Are you wondering if saffron is safe during pregnancy and how it might support or affect your health? Saffron, a flavourful spice known for its unique golden colour, is often recommended for expectant mothers due to its health benefits.
When used cautiously, saffron can ease common pregnancy concerns, like morning sickness, mood swings, and digestive issues, while providing antioxidants for cellular protection. However, overuse can pose risks, including uterine contractions and potential allergic reactions. This is why understanding the health benefits, side effects, and the safest way to include saffron in milk, like adding a small amount to warm milk, can help you enjoy its advantages while minimising risks for you and your baby.
But should you really consider including Kesar Doodh in your pregnancy diet? This blog explores the major health benefits and often-seen side effects of saffron during pregnancy and provides practical tips on how to safely add saffron to milk. So, keep reading!
Table Of Contents
1. 7 Benefits Of Saffron During Pregnancy
2. 4 Side Effects Of Saffron During Pregnancy
3. How To Add Saffron To Milk During Pregnancy?
4. The Final Say
5. FAQs
6. References
7 Benefits Of Saffron During Pregnancy
Saffron offers many health benefits for pregnant women with its high crocin, crocetin, and safranal nutrient profile. So, let’s discuss and understand how saffron during pregnancy can contribute to a healthy delivery journey:
1. Reduces Morning Sickness
Saffron is known to help ease morning sickness symptoms, such as burning pain in the abdomen in females due to nausea and vomiting, that many women experience during the early stages of pregnancy. It contains digestive soothing compounds that reduce stomach acidity, often responsible for nausea. Drinking saffron-infused milk or tea in small amounts can help calm the stomach and make morning sickness more manageable.
2. Overcomes The Risk Of Miscarriage
Saffron is known for its mild warming properties, which can support smooth blood flow to the uterus, reducing cramps and improving circulation in the body. Proper blood flow can help maintain the uterus lining, essential for a healthy pregnancy. However, it's crucial to consume saffron in limited quantities, as excessive amounts can overstimulate the uterus, which might not be safe during early pregnancy.
3. Maintains Blood Pressure Counts
Saffron contains potassium and antioxidants, which are beneficial in managing blood pressure and can fluctuate during pregnancy. Potassium helps to relax blood vessels, reducing hypertension risk, while antioxidants prevent damage from free radicals, which may contribute to blood pressure issues. Include saffron in a balanced way; pregnant women may experience a stabilising effect on blood pressure levels.
Try ToneOp Care's BP Care Combo offers a natural approach to managing blood pressure, cholesterol, and weight. This clinically-proven combination of supplements, including Turmeric, Ginger, and Garlic Oil Capsules, Black Seed Oil Capsules, Flax Seed Oil, Omega 3 Fish Oil Capsules, and Wheatgrass Powder, works synergistically to prevent heart diseases and improve overall cardiac health.
4. Reduces Pregnancy Digestive Issues
Saffron can help reduce common digestive problems during pregnancy, such as constipation, bloating, and heartburn. It supports digestion by promoting healthy gastric enzyme activity and reducing acidity, which can cause these issues. Regular consumption of saffron-infused milk may gently improve digestion, providing much-needed relief from discomfort in the gastrointestinal tract.
For relief from digestive discomfort, consider Digest 360 Tablets by ToneOp Care. This product offers 12 powerful enzymes, restores your digestive system's balance, and supports optimal gut health.
5. Improves Mood And Emotions
Due to hormonal changes, pregnancy can often lead to mood swings, stress, and anxiety. Saffron, when incorporated into a diet for hormonal changes during pregnancy, contains mood-enhancing properties that can naturally improve serotonin levels, the hormone responsible for daily happiness and relaxation. By incorporating saffron into a regular diet, pregnant women may experience an uplifted mood, better stress tolerance, and wellness.
6. Protects Against Respiratory Diseases
Saffron has anti-inflammatory properties that can support respiratory health, which may be especially important during pregnancy when immune function may fluctuate. It can help to alleviate minor breathing issues and protect against respiratory infections by promoting clear airways and reducing inflammation. Drinking a mild saffron infusion may improve respiratory health and reduce seasonal colds or flu risk.
Try ToneOp Care’s Turmeric, Ginger & Garlic Oil Capsules - 500 mg to strengthen your immune system, manage cholesterol, aid digestion, improve skin appearance, and reduce joint and muscle discomfort.
7. Protects Cells From Radical Damage
The antioxidant properties of saffron can protect cells from oxidative stress and radical damage, both of which can be more prevalent during pregnancy due to hormonal changes. These antioxidants, including crocin and safranal, are known for protecting DNA and cellular integrity, supporting the health of the mother and the developing fetus.
Also Read: 10 Healthier Food Swaps: For Long-Term Wellness
4 Side Effects Of Saffron During Pregnancy
While saffron offers pregnancy-related health benefits, be aware of its side effects during pregnancy, as excessive consumption of saffron causes adverse effects. Let’s understand them carefully:
1. Stimulates Uterine Contractions
Saffron, while beneficial in moderation, has warming properties that may overstimulate the uterus if consumed in large quantities. This stimulation can lead to uterine contractions, which could be harmful, especially in the early stages of pregnancy, potentially increasing the risk of preterm labour or miscarriage.
Therefore, pregnant women must monitor their intake of saffron and limit its use to safe quantities, ideally under a healthcare provider’s guidance, to avoid complications.
