated fat. Eating pepperoni may result in unhealthy weight gain, which puts you at an increased risk of preeclampsia, diabetes, and cesarean delivery. It can also lead to cardiovascular problems because excessive fat intake can raise cholesterol levels.

It Causes Heartburn

Can pregnant women eat pepperoni? No, especially if you have experienced beforehand. You may end up dealing with heartburn after any spicy foods. It happens when acids in your stomach move up your esophagus. It is better to avoid greasy and fatty foods during pregnancy to prevent any discomfort.

It Contains Nitrites and Nitrates

Many health risks are associated with nitrate and nitrite. Cured meats as well as pepperoni are rich sources of nitrite and nitrate preservatives – they are added to improve the shelf life of these products. However, regular consumption of such foods can cause cancer, whether you are pregnant or not. Research shows that your baby is at an increased risk of develop a brain tumor when you continue to eat cured meats during pregnancy.

It Is Rich in Sodium

A 3-ounce serving of pepperoni contains about1, 479 mg of sodium. Supplying so much of sodium to your body can cause all sorts of problems. It leads to blood pressure fluctuations in pregnancy. When your blood pressure stays high all the time, you develop kidney problems along with cardiovascular issues.

So, you already know the answer to "Can pregnant women eat pepperoni?" you will be better off not including it in your diet, but if you really want to have it during pregnancy, you can try varieties made with turkey because they contain less fat. Also, look for brands that do not include nitrates and nitrites in their products. You can also make your pizza using other healthier ingredients – it could include shredded white meat chicken or lean ground along with low-fat cheese and fresh veggies.

Fresh Italian Chopped Salad with Pepperoni

Ingredients

• A cup of romaine lettuce

• Half cup each of sliced pepperoni and mozzarella cheese

• 2 small tomatoes

• 2 tbsp. of parmesan cheese

• A can of sliced ripe black olives

• ¾ cup of Italian dressing

Instructions

1. Take a salad bowl and fill it up with bite-sized fresh lettuce leaves.

2. Take the slices of pepperoni and place it about the leaves. Now, add the mozzarella cheese as well.

3. Take another bowl and whisk parmesan cheese and Italian dressing. Also, add some Italian dressing over the layer of pepperoni and lettuce.

4. Use freshly chopped olives and tomatoes to decorate your salad.

5. Your salad is ready to serve!

Pepperoni Pizza Wraps

Ingredients

• A cup of mozzarella cheese (shredded)

• 8-inch flour tortillas

• Half cup of pizza sauce

• A cup of sliced pepperoni

Directions

1. Start by preheating the oven at 350F.

2. Take the pizza sauce and spread it over the inner surface of the tortillas – be sure to spread it evenly.

3. Sprinkle some shredded cheese over the sauce and then place the slices of pepperoni.

4. Form a wrap by rolling the tortillas – use soft hands for this.

5. Place the wraps into the oven and bake for about 15 minutes.

6. Get them out when the cheese melts within the wraps. And serve.

Bagel Sandwich with Tomato and Pepperoni

Ingredients

• 8 slices of pepperoni

• 2 whole bagel (cut them in halves)

• 2 tbsp. of pizza sauce

• A slice of provolone cheese

• 2 tbsp. of cream cheese

• A tomato (sliced)

Directions

1. Start by toasting the bagel – do it on medium heat.

2. Take the cream cheese and spread it over the lower portion of the bagel.

3. Now, place the slices of pepperoni as well as cheese and tomato on the bagel.

4. Gently, spread the sauce on the upper half portion as well and place both halves together. Toast on medium heat for a couple of minute.

5. Serve!