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Horchata is a popular and healthy beverage, and if you’re wondering whether it’s safe while pregnant – let’s dive into everything you need to know.
Can you drink horchata while pregnant?
Yes, you can drink freshly prepared horchata during your pregnancy. The ingredients needed to make this delicious sweet drink is considered safe for pregnant women and their child. However, horchata is very sweet, so we recommend limiting yourself to one glass per day.
The good news is that when those cravings hit, and nothing can beat a cold glass of horchata, you can rest easy knowing that you are not harming your pregnancy. While this delicious treat is not considered healthy due to the high concentration of sugar, sometimes all we need is a cold drink for our sugar fix. Like everything: moderation is key.
Is horchata pasteurized?
Yes – As a traditional Spanish beverage made from natural ingredients that are extremely rich in protein and organic compounds, horchata is very often pasteurized or preserved. The process for pasteurizing horchata uses the standard method of thermal heating treatment to pasteurize the horchata.
Because of this process, some experts suggest avoiding horchata as it may not be safe to consume – certain bacteria that are contained in the pasteurized horchata can cause illness and food poisoning. So before drinking pasteurized horchata, please consult your doctor.
Food poisoning during pregnancy can be extremely serious or even fatal due to the immunocompromised nature of pregnancy. If you can find a fresh sourced horchata to consume, which is not common and easily accessible, or if you can’t safely make it yourself, we suggest giving this one a skip unless you are sure of the source and preparation of the horchata.
What is horchata made of?
Horchata, a traditional Spanish and Latin American drink – is made from rice, almonds, and cinnamon.
Horchata is a traditional beverage from Spain and Latin America that is made from rice, almonds, and cinnamon. Best enjoyed when served cold. Horchata is loved by many for its refreshing quality as well as for being non-alcoholic.
What does horchata do to your body?
Horchata is a combination of unhealthy sugar content and a healthy vitamin source.
Some of the benefits of drinking horchata include:
- Source of vitamin C
- Source of vitamin E
- Rich in calcium
- Rich in magnesium
- Rich in iron
Cinnamon, rice, and milk all create a good source of healthy calories and maintain a smart balance of foods that contain vitamins, minerals, etc – all while being safe during pregnancy.
Our Conclusion
All in all – horchata is safe to drink if you are sure of the supplier and the method of preparation, ensuring that you avoid pasteurized types and consume a minimum amount daily/weekly.
Sources:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29433293/