2. May Cause Hypersensitivity
Pregnancy makes women's bodies more sensitive to certain substances, and saffron is no exception. Overconsumption may increase sensitivity and cause symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, and nausea, as saffron can overstimulate the nervous system in some individuals.
This heightened sensitivity can make pregnant women feel unwell or exacerbate pre-existing pregnancy symptoms. Therefore, using only a small amount of saffron with home remedies is recommended to improve digestion, as higher doses may lead to discomfort or hypersensitivity.
Also Read: Potential Side Effects Of Period Delay Tablets | ToneOp Fit
3. Leads To Allergic Reactions
Some people are allergic to saffron, and pregnancy can heighten susceptibility to allergens. Consuming saffron may cause allergic reactions, which can manifest as itching, rashes, swelling, or breathing difficulties, posing a risk to both the mother and the baby.
Pregnant women are advised first to consult a doctor or perform a patch test before ingesting saffron to avoid unexpected allergic reactions. Those with known allergies to plants in the Iridaceae family should be especially cautious.
4. Interference With Medications
Saffron may interact with certain medications, which can complicate its use during pregnancy. If a pregnant woman is taking blood pressure or anticoagulant medications, saffron may interfere, potentially causing adverse reactions.
Saffron can sometimes enhance or counteract the effects of these medications, causing fluctuations in blood pressure or blood thinning, which may be unsafe during pregnancy. It is always best to consult a gynaecologist if taking medications to avoid any negative interactions that saffron may cause.
Also Read: 15 Types of Malnutrition Diseases & Low Protein-Energy Impact On Body!
How To Add Saffron To Milk During Pregnancy? Healthy Tips
Try these tips for adding saffron to milk during pregnancy to enjoy the delicious and beneficial effects of flavours:
1. Preparation Tips To Add Saffron To Milk
- Choose high-quality saffron: Opt for authentic saffron threads, which are more potent and flavorful than powdered saffron. Look for saffron with a deep red colour and a strong aroma.
- Measure the saffron: You'll typically need 2-3 strands of saffron for a cup of milk.
- Grind the saffron: Gently grind the saffron threads using a mortar and pestle to easily release their essential oils and colour pigments. This will enhance the actual flavour and aroma of the milk. You can also use a proper spice grinder for this purpose.
2. Soaking Tips To Add Saffron To Milk
- Warm the milk: Heat it in a saucepan over medium heat until it's warm but not boiling. Avoid overheating the required milk, as it can affect its nutritional value and taste.
- Add saffron: Add the ground saffron to the warm milk and stir gently.
- Soak: Let the saffron infuse the milk for 10-15 minutes. During this time, the milk will gradually turn a beautiful golden-yellow colour.
- Sweeten (optional): If desired, add a sweetener like honey or sugar to taste.
3. Boiling Tips To Add Saffron To Milk
- Warm the milk: Heat it in a saucepan over medium heat until it's warm but not boiling.
- Add saffron: Add the ground saffron to the warm milk and stir gently.
- Boil: Bring the milk to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Cool and serve: Let the milk cool slightly before serving.
Follow these additional tips to add saffron to milk during pregnancy:
- Store leftover dairy: If you have leftover saffron milk, store it in an airtight jar in the refrigerator. Reheat it gently before consuming.
- Experiment with flavours: You can enhance the taste of your saffron milk by adding other ingredients like cardamom, cinnamon, or nutmeg.
Also Read: Best Exercises During Pregnancy Third Trimester
The Final Say
Ultimately, saffron during pregnancy offers many benefits for pregnant women when consumed in moderation. Its antioxidant properties, potential mood-boosting effects, and ability to alleviate morning sickness make it popular among expectant mothers. However, consult before incorporating saffron into your pregnancy diet, as individual needs and sensitivities vary. After carefully weighing the benefits and risks, follow expert advice to enjoy saffron appropriately while ensuring a safe pregnancy.
FAQs
1. When should a pregnant woman take saffron?
It's generally advisable to avoid saffron during the early stages of pregnancy (first trimester) as it might pose a risk of miscarriage. If you're considering incorporating saffron into your diet during pregnancy, also consult a specialist for personalised advice.
2. Does saffron affect baby colour?
There is no scientific basis for the claim that saffron influences a baby's skin colour. Genetic factors primarily determine a baby's complexion.
3. How is saffron for pregnant women?
Saffron is often considered beneficial during the later stages of pregnancy (second and third trimesters). It may aid in digestion and mood regulation and even facilitate labour induction. However, it's essential to consume saffron in moderation and under the supervision of a nutritionist during pregnancy.
References
- https://kangaroocareindia.com/blogs/saffron-during-pregnancy-importance-benefits!/56#:~:text=Maintains%20blood%20pressure%3A%20During%20pregnancy,experiences%20morning%20sickness%20during%20pregnancy.
- https://www.motherhoodindia.com/benefits-of-saffron-during-pregnancy/
- https://www.polarishealthcare.in/post/saffron-during-pregnancy
- https://www.puremart.in/recipes/saffron-milk-during-pregnancy/9/?srsltid=AfmBOooCSOo-UXD8X3hYgsFLEJl63a5D792OBoFf9Ao_8hEKNeP2no5S
About ToneOp Fit
ToneOp Fit is a platform dedicated to improving and maintaining good health through a comprehensive range of goal-oriented health plans with up to 3 Coach support. With a range of Weight Management, Medical Condition, Detox Plans, and Face Yoga Plans, the app also provides premium health trackers, recipes and health content. Get customised diet, fitness, naturopathy & yoga plans and transform yourself with ToneOp.
