Is it Safe to Eat Pani Puri During Pregnancy?

Pregnancy can be a rollercoaster ride of emotions, cravings, and nausea. And let's be honest, when those sudden hunger pangs hit, we'll eat just about anything that's in front of us. But what if that "anything" happens to be the beloved street food, Pani Puri? Is it safe for pregnant women to indulge in this tangy and spicy delight? Don't worry, we're here to answer all your burning (or should we say, "spicy") questions about the safety of Pani Puri during pregnancy. So, grab a plate of your favorite chaat and let's dig in!

Can we eat Pani Puri during pregnancy?

Pregnancy is when you must be extra careful about what you eat and drink. There are a lot of myths and misconceptions about what is safe to eat during pregnancy, and Pani Puri is one food that often gets caught up in these debates. Pani Puri is a popular Indian street food made with a deep-fried pastry shell filled with water, tamarind sauce, and spices. The filling can vary, but it is typically boiled potatoes or chickpeas.

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So, is Pani Puri safe during pregnancy? The short answer is yes. Pani Puri is generally safe for pregnant women to eat. However, a few things to keep in mind if you choose to eat Pani Puri while pregnant.

• First, make sure the shell is fresh and not stale. Old shells can be hard to digest and may cause indigestion or nausea.
• Avoid eating Pani Puri from street vendors or where hygiene standards may be questionable.
• Additionally, avoid Pani Puri, which has been sitting in the Sun for too long, as the heat can spoil the sauces quickly.
• Be aware of the ingredients in the Pani (water) and Puri (bread). Ensure that the water used in the Pani is boiled and cooled before consumption and that the Puris are made with cooked flour.
• Finally, be careful of the spices in the filling; some may be too strong for your stomach if you are pregnant. If you have any concerns, ask your vendor to make your Pani Puri milder by adding less spice to the filling.
• It is also recommended to ensure that the Pani Puri is prepared in filtered water to avoid any potential infections.

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Recipes for Safe Chaat for Pregnant Women

Besides eating Pani Puri during pregnancy, women can also prepare safe and healthy chaat at their home.

Here are some tips for making safe chaat during pregnancy:

• Choose fresh, ripe fruits and vegetables for your chaat. Avoid fruits and vegetables sitting out in the Sun or heat, as these can harbour bacteria that can make you sick.
• Wash all fruits and vegetables thoroughly before using them in your chaat. This will help get rid of any harmful bacteria that may be present.
• Make sure the yoghurt you use in your chaat is pasteurized. This will help protect you from any harmful bacteria that may be present in unpasteurized yoghurt.
• Avoid adding too much salt or spices to your chaat. Too much salt can raise your blood pressure, which can be dangerous for you and your baby. And spicy foods can trigger indigestion and heartburn.

Here are three safe and healthy chaat recipes for pregnant women:

1. Chole Chaat

Combine one cup of chickpeas with diced cucumber, onions, tomatoes, broccoli, capsicum, and coriander. Season with chaat masala, lemon juice, and salt to taste.

2. Mango Dal Chaat

Cook one cup of red lentils with chopped raw green mangoes and garlic. Season with cumin, coriander, turmeric, and salt to taste.

3. Corn and Sweet Potato Chaat

Boil fresh or frozen corn kernels and diced sweet potatoes. Season with cumin, red chili powder, turmeric powder, and rock salt to taste. Garnish with coriander leaves.

These chaat recipes are packed with essential nutrients, including calcium, iron, protein, and omega-3 fatty acids, and are safe to consume during pregnancy. Snacking on these nutritious chaats can help pregnant women combat cravings and nausea, and ensure that they are getting the extra healthy nutrients they need.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while pani puri can be a delicious and satisfying snack, it's important to consider the potential risks for pregnant women. The unhygienic preparation and storage of the ingredients can lead to bacterial infections, which can be harmful to both the mother and the developing fetus. It's best to err on the side of caution and avoid or limit consuming pani puri during pregnancy. Instead, opt for healthier and safer snack options that are prepared and stored in a hygienic manner.

References

1. Das M, Rath CC, Mohapatra UB. ( 2012). Bacteriology of a most popular street food (Panipuri) and inhibitory effect of essential oils on bacterial growth. J Food Sci Technol.

2. Singh, Dhananjay Kumar; Sinha, Nikhil; et al. (2021). Effects of diet on hypertensive disorders during pregnancy: A cross-sectional study from a teaching hospital. Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care

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