I am curious if anyone knows anything about deli meat...first I was told that it needed to be heated to steaming before you should eat it and then my sister, who is about 12 weeks pregnant said she was told that she should not eat it at all. Does anyone know why this is???? We've been eating deli meat for years (subway anyone!?) and I ate it quite frequently when I was pregnant too...just curious.
Thanks so much to everyone for the responses! It is so interesting to see all the different things we've all been told...regardless I am not giving up my deli meat. It is one of my favorites!!!
Deli meat contains nitrates which are used as a preservative in meats. Nitrates contain cancer causing agents so doctors advise against them while women are pregnant.
There is tons of salt and if it sits too lnog in the case it can form bacteria is what my DR. told me she said I could have some but it had to be cut fresh in front of me.No exceptions.
I have also heard not to eat to much meat when pregnant because of the sodium nitrate. It has cancer causing agents - one of the biggest causes of pancreatic cancer. We have switched to organic meat and they now have seasoned organic lunch meat by us now. Good Luck!
The concern is Listeria which is a bacteria that can be deadly to the fetus.
It's completely blown out of proportion. Perhaps it was an issue 30yrs ago but not now. As long as your deli meat is kept cold there is no way for bacteria to grow especcially not to the extent that would cause a problem.
It's antiquated advice.
My OB told me it was fine to eat, they just have to add the caution because of the chanced of lysteria (I'm not sure that is spelled right) - same goes for hot dogs. He said the chances of getting were extremely slim and that I was fine to eat.
J.
M.,
I don't know about the heating or steaming..
I do know when I was on a national diet program deli meat was somtehing I wasn't allowed to eat as it is very high in sodium...and of course that will make you retain water..
B. C.
as others have indicated, Listeria is the main threat from deli meat. But now that the FDA has approved some bacteria eating virus (eww!) to be sprayed on the meat, you might not have to worry about it. http://www.fda.gov/fdac/features/2007/107_virus.html
Better safe than sorry. I warmed up all my deli meat. I only purchased Boar's head brand, or Trader Joe's that does not have nitrates.
It is the Lysteria that doctors are worried about. Unless you know 100% that your meat has been handled properly I would be cautious. I don't think our doctors would tell us this just because...they have nothing to gain from us warming our meat.
I do know its full of nitrates which are not good for you - you should google them. Whole Foods and Plum carry deli meat with no nitrates (I think its applewood or farm something like that) anyway its fantastic!! Its also in hot dog and bacon and why you shouldnt eat those. THey make both also without so give them a try. There is NOTHING better than no nitrate uncured bacon YUMMY!
