Can i eat octopus during pregnancy

There are several types of octopus that are perfectly safe for you to consume while pregnant, but it is all dependent on the cooking method. Grilled octopus is one of the most popular ways to enjoy octopus, especially in European countries like Spain and Greece. In order to ensure that grilled octopus is safe to eat, cut into the thickest bit and ensure that it is warm. If not, ask for it to be cooked for a little longer, or consider opting for a different dish.

Octopus is sometimes boiled to try and overcome the chewy texture, before being cooked in a different way. Large octopuses can take a long time to cook, so bear this in mind when ordering or cooking for yourself. If it is tender the whole way through, then it is safe to eat. This European delicacy is often described as being similar to squid, and just like squid, it can be cooked in a variety of ways, from grilling to boiling or frying.

If this is the case, then it is likely safe to eat. This popular Japanese food consists of fried octopus balls and is a popular sushi restaurant staple. The octopus in takoyaki is always cooked, and since the balls are deep-fried, they will be perfectly safe for you to eat.

Despite the fact that the takoyaki is safe to eat, it is sometimes served with a sauce or dressing. These dressings are usually mayonnaise-based, so it is worth checking whether or not the mayonnaise has been made with pasteurized eggs. While there are plenty of octopus dishes that are perfectly fine to eat during pregnancy, there are some you should probably avoid.

While the octopus in a salad is perfectly safe if it has been cooked, it has to have been stored properly. Ensure that your vegetables are thoroughly washed before eating, and your octopus is cooked through. Carpaccio is usually a raw dish eaten in Mediterranean countries. Octopus carpaccio involves slices of dressed octopus served cold. Sometimes the octopus used for carpaccio is boiled before serving, but sometimes it is served raw, so this should always be double-checked before eating.

If the carpaccio contains boiled octopus then it is safe to eat. This is a popular antipasto in the Mediterranean and it is sometimes boiled before marinating, though this is not always the case.

Sometimes the octopus is left raw, so it is worth checking if you are eating this at a restaurant. Lightly cooked or raw seafood such as salads, sushi or carpaccio, are more susceptible to bacterial contamination such as listeria. Octopus has low to medium mercury levels and therefore, safe to consume in moderation. It is advised to limit consumption of seafood to up to two servings of 6 ounces per week.

Octopus is a good source of protein as well as rich in several nutrients such as vitamin B12 and iron. These nutrients help generate healthy cells and promote proper cognitive development in your baby. They also prevent neural tube defects like spina bifida, anencephaly, etc. American Pregnancy Association. What effect does coronavirus have on pregnant women? Pregnant women do not appear to be more susceptible to the consequences of coronavirus than the general population and there is no evidence that the virus can pass to a baby during pregnancy.

In many articles and. It is a congenital malformation or. Any recommendations made on this website are not a substitute for medical consultation. Always check with your doctor.

Read More. Sign-up for our newsletter. We send well researched and valuable information right to your inbox. PregnantPlate Safe eating during pregnancy. Is it safe to have Octopus during pregnancy? Yes, with caution. How can I safely eat octopus while pregnant? Octopus - also known as. Octopoida, Tako. Checks before eating. Cook thoroughly before eating. Octopus vulgaris can be one source of chemical contaminants including mercury Ariano et al, Oliveira et al.

Meanwhile, Ariano et al. They concluded that consumption of octopus did not contribute significantly to the allowed level of weekly exposure to mercury. However, Pawlaczyk et al. Five of these were canned tuna, which was not surprising because tuna is a predatory fish known to contain high levels of mercury. However, also included in the list, was from the species of Octopus vulgaris.

They found that the mean mercury content in octopus was In Mexico, Basu et al. Despite the associated risks with increased exposure to mercury, Hibbeln et al. It is also low in fat, comparable to the fat content in lean fish. Although the manner of preparation, such as frying or cooking in butter, can add to its fat content. These fish can be eaten as much as 2 to 3 times per week.

However, octopus should be cooked to avoid any food-borne pathogens. As a general rule, octopus should be grilled, boiled or oven cooked to ensure no viable bacterial pathogens survive. Seafood intake has been proven to be an important addition to a healthy diet during pregnancy. Omega-3 fatty acids and DHA are especially important for the neurologic and cognitive development of babies.

Therefore, it has been recommended that at least 1 to 2 servings of seafood per week should be consumed by all pregnant women.

When it comes to octopus specifically, there are limited data regarding safety of its consumption during pregnancy. Octopus is generally considered safe, as long as it is cooked thoroughly, due to its low mercury content. However, there are also concerns regarding high mercury levels, especially in canned varieties. Hence, a visit to their most trusted health care physician is warranted for all octopus-loving pregnant women. Table of Contents hide.

Health Benefits of Seafood Consumption. Final Thoughts. Metal concentration in muscle and digestive gland of common octopus Octopus vulgaris from two coastal site in Southern Tyrrhenian Sea Italy. Molecules 24 13 , Environmental Research , A randomized longitudinal dietary intervention study during pregnancy: Effects on fish intake, phospholipids, and body composition.