Every woman’s pregnancy is a happy experience, but you need also to be careful about the nutritional value of the food intake. Consuming saffron in pregnancy will increase the colour of your baby is a long-time myth. In this article, let’s clarify the myth and go into more depth about the benefits of saffron in pregnancy.
What is saffron?
Saffron also known as kesar or kumkumapoo in Tamil is regarded as the most expensive spice in the world. It is a product of the plant Crocus sativus. The main purposes of saffron are to flavour and colour food. It is also well known for its medicinal properties(medicinal vaue of saffron).
Saffron in pregnancy (Myth about saffron)
Many pregnant women hold the misconception that saffron consumption is necessary for a fair baby. It’s time to break the myth and learn the truth about saffron. However, the skin tone of a child is genetically determined only and it is undetermined from scientific research whether saffron can modify a newborn baby’s complexion. Although saffron is consumed for myth by many pregnant mothers it also has a lot of health benefits.
Best trimester to consume saffron?
Saffron should not be consumed during the first trimester of pregnancy. Further, consumption of good quality saffron is advisable from 4th month of pregnancy(i.e.) when you start feeling the movement of the baby in your womb. Meanwhile, you can have saffron mixed with milk or water or with other foods (rice, salads, soups) in moderation. Too much consumption of saffron is not advisable in pregnancy.
Benefits of saffron in pregnancy
The benefits of saffron in pregnancy are as follows
Blood Pressure Control
A pregnant woman’s heart rate may increase by 20–30% during the pregnancy. Saffron contains potassium and crocetin, both of which help reduce blood pressure.
Helps in digestion
Saffron increases a person’s digestive system’s blood flow. As a result, it improves metabolism and better digestion will result from it.
Supports mood swing reduction
Mood swings are generally part and parcel of pregnancy. Saffron is highly beneficial in controlling these mood swings. When someone consumes this spice, the hormone serotonin is produced, which contributes to a healthier mood. Additionally, it helps in lowering the stress hormone cortisol.
Helps to reduce Morning Sickness
When consumed moderately, saffron calms the digestive system and eliminates morning sickness.
Promotes better sleep
Saffron-flavoured milk has several health benefits since it includes sedatives that help you relax and promote sleep.
May reduce the risk of heart disease
Potassium, antioxidants, and crocetin are all present in saffron, which lowers triglyceride and cholesterol levels in the body. As a result, it might help in preventing heart problems.
Resolve skin issues
Saffron is a blood purifier that helps in resolving skin problems that occur commonly during pregnancy (pimple, ache and melasma)
To conclude
As to the proverb “Too much of anything is good for nothing”, saffron when consumed in moderation has a lot of health benefits for pregnant women. Furthermore, there is currently no scientific proof that consuming saffron would change a baby’s colour. Hence rather than consuming saffron on a myth basis, let’s from now on consume it for health benefits.
