It is not fully known whether you should eat spicy dishes or ingest various spices during pregnancy. Some say it may cause problems during pregnancy, while others say it’s beneficial. Furthermore, you may have turned down all outside food because you are unsure of which spices to consume and which to avoid while pregnant. This post includes an extensive list of spices to eat and spices to avoid during pregnancy to address all of your questions.
What Are Spices?
Spices have a very special place in our cooking, as the blanched vegetables once treated with a variety of spices can do wonders and produce a lip-smacking dish. A spice is defined as a dried kernel, root, bark, vegetable, or fruit substance that adds flavor, aroma, and taste to your recipes. You can use spices, not just for flavoring, but they also serve as coloring agents and preservatives for a food item. Spices differ from herbs, as the latter has a green leafy part attached to it. It is mostly used for garnishing or flavoring.
What Are The Top Five Spices To Eat During Pregnancy?
1. Turmeric
Spices during pregnancy can be extremely beneficial. We all are well aware of the nutrient value of turmeric as a pain reliever and could do wonders for your skin. However, it contains a substance called curcumin which is a natural detoxifier that protects the liver from the damage of alcohol, chemicals, and some pharmaceuticals. It also helps in reducing oxidative stress. The safe limit is up to 8g a day.
2. Ginger
Ginger is an effective home remedy to treat morning sickness, nausea, and vomiting during pregnancy. Women suffering from morning sickness could take a dose of 1 gm ginger daily for four consecutive days to get immediate relief. Studies done in the past have shown that it helps in treating women with morning sickness but it is important not to overdo this.
3. Black Pepper
Black pepper is a rich source of chromium, which is required by a pregnant woman. Low chromium levels can increase blood sugar levels and cholesterol, which could result in diabetes or heart diseases. A study has shown that for women who get diabetes as a result of pregnancy if they are on a regular diet of chromium could help in reducing it. Studies are ongoing for more accurate results and to announce a clear verdict. The recommended level is 30mcg daily and excess use is restricted.
4. Cardamom
You can use cardamom scents or tea during pregnancy as they can help to beat nausea and are pretty safe (1).
5. Chives
Fresh Chives are a rich and natural source of folate. As we know a pregnant woman needs folic acid for the fetus’s brain development, cell division, and DNA synthesis. Enough folate levels in your diet could prevent your baby from neural tube defects. It is advisable to consume folate-rich items with high vitamin C foods.
What Are The Top Five Spices To Avoid During Pregnancy?
1. Fenugreek
Fenugreek seeds have a stimulant effect on the uterus and, therefore, are not advisable for pregnant women. Also, ingesting seeds through the mouth could cause bloating, gas trouble, and diarrhea. A high dose of fenugreek seeds could cause growth retardation in children (2) (3).
2. Asafetida
A daily spice used in every household, it should be avoided during pregnancy as it may lead to miscarriage. It works as a contraceptive and could also result in blood loss so you need to be cautious.
3. Garlic
Garlic contains some potent and potentially toxic substance that is not advisable for a pregnant woman. Also, if taken in a large amount, it could cause heartburn and bleeding as well (4). So, it is better to avoid it.
4. Angelica
This spice contains a substance that could cause thinning of blood and hence is not advisable in pregnancy (5).
5. Peppermint
Peppermint tea relaxes the uterus, and this could cause a miscarriage. Also, applying peppermint oil during pregnancy can trigger menstruation hence be extra cautious before using peppermint in any form (6) (7). From the list, you now know that there are herbs and spices to avoid during pregnancy. We have told you five spices to avoid during pregnancy. Do let us know more if you want to add to the list.
