Are you having constant cravings for the delicious, crispy crab rangoon but also happen to be expecting a baby? There’s no need to wonder and worry anymore!
During pregnancy, it’s normal to get asking a number of questions about your diet. Among these questions, one such intriguing one often comes up: “Can you eat crab rangoon while pregnant?”
We’ll delve into the heart of what makes crab rangoon so irresistible, its content, and then finally answer – is it safe for pregnant women or is it off the limit?
Can you eat crab Rangoon while pregnant?
Yes, you can eat crab rangoon or crab puffs while pregnant, as long as it is thoroughly cooked. This appetizer contains crabmeat and cream cheese wrapped in wonton wrappers and deep-fried.
It is deep fried to make sure the crabmeat inside reaches a higher temperature sufficient to kill any potential bacteria. This makes it safe to eat during pregnancy.
However, there is another side to look at when talking about this dish. Sometimes, rather than original crabmeat, imitation crab meat is used.
While imitation crabmeat is still safe to consume when pregnant, it’s not as nutritional as the real deal and might not be the best choice for some women.
Seafoods like this have high amounts of protein and omega 3 fatty acids which is good for your baby’s growth. But it doesn’t mean you should binge on it.
The maximum safe amount you can eat in a week is 12 ounces, as mentioned by the American Pregnancy Association. Anything more than this quantity can be risky to your journey.
Is chinese crab rangoon healthy?
Crab puffs aren’t typically thought of as a ‘healthy’ choice, but it’s basically due to its preparation method and portion sizes rather than the ingredients themselves.
Its prepared by deep-frying and this cooking method increases the calories and fats content in this dish. Each piece of crab rangoon approximately contains 67 calories, with most coming from the fat due to deep frying.
Some people may only view this as very little, but note that they’ll add up quickly when you eat more than two pieces. Moreover, the sodium level can also be very high, which can lead to high blood pressure when eaten to excess.
Occasionally eating it won’t have any impact on you or the baby. But taking them everyday can be harmful.
Can I eat cream cheese wontons while pregnant?
Yes, go ahead and eat cream cheese wontons. These tasty treats are usually deep-fried which allows the cream cheese inside to be well-cooked, killing off any harmful germs.
Cream cheese is a pasteurized product. This means, it has undergone sufficient heat to kill all bacteria. So it’s safe for you and your baby. However, just like any food, it’s always best to consume cream cheese wontons carefully, you don’t need to overeat.
They are a bit higher in calories and have barely any good nutrient. So always balance it with other healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins.
How much crab rangoon can I take while pregnant?
According to the FDA, EPA, and Dietary Guidelines, expecting mothers should eat between 8 ounces (224 grams) and 12 ounces (340 grams) of seafood, which is low in mercury per week.
As crab rangoon contains seafood filling, it’s part of this recommendation and it’s important to remember that it shouldn’t all be coming from it because the calories can quickly add up.
What are the tips to safely eat seafoods during pregnancy?
- Ensure it’s Cooked Thoroughly: It’s filling, usually containing crab meat, must be cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F. This won’t only cook the potential bacteria, but will as well make your dish delicious.
- Freshness is Key: Always ensure that the Crab Rangoon is sourced from a reputable place. It should be fresh and served hot.
- Moderation is Important: It’s crucial not to eat to excess, or eat regularly. Stick to the recommended quantity advised by the FDA, which is 8-12 ounces in a week.
- Watch Out for High Sodium Levels: Crab puffs come with some amount of sodium so a piece or two should be enough at in a day.
- Avoid High-Mercury Seafood: Crab Rangoon in particular has low mercury content, but some seafood have higher levels. So, as usual, reduce your intake.
Which seafoods should a pregnant woman avoid?
While certain kinds of seafood provide necessary nutrients for your growing baby, there are some that you should avoid.
High-Mercury Fish
- Swordfish
- king mackerel
- shark
- tilefish,
Raw or Undercooked Seafood:
- Raw sushi,
- raw sashimi
- raw oysters or clams.
Refrigerated Smoked Seafood:
- lox
- jerky
- nova style
- kippered
Can you eat crab while trying to conceive?
You can safely eat this anytime, including when trying to have a baby, so far as you’re eating the right amounts. It should also be well cooked.
Balanced meals matter when it comes to female fertility and trying to conceive. So be sure to add fruits and veggies when eating, to make up for the vitamins you need.
Do Chinese restaurants use real crab in crab rangoons?
Well the answer is yes! Some places do use real crab meat in their crab rangoon, especially if they’re fancier or more upscale.
However, other places might use imitation crab instead. Imitation crab is usually made from other types of fish and flavored to taste like crab.
Conclusion
In conclusion, do not hesitate to enjoy crab Rangoon while pregnant. But just as you know, make sure it’s cooked done-to-a-turn to eliminate all potential germs.
Like you’d typically do for every food or product while on this journey, do not overeat it. Also, keep maintaining a balanced diet with fruits, vegges and the lean proteins.
Your doctor shouldn’t be sidelined too. If you have any concerns about your diet, or some symptoms you’re experiencing as a result of eating crab ragoons, let him or know immediately.
References:
Pregnancy Food checker (Crab Dishes And Their Safety In Pregnancy) & Medical News Today (Is crab and other seafood safe to eat during pregnancy?)