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Is Kimchi Good for Pregnancy? 6 Amazing Health Benefits For Moms-To-Be

Is kimchi good for pregnancy

If you enjoy eating Korean food, then you may experience kimchi cravings during pregnancy. 

While kimchi is generally healthy, you may wonder if eating while pregnant is still okay. Some foods are safe during pregnancy, while others can pose a risk.

Since kimchi is a fermented food, people wonder if eating it is risky while pregnant. 

Today, we’re going to answer the question that’s on many pregnant women’s minds. Is kimchi good for pregnancy?

Read on as we go over the health benefits and any possible risks this popular Korean dish may have.

The Nourished Bump - Pregnancy Nutrition Course

Is Kimchi Good for Pregnancy?

During pregnancy, you must be extra careful about what you put into your body. Your unborn baby also consumes the nutrients you eat or drink. 

Naturally, this may have you wondering if kimchi is considered a “good” or “bad” food.

Kimchi is good for pregnant women. This fermented food has many nutritional benefits. 

However, you must research the different brands of kimchi to find out which one is best.

It’s also important that you choose kimchi that has been prepared and stored properly. 

For the most part, kimchi and other fermented foods are safe to eat. However, pregnant women should always take caution regarding fermented foods to avoid contact with harmful bacteria.

Is kimchi good for pregnancy

What Are The Risks of Kimchi While Pregnant?

One of the main reasons that kimchi presents a risk is that fermented foods may contain live bacteria. This is known to be beneficial bacteria that support gut health.

Fermentation is when microorganisms (such as yeast, bacteria, and mold) get converted into compounds known as probiotics. These microorganisms are present in kimchi and other fermented foods.

Generally, products with these microorganisms are safe to consume if you’re pregnant. 

However, it all comes down to how the food was prepared and processed. 

If the kimchi isn’t properly fermented, there are risks for pregnant women. This is why you should only eat kimchi if you’re familiar with the brand or market that makes it.

Pregnant women are at a higher risk of bacterial infection. Live bacteria in the kimchi can put the woman at risk of food poisoning or a foodborne illness. This can be harmful to the unborn baby and presents health risks.

Can I Buy Pasteurized Kimchi?

Pasteurization is the process in which foods are heated to eliminate harmful bacteria. 

If you were to find pasteurized kimchi, it would be the safest choice during pregnancy. However, the majority of kimchi available on the market is unpasteurized.

Can You Eat Kimchi While Pregnant?

Are you having insatiable cravings for kimchi right now? Pregnant women can eat kimchi. However, it’s important to only eat this spicy dish in moderation. 

It’s also vital to select the best type of kimchi.

Ideally, pregnant women should make this traditional Korean dish at home. This guarantees that you’re in control of what ingredients are used. It also allows you to manage the fermentation process.

However, if you have never made fermented foods, you likely prefer buying store-bought versions. 

Always make sure you review the label before you purchase one. It’s important to choose a kimchi that was safely prepared.

The best option to store-bought kimchi is one that has been freshly prepared at a market. Always choose a fresh container that hasn’t been sitting on the shelf for too long.

Is Kimchi Safe During Early Pregnancy?

Kimchi isn’t an ideal food to eat during early pregnancy. 

During the early weeks of your pregnancy, you should avoid eating foods that potentially contain harmful bacteria. Most fermented vegetables should be off-limits at this time.

That being said, if you make homemade kimchi, it should be okay to eat. This is because you can guarantee it is safely prepared and the ingredients are fresh.

During early pregnancy, it’s normal to have strong food cravings

Speaking with your doctor is recommended if you can’t kick a craving for Korean food and kimchi. A healthcare provider can give you the best advice about your pregnancy diet.

How Much Kimchi Is Safe To Eat During Pregnancy?

Too much kimchi isn’t good during pregnancy. If you were to eat too much, it can lead to heartburn, diarrhea, and flatulence. That’s why eating kimchi in moderation during pregnancy is important.

There is no specific recommended amount of kimchi to eat while pregnant. However, it is recommended only to eat small amounts. 

Since eating too much can lead to stomach discomfort and other issues, eating kimchi as a condiment with other vegetables or foods, and not by itself, is recommended.

The Nourished Bump - Pregnancy Nutrition Course

Is Korean Food Safe During Pregnancy?

