Expectant mothers themselves are often concerned about food choices during pregnancy. Cheese is a common food that can cause problems for pregnant women. Grana Padano is one of the most widely consumed Italian cheeses worldwide, raising questions about its safety for pregnant mothers. The following section addresses this issue to provide an informed answer.
Table of Contents
What is Grana Padano Cheese?
Grana Padano, a hard Italian cheese made from cow’s milk, is comparable to Parmigiano Reggiano in texture and flavor, yet more affordable. The process of making Grana Padano involves cooking the milk and adding rennet to form curds before being molded into blocks and aged for no less than 9 months.
Nutritional Value of Grana Padano Cheese
Grana Padano is a rich source of protein, calcium, and other essential nutrients. One ounce (28 grams) of Grana Padano cheese contains:
- Calories: 110
- Fat: 7 grams
- Protein: 10 grams
- Calcium: 33% of the daily value (DV)
- Vitamin A: 6% of the DV
- Sodium: 12% of the DV
Is Grana Padano Cheese Safe to Eat During Pregnancy?
In case you’re wondering, Grana Padano cheese is definitely a safe culinary option for pregnant women, but only if it is produced using pasteurized milk. Listeria is an infamous bacterium that can lead to miscarriage or stillbirth and pasteurization annihilates this deadly pathogen along with other harmful bacteria. Most of the Grana Padano cheeses obtainable in the market are created utilizing pasteurized milk, nevertheless, corroborating the food label before consumption will put your worries to ease.
Benefits of Consuming Grana Padano Cheese During Pregnancy
When you are pregnant, consuming Grana Padano cheese is an excellent way to promote healthy fetal development. The consumption of this nutritious food gives you a wealth of protein options to help maintain vital tissue within you and your child throughout pregnancy–owing to its rich nutritional content. Another important benefit resides within Grana Padano’s high calcium contents which aid bone density and help build strong teeth.
How to Consume Grana Padano Cheese Safely During Pregnancy
To consume Grana Padano cheese safely during pregnancy, follow these tips:
- Choose cheese that is made from pasteurized milk.
- Make sure the cheese is fresh and has not been sitting at room temperature for too long.
- Store the cheese in the refrigerator at or below 40°F (4°C).
- Wash your hands before handling the cheese.
- Use a clean knife to cut the cheese.
- Heat the cheese to 165°F (74°C)
Other Foods to Avoid During Pregnancy
In addition to Grana Padano cheese, there are other foods that you should avoid during pregnancy. These include:
- Raw or undercooked meat, poultry, and seafood
- Unpasteurized dairy products, such as milk and cheese
- Raw or undercooked eggs
- Fish that contain high levels of mercury, such as shark, swordfish, king mackerel, and tilefish
- Processed meats, such as deli meat and hot dogs
FAQs
In terms of lactose content, Grana Padano cheese registers lower on the scale and could offer a viable option for those who experience issues digesting this particular sugar molecule. Despite this possibility, caution should still be exercised by individuals with severe cases of lactose intolerance.
No, you should avoid Grana Padano cheese, if you are allergic to cow’s milk.
No, is not suitable for vegans, because Grana Padano cheese is made from cow’s milk.
Grana Padano cheese is a good source of protein and calcium, but it is high in fat.
Grana Padano cheese made from pasteurized milk is not harmful during breastfeeding and instead can provide valuable nutrients for your baby’s nutrition. However, if negative side effects are observed in babies such as boils or colic, the consumption of this cheese should be temporarily avoided.
Conclusion
Grana Padano cheese, provided that it is crafted from pasteurized milk, is entirely safe for expectant mothers to eat. This cheese variety offers an excellent supply of the nutrients essential for fetal growth and development, including protein and calcium. However, prudent consumption habits are necessary, always incorporating proper food safety tactics.
