Mushrooms during pregnancy – Are they safe?

Many women wonder how strictly they should manage their diet during pregnancy. One topic worth discussing is the consumption of mushrooms, which are particularly popular in the fall and during the holidays. What health benefits do they offer, and which ones are safe for pregnant women?

Mushrooms during pregnancy – Health benefits

Contrary to popular belief, mushrooms are a source of many valuable vitamins and minerals. Nutritionists who focus on diet emphasize that, among other things, button mushrooms contain the full spectrum of B vitamins, vitamin C, and trace elements like zinc, copper, magnesium, and selenium. Additionally, they contain large amounts of antioxidants, which help prevent the aging of the body and reduce the risk of cancer. In some regions of Japan, preparations are made from the polysaccharides in mushrooms, which aim to relieve chemotherapy side effects and strengthen the immune system. Mushrooms also have an anti-atherosclerotic effect, which is related to the previously mentioned antioxidants. Interestingly, oyster mushrooms, for example, also contain substances that lower blood lipid levels. Therefore, mushrooms not only offer taste benefits but are also a rich source of micronutrients and macronutrients. The consumption of certain types of mushrooms during pregnancy can support pregnant women who have issues such as high cholesterol, vitamin deficiency, or anemia. However, it should be noted that in some cases, iron supplementation may be necessary, and pregnant women should not self-treat without consulting a specialist.

Mushrooms during pregnancy – Which are safe for the expectant mother?

In general, mushrooms do not pose a particular danger to the expectant mother, as long as they are non-toxic species that have been either harvested by an experienced mushroom picker or purchased from a reliable source. It’s no secret that many mushrooms should never be eaten, regardless of whether the woman is pregnant or not. However, selecting the right types of mushrooms that are safe for pregnant women doesn’t have to be much more restrictive than for others. An expectant mother can eat all mushrooms that are non-toxic to humans. During this time, however, special attention should be paid to hygiene and the preparation method. It must be remembered that eating raw or unwashed mushrooms is strictly prohibited in any case.

Mushrooms during pregnancy – How should they be eaten?

Pregnancy is a time when the woman’s digestive system and her senses respond somewhat differently than before. Taste and smell impressions are often more intense, and dishes that the woman previously liked can cause unpleasant sensations. For this reason, previous mushroom preparation methods may no longer be suitable for pregnant women. The dishes should not be overly spiced or too hot to avoid unpleasant nausea, vomiting, or the heartburn that often occurs during pregnancy. Furthermore, to retain as many beneficial nutrients as possible, it is advisable to consume mushrooms in sauces and soups. Frying mushrooms is not recommended, as many nutrients are lost during the preparation process, and harmful compounds can form when oil or butter is heated in the pan.