Escargot is a non-vegetarian exotic preparation made with cooked and edible land snails and is quite popular among food fanatics. While pregnancy can make you crave all sorts of food, you may wonder if it is safe to eat escargot in pregnancy. It is usually served as an appetizer and is known to be rich in protein and low in fat. Keep reading this post to know more about the nutritional value and safety of consuming escargot when pregnant.
What Is An Escargot?
Escargot is a delicacy that consists of cooked and edible land snails. The dish is an appetizer and is popular in Spain, France, and Portugal. Many restaurants that specialize in the said cuisine offer escargot as part of the appetizer menu. In some cases, the word ‘escargot’ also refers to the snails that belong to species that help prepare the dish (1).
Is It Safe To Eat Escargot While Pregnant?
There is no proven record that clearly states whether or not it is safe to eat escargot during pregnancy. The best way to be safe is to speak to your doctor about it first, and only then resume eating it. If you are allergic to seafood, you might also be allergic to escargot. If you ever suffered from a food allergy after eating seafood, chances are, you can get another allergy after eating escargot, even if you did not have another allergy in the recent past. To be on the safe side, avoid eating escargot while pregnant, especially if you suffer from a seafood allergy.
Escargot For Weight Loss
Once your doctor gives you the go-ahead to eat escargot, you can start consuming it. It is good for controlling your weight.
How Does It Keep Your Weight In Control?
Eating escargot can help to keep your weight in check.
Escargot can prevent excess weight gain and it also helps maintain your current weight. Eating a 100 gm serving of escargot will give you a high of about 90 calories. It will also provide you with about 16 gm of protein, which will help you feel full without adding empty calories.
Escargot is also low in its carbohydrate content and will not lead to unnecessary weight gain while you are pregnant. The food is fat, sugar and carbohydrate free but rich in lean protein. They are also a good source of iron, magnesium, selenium, phosphorus and potassium.
When you eat escargot, you also get a rich amount of vitamins and minerals that are essential for your as well as your unborn baby’s overall health and development. Escargot is rich in iron, magnesium as well as potassium, which will help your overall health as well as help in making extra blood required during pregnancy.