Korean food is safe to eat during pregnancy. 

Many Korean dishes contain fresh vegetables and protein. This is excellent for expectant mothers and their unborn babies.

However, you must be cautious about which Korean dishes you choose to avoid stomach discomfort. 

Many Korean meals contain fermented ingredients, which should only be eaten in moderation.

Another thing to consider is that many Korean foods are spicy. If spicy food is causing you stomach discomfort during pregnancy, it should be avoided.

Is kimchi good for pregnancy

Benefits of Kimchi During Pregnancy

Eating kimchi has many health benefits. Before making kimchi and other fermented vegetables a part of your pregnancy diet, consult your healthcare provider.

If you enjoy making homemade kimchi or know of a market where you can find safely prepared kimchi with fresh ingredients, then you can enjoy the benefits of this traditional Korean dish.

Wondering why eating kimchi is beneficial for a healthy diet and pregnancy? Let’s look at some of the health benefits of kimchi consumption.

1. Reduce the Risk of Yeast Infection

A yeast infection is something every woman dreads. Unfortunately, they are a common problem among pregnant women. 

If you eat kimchi while pregnant, you can lower the risk of getting a yeast infection.

Kimchi contains lactobacillus bacteria (lactic acid bacteria). 

This bacteria forms in the vaginal microbiota. It provides your body with nutrients and can protect against pathogens. This can help prevent yeast infections.

2. Boost Your Immune System

It’s important to fill your body with nutrient-rich foods when cold and flu season comes around. Kimchi is loaded with vitamins and minerals.

Pairing kimchi with a healthy pregnancy diet can help your body naturally stay protected from illnesses, viruses, and infections.

3. Digestive Health

Kimchi contains probiotics (which we’ll go into more detail about below). Probiotics are essential for good digestive health. 

Many women experience constipation, blocked gas, and other digestive issues during pregnancy.

The good bacteria in kimchi are efficient at helping your body break down food. This can help you relieve built-up gas and have regular bowel movements. It can also help to reduce bloating.

4. Excellent Source of Vitamins

Want another reason to eat kimchi while pregnant? This tasty fermented cabbage dish is an excellent source of vitamins and nutrients. 

Not only is this great for your health, but it can also help with the unborn baby’s development.

Kimchi contains the following nutrients:

  • Vitamin A
  • B vitamins
  • Vitamin C
  • Fiber
  • Amino acids
  • Protein

5. Probiotic Benefits

One of the best reasons to eat kimchi while pregnant is the probiotics

This fermented food is excellent for a healthy gut. It can help to maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria.

As mentioned above, probiotics are essential for good digestion and help reduce gas. But there are many other ways a pregnant woman can benefit from the probiotics in kimchi. 

This includes:

  • Relief from morning sickness
  • Reduce the risk of gestational diabetes
  • Lower risk of eczema in infants
  • Fewer pregnancy complications
  • Reduce the risk of preterm delivery

Ultimately, when it comes to probiotics and pregnancy, you should speak to your healthcare provider to ensure you’re getting enough. 

While you can get a good source of probiotics from consuming kimchi, your doctor may also suggest a supplement or recommend other foods.

6. Reduce Inflammation

Inflammation is your body’s natural way of responding to infections and injuries. 

While minimal inflammation isn’t something to worry about, chronic inflammation can harm your baby.

While more research is needed on the connection, it is believed that some of the compounds naturally found in kimchi could help to reduce inflammation.

Should Pregnant Women Cook Kimchi Before Eating It?

If you don’t know how the unpasteurized kimchi you bought was prepared, you may feel safer if you eat it cooked. Any live bacteria will be cooked off when the kimchi is exposed to high temperatures during cooking.

You can eat Korean food with cooked kimchi too. Many popular recipes require people to cook kimchi with meats and vegetables, such as:

  • Kimchi stew
  • Kimchi fried rice
  • Kimchi dumplings
  • Kimchi pancakes and more

Final Words

Pregnant women should always exercise caution when consuming fermented foods. 

Kimchi is safe for pregnant women using only the freshest ingredients. 

While eating this Korean food is okay, pregnant women should only consume kimchi in moderation.

Kimchi fried rice is one of our favorite recipes. How do you enjoy eating kimchi? Let us know in the comments below.

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