Eating during pregnancy should not be as confusing as it generally is. After all, during pregnancy you are allowed to indulge in roughly 300 extra calories per day, are you not? If you are a seafood lover and are pregnant, chances are that you are in a big dilemma about what to eat and what not to eat! Are you wondering, Is lox safe to eat during pregnancy
Well, we strongly recommend consulting with your doctor before consuming Lox and other such seafood during pregnancy. However, here is some information you might want to read about seafood – especially Lox if you are pregnant.
In This Article
- Video of Can You Eat Lox During Pregnancy
- What is Lox?
- Is it Safe to Eat Lox During Pregnancy?
- Are There Any Means to Eat Lox Safely During Pregnancy?
- What are the Health Benefits of Eating Lox?
- Risks Associated With Lox During Pregnancy
- How to Prepare Lox at Home?
- FAQ’s
Video of Can You Eat Lox During Pregnancy?
What is Lox?
Lox is nothing but seafood, which is originated from Salmon fish. It is basically the belly of the salmon Fish. It is also sometimes referred to as Belly Lox. This seafood is treated with salt for a long time, probably even weeks in order to make it salty for the brining process. Lox is never cooked or smoked. Therefore, it has a very unique texture and taste that attracts foodies.
Is it Safe to Eat Lox During Pregnancy?
No, the minute you come to know of your pregnancy, it is highly suggested that you stop eating refrigerated lox. This is because sometimes, Lox could be contaminated with bacteria such as Listeria, which can be harmful to consume during pregnancy as it may affect the fetus.
Not only lox but any other raw and uncooked seafood is also at risk of being contaminated by infectious microbes, making it unsafe to consume during pregnancy. If you want to keep yourself as well as the fetus safe, then steer clear of any such infections that can be caused by consuming refrigerated, raw, and uncooked foods.
Are There Any Means to Eat Lox Safely During Pregnancy?
Lox is relatively safe if used as an ingredient, rather than raw, in a meal that has been cooked piping hot, like a casserole. Therefore, if you wish to have lox, then ensure it is cooked thoroughly inside and out. This will help to discard the bacteria in it so that you can avoid food poisoning at the time of pregnancy.
What are the Health Benefits of Eating Lox?
Lox is a good source of protein, B vitamins, vitamin D, magnesium, potassium, and selenium. It is also loaded with omega 3, DHA, and EPA. Although there are certain health benefits from eating Lox, it is always suggested that you check with your doctor prior to consuming it during pregnancy.
Here are some of the benefits of eating Lox;
1. Good for Cardiovascular Health
Lox or salmon as a whole has a high concentration of omega-3 fatty acids. Omega 3 plays a vital part in reducing the risk of any cardiovascular issues. It helps to reduce the risk of high blood pressure.
2. Rich in Lean Protein
Lox is rich in proteins. Proteins are essential nutrients that contain amino acids and its adequate intake is very crucial during pregnancy. The protein in salmon is a lean protein, which means it has reduced the amount of saturated fat, which is more beneficial during pregnancy.
3. Relieves Muscular Cramps
Lox is rich in potassium and magnesium. Muscle cramps are very common among expecting mothers. One of the main reasons is inadequate intake of magnesium and potassium. Therefore, eating lox will help to alleviate muscle cramps during pregnancy.
4. For Stronger Joints
Lox is a good source of selenium. It is beneficial in preventing joint inflammation. Lox contains bioactive proteins that aid in strengthening joints and bones. It is very important during pregnancy.
5. Good for Thyroid
As mentioned above, lox is a superior source of selenium. It provides 32.4 micrograms of selenium per serving, which accounts for about 50% of the recommended daily intake. Selenium plays a vital role in the proper functioning of your thyroid. Remember, hypo or hyperthyroid during pregnancy can bring about lots of issues for the mother and fetus.
6. Increase HDL Cholesterol
Cholesterol level increases by 25 to 50 % during pregnancy. It is essential to provide nutrients for the growing fetus. However, usually, the level of good cholesterol (HDL) falls, which is risky. Vitamin B3 (Niacin) and Vitamin B12 are richly available in Lox. These vitamins in this seafood help to increase the HDL.
Risks Associated With Lox During Pregnancy
Irrespective of the health benefits explained above, lox carries a number of risks as well. Following are some of the risks associated with eating lox during pregnancy:
1. Contain Lots of Sodium
Lox has a high sodium content. Excessive salt consumption during pregnancy can result in high blood pressure. Hypertension during pregnancy may increase your risk of complications like preeclampsia.
2. The Possibility of Listeriosis
Uncooked seafood may be contaminated with Listeria. Cold-smoked salmon, in particular, may contain the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes, which can cause listeriosis.
3. Cancer risk
Consuming too much-smoked meat may increase your risk of developing certain cancers, like colorectal cancer.
How to Prepare Lox at Home?
Lox, a brined salmon, can be expensive to purchase from the market given its rarity and richness in quality. Here is a simple method on how you can prepare Lox at home and use it along with your breakfast or as an addition to your snack:
Ingredients Required
- Fresh salmon – 2 filets
- Around a ¼ cup of sea salt
- ¼ cup of raw or unrefined sugar
- Crushed green or black peppercorns enough for two tablespoons
- cup of whey powder
- 2 large bundles of snipped fresh dill
- Parchment Paper or Plastic Wrap
Recipe to Prepare Lox
- First, mix the peppercorns, sugar, and sea salt.
- Clean and place the salmon on the parchment paper.
- Spread the powdered mixture evenly on both sides of the salmon.
- Now, lightly sprinkle the whey powder uniformly on both sides of the salmon.
- Follow it by placing the dill over the salmon.
- You can now use parchment paper to wrap the fish and cover it.
- Place your mise-en-place in the refrigerator and flip the salmon over after every 12 to 14 hours to equally give both sides the exposure.
- This mise-en-place needs to be kept in the refrigerator for almost 4–6 days.
- You can then remove the dish from the refrigerator and cut it into small pieces to use.
The most favored way to relish the Lox is to have it with a multigrain bagel for a healthy breakfast. however, consider all its side effects before tasting your favorite lox during pregnancy.
FAQ’s
1. Can Eating Lox During Pregnancy Lead to Food Poisoning?
Yes it can. Pregnant women are very sensitive to sea food. Lox can contain listeria which can be fatal.
2. Can I Eat Foods Which Contain Lox in Them, During Pregnancy Time?
As long as the quantity is very little, you can. Also, ensure this meal is a well cooked meal. Raw or semi cooked meals are not safe.
3. Can I Eat Canned Salmon When am Pregnant?
No. it is not safe. Canned or fresh, these can carry listeria which is not safe for a pregnant woman.
4. How Can You Identify a Lox Allergy in a Pregnant Woman?
Check for symptoms such as a rash or hives. If she is unable to breathe, rush her to a doctor immediately. Ask her to keep an eye out for stomach cramps too.
Read Also: Pregnancy And Eating Fish
