You may have heard that sushi is off-limits during pregnancy, but what about eel sauce? Here’s what you need to know about this popular condiment.
Is Eel Sauce Safe during Pregnancy
If you are pregnant, you have to ensure you are safe and healthy. That involves checking what you eat and ensuring that it does not have any negative effects on your health. One question we are constantly getting is whether it is safe to eat eel sauce when you are pregnant.
Is eel sauce safe during pregnancy? The simple short answer is that eel sauce is safe during pregnancy. That is simply because eel sauce does not have any eel.
But wait. There’s more. In this post, we will dive deeper into the topic and explain why there are concerns, and steps you need to take to ensure that you do not expose yourself to any danger during pregnancy. Let’s get started.
What is Eel Sauce?
If you have not had eel before, you should know that it is a popular delicacy, especially in Indonesia. It is fished – with some challenges- and then exported as a byproduct to different countries. Its popularity is growing constantly because of the benefits it has to the body.
What is Eel Sauce? Is it Safe during Pregnancy?
Eel sauce does not have eel, as many people assume. Originally, it contained eel broth. However, after being Americanized, its ingredients have changed. It is a thick, salty, sticky, and sweet sauce. It features only sake, guar, soy sauce, as well as mirin.
It provides an amazing flavor for sushi rolls, eel, and many more foods.
It is safe to consume during pregnancy. But can we say the same about an eel?
What about Eel during Pregnancy?
The first thing you should know is that uncooked eel, in any form, is toxic and might be fatal. It should be cooked properly to ensure that all the proteins are broken down and then rendered harmless to your body. When you are expectant, you can enjoy eel. However, you should do so in moderate quantities.
So, how well should eel be cooked for it to become safe? Eel should be cooked to a minimum of 145 degrees Fahrenheit before you can consume it in any form when pregnant. Before you add it to your diet, you need to consult your doctor.
Precautions to Ensure you are Safe eating Eel during Pregnancy
One risk, which is the source of our main concern, is that a pregnant woman’s mercury levels might increase if eel is consumed in excess amounts. There are precautions, however, that a pregnant woman can take to ensure that she is completely safe eating eel.
Avoiding Excess Consumption
There are chances that it might have some pathogens and parasites. You have to consume it moderately so that your body has a comfortable amount.
Cooking at Adequate Temperature
You need to ensure that it is cooked at the right temperature. When it is cooked properly, the proteins are broken down and it becomes safe to eat.
Reading the Label
You need to be sure that you know what you are purchasing, especially when you are pregnant. There are certain health concerns related to certain products of eel. If you are not sure about a certain product, simply avoid it.
Final Words
Is eel sauce safe during pregnancy? Eel sauce, also known as unagi sauce, has brought around a lot of confusion. The first thing you should know is that it is not a type of sauce produced from the eel. It is a sauce that is spread over broiled or grilled eel. A pregnant woman can consume it safely since it only has a low alcohol level. So, it is completely safe.
