Although there is no fixed time for cravings, more than 90% of people have food cravings at odd times. Cravings of pregnant women are something that can sometimes be opposite of their usual nature. Like a woman who hated apples all her life and craves them during her pregnancy. Now, are you thinking, why am I craving tuna in pregnancy? No, craving tuna has nothing to do with pregnancy in particular. But, coming to think of it, why are people craving tuna and pickles
1. What is Craving?
An intense, uncontrollable desire for a specific food that makes you feel that your hunger cannot be satisfied without eating that particular food is termed a craving. According to research, men usually crave savory foods, while women have sweet and high-fat food cravings. For example, you are urged to eat that chocolate cheesecake and do not want to settle for anything else. See Busted! Evaporation Line Myths on a Pregnancy Test.
2. Why am I Craving Tuna during Pregnancy, Is it Normal?
It is common and expected. In pregnant women, craving seafood, especially fish, is found in most cases. Tuna tops the chart here. Incorporating fish in your pregnancy chart is a healthy option as it is full of nutrition. A major reason a body craves something is that your body lacks that particular nutrient that food can provide.
3. When do Cravings usually begin in Pregnancy?
Your cravings usually start in the 1st trimester (5-6 weeks of pregnancy). Your cravings will peak during the 2nd trimester (13-26 weeks of pregnancy). When you are in your 3rd trimester (29-40 weeks pregnancy), cravings start to fade. (See Can Foods Make You Shorter?)
4. When Craving Tuna in Pregnancy does begin?
Cravings begin as early as 5 weeks of the pregnancy but can begin even before that in some women. Your tuna cravings can begin from the beginning, and you may find yourself eating a tuna sandwich even in the middle of the night.
List of safe tunas to consume:
- Albacore
- Canned or frozen Tuna
- Fresh Tuna
- Skip jack
- White tuna
5. Is Eating Tuna Safe during Pregnancy?
Light tuna is considered safe to eat during pregnancy but in limited quantities. You need to keep watch on the amount of mercury you intake during pregnancy. Tuna species vary in levels of mercury. On the safe side, eating 2 to 3 servings of light canned tuna per week is preferred. However, it is highly recommended to have fresh fish once a week in the servings mentioned instead of canned. Check out Foods that Kill Sperm inside a Woman’s Body.
The benefits of eating tuna during pregnancy are:
Tuna can benefit you and your child if consumed in required and limited portions. Here is the list of benefits you get:
- Eicosatetraenoic acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) – These omega-3 fatty acids are long-chained and known for aiding in the eye and brain development of the baby.
- Iron – Develops the brain and nervous system of the fetus.
- Phosphorus – Required for development and aid bone health in both mother and child.
- Protein – An essential nutrient for the proper growth of bones.
- Vitamin B12 – It helps properly function the nervous system, generating red blood cells and protein.
- Vitamin D – It is essential for bone growth and immunity building, these are the few reasons behind craving tuna in pregnancy.
6. How to Know Mercury Levels?
The Mercury level chart issued by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) mentions the mercury level in specific fish. You can look at this chart to determine the safe mercury levels to consume in different situations. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends pregnant or breastfeeding women eat a variety of fish with low mercury content in quantities ranging between 8-12 ounces (226-340 grams). Must see 20 Revolutionary Diet Plans to Lose Weight.
7. How to Eat Tuna during Pregnancy?
Do what suits you, but here are a few ways that come in handy, and many fellow pregnant ladies love them. So, if you want, you can also try them as a snack or a filling meal tuna sandwich (not more than 1 per week).
- Tuna sand or tuna melt (once a week)
- Tuna and crackers (offer the correct ratio of carbs to protein and is a safe option for gestational diabetes)
8. What if You Over-Eat Tuna during Pregnancy?
Mercury content is the most concerning factor when craving tuna in pregnancy. It is recommended to keep your mercury levels low in this condition. Since all seafood contains varying levels of mercury, overeating them can raise mercury levels. The worst effect can have been to affect the growth and development of your baby, as neurotoxins present in fish affect the brain and nervous system. So, if you are craving tuna in pregnancy or overate, consult your obstetrician (doctor for pregnancy) and avoid eating any seafood for the coming week to balance mercury levels. Must see 25 Best Home Made Remedies for Sore Throat.
9. What does Craving Tuna and Pickles means?
Tuna cravings may be a sign of vitamin, omega-3, iron, or phosphorus lacking in your body. But why are you craving pickles during pregnancy? Pickles are one of the most common pregnancy cravings, and there is nothing to worry about. According to the doctors, your body craves salty food and pickles and this craving means your body is low on sodium.
10. Is it Fine to eat Salty Food during Pregnancy?
Yes, it is okay if eaten in healthy ratios. It is recommended not to add too much salty food to the list. A snack of pickles or salted green olives is the healthier option. Or you can have roasted vegetables seasoned with herbs and salt. Read How to Fix Hourglass Syndrome Stomach Gripping?
11. What are other Foods that Pregnant Women crave?
The list is long but tasty, no doubt. However, the reasons behind certain cravings can just be influenced by your mood, whereas others may be a signal from your body.
Most craved food items other than craving tuna in pregnancy are:
- Dairy, such as cheese
- Fruits
- Starchy carbohydrates, such as fries
- Sweets, such as ice cream and Haribo
- Vegetables
- Avocado
- Beetroot
- Carrots and broccoli
- Chocolate
- Coal, mud, matches, Guinness, or dust
- Curry
- Fruits
- Ice cream and dairy
- Red meat
- Rice
- Salad
- Seaweed
- Strawberries
- Toothpaste and sponges
- Vegetables
- Yogurt
12. Why are You Craving Tuna before Period?
This is another phase when females crave different foods. Though chocolate and alcohol are the most common, other items are also on the list. But why did you possibly crave tuna before or during your periods? Cravings are signals from your brain because your body needs certain nutrients that it lacks. Therefore, if you are craving tuna during or before your period, you are probably low on omega-3 fatty acids that are necessary for your overall health.
So, now you know why you are craving tuna in pregnancy. As for why you are craving tuna before period, then it is possible you lack the nutrient. Why am I craving tuna? For the answer to this question, you need to check your diet and balance it with the required nutrients. Are you craving tuna and pickles or anything else? Read 45 Types of Fish.
