Goat cheese during pregnancy: allowed?

Goat cheese in pregnancy
Should I forego it?

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Goat cheese is considered a more digestible alternative to cow’s milk. However, pregnant women need to be careful. We explain what you have to pay attention to as a mother-to-be and why goat cheese is particularly well tolerated during pregnancy.

While goat cheese now enjoys a good reputation in southern countries, it has been an outsider for a long time in Germany. Unlike in countries like Spain, France or Greece, you often looked in vain for aromatic cheese on the cheese platter in this country. The taste was often too strict for the German palate.

The taste has now been refined, so that most goat cheeses only have a mild, sweet aroma. This is probably why goat cheese has become increasingly popular in Germany in recent years. But why is it considered a gentle alternative to cow’s milk? and is goat cheese really a problem during pregnancy?

Is goat’s milk better tolerated than cow’s milk?

Yes. Because goat milk contains many short and medium chain fatsby our body digested better can be. This is of particular benefit to the diet of pregnant women, who often have to struggle with stomach and intestinal problems anyway.

It even goes so far that people who are intolerant to cow’s milk can often tolerate goat’s milk. And the range of goat cheese is huge. It exists as:

  • Hard cheese. For example Majorero from Spain or Kefalotiri from Greece.
  • Semi-soft cheese. Among other things, Ekte Geitost from Norway.
  • Soft cheese. Like the Crottin de Chavignol from France or Altenburger goat cheese from Germany.
  • Cream cheese. There are many different manufacturers here. Altenburger from Germany also offers goat cheese as cream cheese.

By the way: In Germany goat cheese has to consist of 100 percent goat milk.

Goat cheese in pregnancy: when is it dangerous?

Unfortunately, goat cheese is often made from raw milk and that is exactly what can be dangerous during pregnancy. Because Raw milk can contain listeria (bacteria of the genus Listeria)which can cause what is known as listeriosis. Listeriosis can also be dangerous for healthy people if, for example, they have a weakened immune system.

During pregnancy, the expectant mother’s immune system is generally weakened. Infection therefore poses a twofold risk for pregnant women, because it can affect both Cause serious illnesses in both the mother and the unborn child. The disease can even be fatal to the fetus. Fortunately, listeriosis is very rare in Germany.

You can find out more about listeria in our article: Listeria in pregnancy.

That is why it is important for pregnant women Eat goat cheese made exclusively from pasteurized milk. Cheese made from raw milk must also be labeled in this way. Therefore, always read through the ingredients. Not only untreated milk can contain Listeria. Pregnant women should also avoid the following foods:

  • Raw fish (e.g. salmon, sushi)
  • Raw sausage (including salami, tea and sausage)
  • Raw lettuce (wash thoroughly before eating)

Our article, Nutrition During Pregnancy, takes a closer look at the different foods you can and should not eat during pregnancy.

Eat goat cheese as quickly as possible

In contrast to cheese made from cow’s milk, goat cheese perishes more quickly. Then there is a risk of mold. When it comes to storage, the type of cheese is of course also important. Because the harder a cheese is, the less water it contains and the longer a cheese can be kept. Here are a few tips on how to keep goat cheese longer.

  1. It’s best to keep goat cheese in the refrigerator. Four degrees are ideal for cream cheese, seven to nine degrees are also sufficient for soft cheese. Hard cheese can withstand higher temperatures, but it should still be kept in the refrigerator.
  2. It is best to keep sliced ​​goat cheese in its packaging. It usually contains the fewest germs and is resealable.
  3. If you have cut a piece of cheese, keep it in one airtight container or wrap it loosely in cling film. Change the container or foil every two days.
  4. Goat cheese is generally allowed to “breathe” a little, just Cream cheese should definitely be sealed airtight.

And while breastfeeding?

Listeria cannot be passed on to the infant from breast milk. This is why you can safely eat unpasteurized cheese again after pregnancy. Dairy products are definitely part of a healthy and balanced diet. The calcium in goat cheese is especially good for mother and baby.

Brigitte

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