Can Pregnant Women Eat Olives? Safety & Benefits

When my wife was pregnant with my first child, she ate a lot of olives. She loved their salty taste and crunchy texture. And continued to eat olives throughout her pregnancy and never had any problems.

So, Can Pregnant Women Eat Olives?

Yes, it is absolutely safe to eat olives during pregnancy as the oleic acid present in olives is extremely healthy for both the mother and the baby. It keeps blood cholesterol levels in check for the mother and protects the baby’ from varieties of allergies and asthma.

I’ve gathered all the information I could get from my wife’s personal experience and research. Here’s what you need to know about eating olives during pregnancy.

Can Pregnant Women Eat Olives

Can Pregnant Women Eat Olives?

Pregnant women should know that they should avoid items like salads and deli meat because of cross-contamination or the presence of Listeria, which can be harmful.

According to research, olive brine, rather than oil, inhibits the development of foodborne germs like Listeria and E. coli, with more salt meaning fewer bacteria are killed.

Open containers are more likely to cause cross-contamination in olives stored and served from them. These findings apply to all olives, including green, black, kalamata, etc. The difference is in the type or hue of the olives.

Although the likelihood of contracting Listeria from the deli or olive bar olives is low, it’s best to err on the side of caution and avoid them altogether. Instead, opt for heat-treated olives, which will have been cooked and thus kill any harmful pathogens.

Nutritional Value Of Olives

Olives are a great fruit since they provide a lot of vitamins and minerals:

  • Three-fourths to four-fifths of olive is water.
  • Approximately 10-15% of olives are composed of fat.
  • There are 59 calories in ten olives.
  • 4-6% of olives are carbs, most of which are fiber.
  • Sodium levels are also high since it is preserved in brine.

What Are The Various Types Of Olives?

You can sort olives into different types, like:

Kalamata Olives

These are the kings of olives. Almond-shaped with deep purple skin is mainly used in red wine and is considered a delicacy.

Castelvetrano Olives

These are a beautiful green color with a rich, buttery flavor. They pair well with white wine and make a delicious addition to any meal.

Cerignola Olives

These are delicious, large green olives that are produced in the southeastern part of Italy.

Nyon Olives

Nyon olives are produced in the South of France. These black olives have a distinct, pleasant fragrance.

Gaeta Olives

Dry-cured olives are cured without water or humidity, while brine-cured olives have been soaked in a saltwater solution.

Manzanilla Olives

Manzanillas are smelly and have a delicate crunch. These are typically served with alcoholic beverages.

Are Olives in Pregnancy Safe?

Yes, pregnant women have shown that consuming olives has several advantages. The oleic acid in olives reduces blood cholesterol levels and protects the fetus from asthma and other allergies. They assist in maintaining a woman’s diet’s nutritional value while providing vitamins and fatty acids to her unborn child.

let’s look at some of its benefits.

Top Advantages of Olives During Pregnancy

Let’s look at some of its benefits.

Antioxidants

Olives improve circulation and protect your stomach from dangerous bacteria and viruses.

Improves Sugar Levels

Olives are not only teeming with vitamin E but oleic acids and polyphenols as well all of which help reduce the likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes.

Cancer Prevention

Evidence has shown that olives may help protect against breast cancer, which is particularly common after pregnancy. These fruits contain powerful cancer-fighting cells that can impact the colon, breasts, and stomach.

Improves Bone Health

By eating olives, you decrease your likelihood of suffering a fracture and improve your bone health overall.

What Are The Side Effects Of Olives During Pregnancy?

Can you eat olives when pregnant? Yes, but there are some potential side effects of olives during pregnancy are as follows:

  • Although allergic reactions to olives are relatively uncommon, they can still occur.
  • Olives may include metals such as tin and lithium, potentially disrupting pregnancy’s natural development.
  • Because olives are high in calories, their ingestion in large amounts contributes to pregnancy weight gain that is not required.
  • Green olives can make inflammation more likely, according to studies.
  • Diarrhea may result from eating green olives because of their high-fat content.

Can Pregnant Women Eat Olives That Be Stuffed?

You can stuff olives with other foods like pimentos, cheese, or anchovies.

Canned or jarred olives are always safe, but avoid those found in the deli section. The curing and stuffing process of these prescribed olives isn’t heat-treated, opening you up to a harmful bacteria called Listeria.

