Is liver safe during pregnancy?
Liver, known locally as maini, is a popular delicacy, especially when served with ugali and green veggies. It is a nutrients powerhouse and contains essential minerals. More so, it is
Liver, known locally as maini, is a popular delicacy, especially when served with ugali and green veggies. It is a nutrients powerhouse and contains essential minerals. More so, it is lower in calories than most meats but low in fats. It can be prepared in a number of ways, which explains its popularity. But is liver safe during pregnancy?
Is liver safe during pregnancy?
Liver is not safe during pregnancy. It is rich in preformed Vitamin A, also known as retinol. High consumption of preformed vitamin A has been linked to birth defects, especially in the first months of pregnancy. Other foods that contain retinol are milk and eggs.
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Expectant women are to take no more than 30 grams of liver per day. A serving of liver can contain almost triple this allowable amount, which makes liver not very safe during this time.
Safe Vitamin A
This is not to say Vitamin A is bad for expectant women. There is another type of vitamin a which is much safer. Provitamin A carotenoids are found in fruits and vegetables. Unlike retinol, there is no cap for the amount of carotenoids a pregnant mum can take. Thus, it is advisable that they get as much of this vitamin as they can from fruits and vegetables as opposed to liver.
Gout patients
If you have gout, it is also best to steer clear of liver. Liver is rich in purines, which forms uric acid in the body. Gout is a type of arthritis that is caused by high amounts of uric acid in the blood, thus liver can worsen it.