Is it true that eating carp can improve your baby’s complexion, as traditional beliefs suggest? You’re about to discover the answer.
Carp Porridge
1. Nutritional Value of Carp
Research shows that 100g of carp provides approximately 162 calories, including 23g of protein, 1g of saturated fat, 84mg of cholesterol, and trace amounts of calcium, vitamin A, vitamin C, and iron.
In comparison, 100g of snakehead fish provides 122 calories and 21g of protein. The same weight of salmon offers 206 calories and 23g of protein, with only 63mg of cholesterol.
Thus, it is believed that salmon, snakehead fish, and carp offer equivalent nutritional benefits, making carp a healthy choice for pregnant women.
2. Benefits of Carp Porridge for Pregnant Women
Traditional beliefs hold that consuming carp during pregnancy results in babies with fair skin and rosy cheeks. Historical medical texts also document the benefits of carp, stating: “Carp is believed to stabilize pregnancy. When the fetus is active or the pregnant woman experiences edema, carp soup is recommended.”
Modern medicine confirms the presence of abundant nutrients in carp, including protein, calcium, iron, phosphorus, and vitamins B1 and B2. These nutrients provide significant support to pregnant women during pregnancy and postpartum.
However, there is an optimal time to consume carp porridge to maximize its benefits.
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3. The Golden Time to Eat Carp Porridge
First Trimester
According to traditional wisdom, the first three months of pregnancy are the best time to eat carp porridge. This is when the fetal cells are forming, making it easier for the body to absorb nutrients.
Morning Consumption
Eating carp porridge in the morning is highly beneficial and sensible. After a long night’s sleep, the stomach has digested the previous day’s meals, so a bowl of porridge in the morning will help replenish energy and nourish the growing fetus.
Between Main Meals
Consuming porridge between main meals is also beneficial. A small bowl of porridge in the late morning or afternoon can provide an energy boost. This is an ideal time for the body to regain energy lost during work or other activities. A small bowl of porridge will help maintain the mother’s strength and provide additional nutrition for the developing fetus.
Evening Consumption
Before bedtime, a bowl of carp porridge can warm the stomach and promote better sleep. The nutrients from the carp will be fully absorbed by the body during sleep.
4. Precautions for Pregnant Women Consuming Carp Porridge
Some traditional beliefs suggest that when preparing carp, it is unnecessary to clean the intestines; a simple rinse will suffice. It is believed that cooking the fish with its intestines intact, along with a handful of rice, will result in healthier and more intelligent babies. However, this method is unscientific and should be discarded.
The scales, intestines, and gills of carp can harbor harmful bacteria, leading to stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea, and even liver and kidney failure, which are extremely dangerous for pregnant women.
Additionally, 90% of carp bile consists of Cyprinol sulfate, with the remaining being other bile acids. This substance can cause digestive disorders, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In severe cases, it can lead to death due to acute liver and kidney failure.
To safely enjoy the benefits of carp porridge, it is crucial to properly clean and prepare the fish. Remove the scales and gills, boil the fish, and then separate the meat for cooking. This ensures a healthy pregnancy and a safe delivery. It is recommended to consume carp once or twice a week, preparing it in different ways to avoid monotony.
In addition to carp, pregnant women can include other nutritious fish in their diets during the first trimester.
Aside from the nourishing porridge, pregnant women can also enjoy carp in various delicious ways, such as carp in tomato sauce, carp stewed with pickled cucumber, or carp and mung bean porridge.
