Including the required amount of golden spice in your pregnancy diet offers plenty of health benefits. For sure, every pregnant lady knows about this little red string-like spice that is believed to increase the colour of babies. Yes, you’re right, it’s saffron.
But is it true that saffron increases a baby’s colour? If so, how much do you need to intake? You will find all the answers here. This blog gives you a detailed view of saffron benefits and how it enhances your health during gestation.
Is saffron safe during gestation?
Some studies say that taking a large amount of saffron increases the risk of miscarriages, while others state that saffron should be completely avoided during the gestation period.
Meanwhile, the older people in your houses suggest you consume saffron milk daily to enhance the colour of the baby. So, pregnant ladies are quite confused about what to follow and whether saffron during pregnancy is safe or not.
No worries, consuming saffron is completely alright, but only after the first trimester ends. Yes, taking saffron in the first trimester increases the risk of miscarriages.
Saffron can weaken the cervix and stimulate the uterus, resulting in severe pregnancy complications. Therefore, avoid saffron in the first trimester and stay away from issues during gestation.
Key nutrients in saffron
The golden spice is a good source of several vitamins and minerals, which support the development of the fetus.
It contains iron that helps RBC production and prevents anemia. Saffron’s high antioxidant production protects the body from free radicals. The rich source of vitamins C and A aids in iron absorption and contributes to increasing hemoglobin production.
Thus, pregnant women can consume saffron to provide these benefits to their bodies. However, keep in mind that an excessive amount of saffron consumption enhances the chances of miscarriages.
A small pinch, which is less than 1.5 grams of saffron per day, during gestation is considered very safe. It’s better to consult your gynecologist or nutritionist before including saffron in your diet during pregnancy.
Benefits of saffron
Thus, pregnant ladies in their second trimester can start eating sufficient amounts of saffron. But why do many people suggest eating saffron? Is that so important? Let’s know about the enhanced benefits of saffron during gestation.
Improves sleep
Pregnant women really crave good quality sleep because they usually sense discomfort due to cramps. Saffron is considered an herbal sedative, as it promotes relaxation and calmness in the body. As a result, pregnant ladies can get better sleep and rest every night.
Support heart health
Crocetin in saffron reduces blood cholesterol levels and decreases the fat buildup on the heart’s artery walls. Plus, antioxidants, potassium, and flavonoids in saffron reduce heart disease risks and improve good health.
Researchers also found that saffron helps to improve HDL, High-Density Lipoprotein (good cholesterol), and lower triglyceride levels, which can help pregnant women maintain better cardiovascular health.
Relieves cramps and morning sickness
Women’s bones and muscles continuously stretch to support fetal growth throughout the pregnancy. And the hormonal ups and downs cause morning sickness and mood swings.
However, pregnancy cramps and morning sickness are the two most important things that every pregnant woman wishes to skip or escape.
What if the expensive golden spice helps you? It’s great, right? Yeah! Saffron acts as a natural pain reliever and relaxes the muscles. It keeps the pregnant woman free from abdominal pain and cramps.
Enhances mood
Mood swings become a mandatory part of women’s lives, whether it is missing the monthly due or proper monthly dues. To boost mood swings, pregnant ladies can intake saffron during pregnancy in moderate amounts.
This golden spice increases serotonin levels in your brain and effectively reduces mood fluctuations. It also eases postpartum depression and supports mom’s health
Improves digestion
Saffron plays a vital role in improving the digestive system’s function. Lowered metabolism is common during pregnancy, which slows down the digestive system. Plus, the stimulation of blood flow in the stomach arteries aids digestion.
Pregnant women can witness fluctuations in the heartbeat rate and blood pressure. Including less than 1.5 grams of saffron reduces high blood pressure with the presence of antioxidants like crocin, safranal, crocetin, and picrocrocin.
Reduce hair fall
Last but not least, saffron consumption can effectively address one of the most important concerns during gestation: hair loss. Yes, hormonal changes, vitamin deficiency, stress, and other potential causes promote hair loss.
The antioxidant properties and minerals can effectively reduce inflammation in your scalp and promote hair growth. As per ancient wisdom, people used to apply a mixture of saffron paste, liquorice (herbal perennial), and milk to prevent hair fall. However, it’s not clear that this idea will work for now. Consult your gynacologist to be aware of such information, then use saffron accordingly.
Expected side effects
If you consume too much saffron, you can witness symptoms like diarrhea, dizziness, vomiting, and nausea. The symptoms can be even more severe when the dosage of saffron is too high.
You can notice yellow-coloured skin and eyes because of saffron dye buildup and tingling or numbness of feet and hands. On the other side, some individuals might experience allergic reactions.
So, consult your doctor before consuming saffron, particularly when you’re in the pregnancy phase.
Last Few Words
Saffron provides a vast range of benefits during gestation. However, moderation is the key to consuming saffron. So, ensure you intake it only in the required quantity and get the benefits.
It’s better to consult your fertility doctor before adding the golden spice to your diet. Their valuable guide will protect you from potential side effects, and they also provide curated advice according to your body’s condition.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
The right time to consume saffron is from your second trimester. Consuming saffron after the first trimester helps to prevent any risk of uterine contractions. Still, consulting a gynaecologist before consuming is the best decision to avoid further risks.
Eating increased amounts of saffron can damage your health. Typically, excessive intake of saffron causes side effects such as stomach problems, nausea, vomiting, or drowsiness. It is stated that some allergic reactions are also possible.
No. Saffron increases baby’s colour, which is a popular myth that circulates among people. So, there is no scientific evidence or proof that saffron increases the baby’s skin colour.
It’s because a baby’s skin tone is primarily determined by genetics and not through what we eat, particularly during gestation.
Consuming saffron in the first trimester increases the risk of miscarriages. Yes, it is observed that saffron in the first trimester can have weakening effects on the cervix, which leads to abortion.
So, women must understand that eating saffron at the right time is essential, or else it can cost the life of the fetus.
Saffron reduces the risks of severe conditions affecting the human brain. Such conditions are depression, Alzheimer’s disease, post-traumatic stress disorder, epilepsy, and Parkinson’s disease.
The recommended amount of saffron to intake during pregnancy is a pinch, which is less than 1.5 grams.
Pregnant women can also consult their doctors for personalised suggestions on whether they can eat saffron, as some people are allergic to this golden spice.