Also, take care with the fillings as some may not be pregnancy-friendly such as soft blue cheese opting for cheeses on this list instead.

Pregnancy Safe Foods Containing Olives

Not everyone knows this, but olives are a common ingredient in many dishes. Here are a few examples of meals that include olives, along with whether or not they are safe to consume during pregnancy.

  • Olea Europaea, also known as olive tapenade, can be treated with the same regard as a vegetable pate or spread. Non-refrigerated versions that come in a jar on shelves are safe for consumption during pregnancy. However, fresh tapenades in fridges should be avoided, as they aren’t sterilized or pasteurized like their shelf-stable counterparts.
  • In a cooked dish, you can use canned or jarred olives; however, ask first if you didn’t make the salad yourself because these are usually the canned or jarred varieties, which are safe.

Raw and cooked olives, for example, in pasta puttanesca, a frittata, or any other hot dish. These are all fine since they are properly heated enough to be safe for pregnant women to eat. Also, many people are concerned whether cinnamon is safe in pregnancy or not ? the simple answer it’s totally safe.

Is Olive Leaf Extract And Olive Oil Safe In Pregnancy?

Olive oil is a wonderful, healthy alternative during pregnancy. It’s especially advantageous to enhance nutrient-dense meals such as salads and veggies or perhaps to dressings or sauces.

Although olive oil is beneficial, keep in mind that it contains many calories (40 cal per teaspoon). If you choose not to have olives in oil form, opt for heat-treated ones.

Risks Of Eating Olives

Although olives possess many health benefits, it’s essential to maintain moderation with anything you consume. Try limiting yourself to 6-7 olives a day instead of overeating them. This way, you can avoid any adverse consequences from consuming too much of one food item.

Olives Have A Lot Of Salt

Six green olives have a total of 660 mg of sodium, which is over half the amount recommended per day. If you are swelling due to pregnancy, eating salty foods will cause you to hold even more water in your body.

Vitamin E Toxicity

Just as with every other food, moderation is essential. The first symptom of toxicity in overdose, so be careful to monitor your intake of olives.

How To Eat Olives?

Olives are filled with nutrition, but many of us can’t stomach eating a handful of olives, and I’m included.

Olives are a perfect way to enhance the flavor of any dish! Try them in casseroles, soups, or your regular meals. You’ll get all the delicious olive taste without making the whole dish taste like olives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Why do pregnant women crave olives?

Ans: Olives have a unique flavor that might be soothing for some pregnant women. If your body is craving salt, you may be consuming too much.

Q2: Can eating olives during pregnancy help the unborn child?

Ans: Olives are rich in antioxidants, which can help protect your unborn child from developing asthma or allergies.

Q3: Can olives help with morning sickness?

Ans: There’s a reason olives are such a common home remedy for nausea and upset stomachs–they work! If you’re struggling with morning sickness, give olives a try. They’re healthy regardless so it couldn’t hurt.

Q4: Does a craving for olives during pregnancy indicate I am carrying a boy?

Ans: It’s a myth that if you’re carrying a boy, you’ll want salty or savory foods. Olives have a salty flavor and are not sweet. As a result, this hunger is often associated with gender.

Q5: Are canned olives safe during pregnancy?

Ans: While all olives have beneficial nutrients, it’s important to make sure you check the expiration date. Olives past their prime can cause pregnancy cravings in pregnant women.

Q6: Is extra virgin olive oil good for pregnancy?

Ans: Extra virgin olive oil can positively impact pregnant women’s cholesterol levels.

Q7: Can you eat marinated olives when pregnant?

The answer is yes; however, it is important to be mindful of the ingredients in marinated olives. Pregnant women should ensure that any olive products they consume have been pasteurized or canned. Unpasteurized olive products can contain harmful bacteria, such as Listeria, which can cause food poisoning.

Conclusion

Be sure to take note of what you are eating during pregnancy. Since olive pairs well with seafood, ensure you know the safety measures.

My name is Mark Joseph, and I’m on a mission to help new parents navigate the world of parenting. With over 5 years of experience as a parenting coach, I’m here to provide you with insight into all aspects of pregnancy, childbirth, and raising your newborn baby. Instagram Linkedln Facebook

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