Bologna is a dried, smoked beef sausage, like salami. It is a blend of meat, fat, salt, and spices. Many women who love meat might be apprehensive about eating bologna while pregnant. If you are craving that bologna sandwich during pregnancy and not sure if it would be safe, scroll down this post to know more about its safety and alternatives to bologna.
What Is Bologna?
Bologna is a type of sausage made out of finely ground pork and contains chunks of lard in it. According to the regulations of the US Government, the Bologna that is sold in the American market has to be finely ground and should not have any visible chunks of lard. Alternatively, Bologna can also be made using soy protein, chicken, beef, venison or turkey. Some of the most common seasonings that are found in Bologna sausage include coriander, black pepper, allspice, celery seeds and nutmeg. Here are some of the most common types of Bologna that are popular:
German Bologna: It is also referred to as garlic Bologna, as it is most commonly available with a garlic seasoning.
Kosher Or Halal Bologna: It is almost always made using only beef, but can sometimes also be made using chicken, turkey or lamb. Lebanon Halal: It is a Pennsylvania Dutch prepared meat. Lebanon halal is like a dried and smoky form of sausage. Ring Bologna: It is a smaller version of Bologna as compared to other forms of Bologna. Ring Bologna is usually used to make the pickled Bologna by soaking it in vinegar and other spices that are used for pickling.
Lauantaikkara: It is a Finnish preparation of Bologna.
Rag Bologna: It is a long stick of Bologna that is high in fat. In traditional markets, it is sold after being wrapped in a cloth rag, hence the name rag Bologna.
South African Polony: It is made using highly processed meat, and it also boasts of a high concentration of pink slime.
Is It Safe To Eat Bologna While Pregnant?
It is not safe to eat Bologna during pregnancy, especially as it has high sodium and fat content. Moreover, it also contains different kinds of preservatives, including nitrites, which are quite unhealthy. Processed meats are usually the types of meats preserved or cooked in a fashion that involves smoking, salting, curing, or adding other forms of chemical preservatives. All of these processes increase your risk of colon cancer. According to some health experts, eating foods that contain many preservatives can cause cancer. The sodium content found in one small lunch portion of Bologna, which is one slice of Bologna, equals about 301 to 480 mg. It has a high sodium content and may lead to various health risks such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and even a stroke. Pregnant women should also avoid Bologna since it may contain the bacteria Listeria. This bacteria is commonly found in food products that are not properly refrigerated or handled. In pregnant women, the bacterial infection may lead to miscarriage, premature birth, stillbirth, or life-threatening infections in newborns.
What Can You Have Instead?
If you are craving some Bologna, opt for healthier choices such as freshly roasted slices of chicken, turkey or beef in your sandwich. Consult your doctor regarding anything you eat or drink during pregnancy. Ask your healthcare provider about the safety of eating Bologna while pregnant.
