First, be aware of the risks. Cornstarch is a food additive, and in small quantities, it’s considered okay to eat. Too much can cause issues, though.
You may have heard the rumors and misinformation online about eating cornstarch while pregnant, but here’s all the latest info! Eating cornstarch while pregnant can be okay under certain circumstances. But it is important to know the facts before you put it in your mouth.
You’ve been told to eat more and to exercise. Do you know how much? Are there certain foods you should avoid or limit? You may be feeling confused or overwhelmed. It has a nutritionist’s advice on the right foods to eat, what you should forget, healthy snacks, organic foods, getting enough protein and iron, being careful with caffeine and alcohol, medications you can’t take when pregnant, what vitamins to take, exercises you can and can’t do plus lots of information about your body.
You can eat cornstarch while pregnant, but it’s not recommended. Cornstarch is a thickening agent that may be used in foods such as ice cream, puddings, pie fillings, gravies, and salad dressings. It’s also sometimes used to thicken liquids for drinking.
Pregnant women can benefit from the energy boost that comes from eating complex carbohydrates in whole grains. Cornstarch is processed from corn and is considered a complex carbohydrate.
Eating too much food, including cornstarch, is not a good idea for anyone. Too much can lead to health problems and unwanted weight gain. When you’re pregnant, however, you need to be extra careful about how much cornstarch you eat. But for most women, the amount of corn starch eaten on a regular basis doesn’t pose any danger to the mother or baby. The main concern with eating cornstarch while pregnant is a condition called maternal glucose intolerance, which is diagnosed in some women while they’re still pregnant.
Most women will wonder if it is safe to take cornstarch while pregnant. That’s because there have been some concerns about the safety of this product due to the presence of a natural sugar called dextrin that the body converts into sorbitol. This can be harmful when consumed in large quantities by anyone. But a more specific concern is whether or not cornstarch can hurt a growing fetus — particularly one that has already reached the stage of viability, which occurs around 24 weeks of gestation.
The terms are commonly interchanged; indeed, some foods that are more nutritious are also calorific. But calories aren’t everything, sorry! The Cornstarch website for recipes is the place for inspiration.
It’s a safe starch and a great carrier for flavorings, so some people prefer to use it instead of flour or even other starches since you don’t need to worry about making that “slurry” as you do with flour or other starches. Just make sure the cornstarch is gluten-free, and you’re good to go! However, be careful in high heat as it may burn faster due to its heat-sensitive properties.
Most women know that you do not want to consume cornstarch in large amounts. If you’re pregnant, then it’s not something you should be consuming. Cornstarch is used as a thickening and binding agent, but if ingested can cause bloating, gas, and diarrhea. That’s why it is typically found in small amounts in foods like cake mixes or spice rubs instead of the primary ingredient.
The Nutritional Value of Cornstarch
While we’ve already touched on the concerns about cornstarch consumption during pregnancy, let’s dive a bit deeper into its nutritional value. Cornstarch is low in essential nutrients and protein, making it a less nutritious choice when compared to other starchy foods. A one-cup serving of cornstarch contains roughly 488 calories, almost no protein, and very few vitamins and minerals. The primary nutritional component of cornstarch is carbohydrates. Specifically, it’s high in rapidly digested carbs that can lead to spikes in blood sugar levels.
Alternative Choices to Cornstarch
It’s not all doom and gloom, though. If you’re craving some starchy food, there are healthier alternatives. For instance, whole grains such as brown rice, quinoa, and oats are excellent sources of complex carbohydrates and fiber and also contain more protein than cornstarch. These grains can provide the energy boost you may need during pregnancy while ensuring you and your unborn baby get the nutrients required for healthy growth and development.
Conclusion
Eating cornstarch while pregnant is not recommended due to its lack of nutrients and potential to spike blood sugar levels. Maintaining a balanced diet during pregnancy is always critical, focusing on nutrient-dense foods that support your baby’s growth and development. Always consult a healthcare provider or nutritionist if you have any dietary concerns during pregnancy.