Is Saffron Safe During Pregnancy?
Updated: Feb 10
The other day at a gathering, I found a friend suggesting to another expecting her first baby what she should avoid eating during her pregnancy. I was amazed at the reason she gave for not consuming Saffron.
Well, pregnancy is one phase where you get many tips and suggestions from all your well-wishers. So don't mind the inputs, but get your facts right about certain foods and their myths and facts.
Saffron is what I want to talk about today as some of the questions my patients ask me when they visit include- Is Saffron safe during pregnancy, How much quantity of Saffron is safe during pregnancy and likes!
Hold on, dear readers; I will not answer these questions until the end! Before I answer, I would like to briefly discuss Saffron and its properties. This understanding is essential to figuring out why Saffron is safe or unsafe for you to consume during pregnancy. Read on.
Table of Contents
Saffron, what precisely is it?
Benefits of saffron during pregnancy
Side effects of saffron during pregnancy
Is saffron safe during all three trimesters of pregnancy?
What are the ways to consume saffron during pregnancy?
Can saffron change my baby’s skin tone?
Can consuming a lot of saffron induce a miscarriage?
Saffron, what precisely is it?
Saffron is a spice derived from a plant named Crocus sativus. The vast majority of the world's saffron supply is grown in Iran, although it is also grown in India, Afghanistan, Morocco, and Greece.
Saffron is well-known for its antioxidant properties, other health benefits, and affordable cost. Because of the labour-intensive manner of growing and harvesting saffron, it is sometimes regarded as the most expensive spice in the world.
Uses of Saffron
Saffron is used for the following health benefits:
A potent antioxidant. Saffron includes a wide range of plant components.
It has the potential to boost mood and treat depressive symptoms.
Cancer-fighting qualities are possible.
PMS symptoms may be reduced.
It has the potential to be an aphrodisiac.
It may suppress appetite and help in weight reduction.
Simple to incorporate into your diet.
Saffron during pregnancy
Some cultures think that Saffron is good after the first trimester of pregnancy.
Many countries have traditional or cultural taboos about food consumption during pregnancy (and breastfeeding). For example, in some rural regions of India, certain meals are thought to be "hot" and "cold."
Furthermore, because pregnancy is considered a "hot" condition, pregnant women should avoid "hot" foods such as pineapple, papaya, banana, and non-vegetarian food until after delivery.
People are concerned that sure meals can induce miscarriage, difficult delivery, and possibly fetal deformities.
Nonetheless, surveys of women in rural Indian districts have indicated that Saffron is well tolerated during pregnancy. Why? Because it is intended to make, the baby's skin seem lighter or fairer, which is desirable. It is also thought to alleviate several common pregnancy discomforts.
Benefits of saffron during pregnancy
Why pregnant women should use saffron in their diet. Saffron can deal with your mood fluctuations. Women's most prevalent concern throughout these nine months has always been mood swings. It allows you to sleep soundly, cramping is relieved, it lowers high blood pressure, and improves cardiac function and allergies are reduced.
Side effects of saffron during pregnancy
Some pregnant women may be saffron sensitive and have symptoms like nausea, anxiety, parched mouth, bleeding nose, and numbness in the upper eyelids and lips. There is no evidence that it may or may not happen, only due to saffron.
Is saffron safe during all three trimesters of pregnancy?
As with many other pregnant dos and don'ts, the first trimester is the most important. While additional study is needed, current evidence shows that it may be advisable to avoid Saffron throughout your first trimester.
Miscarriage rates were more significant in female farmers exposed to Saffron during their first trimester of pregnancy, according to a small 2014 research.
Although cultural Ayurvedic practice recommends avoiding Saffron during the first trimester, most individuals are advised to start consuming Saffron later.
Nonetheless, there haven't been many studies on the possible toxicity of this spice in pregnant or nursing women, and experts think that additional toxicity research is needed. However, Saffron might not be such a horrible idea once you're full-term (or about), awkward, uncomfortable, and fantasizing about methods to induce labour.
According to traditional medicine, Saffron can help induce labour since it affects the smooth muscles, promotes uterine contractions, and speeds up the entire process.
Furthermore, studies suggest that ingesting Saffron may help prepare your cervix for the big event.
A randomized clinical trial trusted Source looked at the efficacy of Saffron in 50 full-term women. According to the findings, Saffron appeared to help ripen the cervix and prepare it for childbirth. The researchers concluded, however, that additional study is needed to assess its influence on actual delivery.
If you're feeling depressed after giving birth, consider Saffron. Saffron seems to help reduce symptoms of postpartum depression in a 2017 randomized clinical study including 60 new moms. Of course, you should consult with your OB-GYN first since additional research is required.
What are the ways to consume saffron during pregnancy?
You can cook with saffron or have saffron milk, but talk to your OB-GYN or midwife first. They may give you permission for a modes