Turmeric, a golden-yellow herb familiar in Thai households, has many medicinal properties that have been widely accepted. However, for pregnant mothers, special attention must be paid to food and diet. A common question is: Can pregnant women eat turmeric? Is it good or bad to eat turmeric while pregnant ? This article will take mothers to understand the precautions and safety of consuming turmeric during pregnancy, for the safety of both the mother and the baby in the womb.
Turmeric… Interesting Properties
Before we get to the safety of turmeric for pregnant women, whether it is good or not to eat turmeric while pregnant, or answer the question of whether pregnant women can eat turmeric or not, let’s get to know the outstanding properties of turmeric first. Turmeric contains an important substance called curcumin, which has various pharmacological properties, such as:
- Anti-inflammatory: Helps reduce inflammation in the body.
- Antioxidants: Help protect cells from damage.
- Helps with digestion: Relieves symptoms of flatulence and bloating.
- Wound healing: Helps wounds heal faster.
With these properties, turmeric has been used to treat and relieve many symptoms, so much so that it is also known as the “queen of spices.”
The characteristics of turmeric are its unique aroma and golden color. In addition to most people using it in cooking, it is also popularly used as an ingredient in various medicines because it is believed that turmeric contains a large amount of antioxidants that can fight viruses, bacteria, fungi, cancer, and treat inflammation as mentioned above.
Does eating turmeric during pregnancy affect the baby?
Although turmeric has many benefits, pregnant women should be careful when consuming it, especially in large amounts or in highly concentrated supplement form, due to the following concerns:
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Uterine stimulating effect
Curcumin, found in turmeric, may stimulate uterine contractions, especially during early pregnancy, which may increase the risk of miscarriage .
There is some information that indicates that high doses of turmeric may affect fetal development. However, more studies are needed to study this information.
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There is no clear safety data.
Studies on the safety of turmeric consumption in pregnant women are limited, so no clear conclusions can be drawn about the truly safe amount.
Therefore, pregnant mothers who wonder if pregnant women can eat turmeric, does eating turmeric during pregnancy affect the baby? I must say that if it is necessary to eat it, it should be in the right amount. You should not eat too much because eating too much turmeric can have negative effects on the fetus, especially in the first trimester of pregnancy because turmeric has the effect of causing uterine contractions, which may result in miscarriage. Therefore, it is recommended that you eat it by cooking it as an ingredient in food, which is safer.
Eating turmeric during pregnancy: safe dosage… How much is enough?
In general, consuming turmeric in small amounts to add flavor and color to food, such as curry, stir-fry, or a small herbal drink, is considered safe because it contains very little curcumin. However, mothers should monitor their symptoms after consuming it. If they experience any abnormalities, such as stomach pain or uterine contractions, they should stop consuming it immediately.
Can pregnant women eat turmeric? Forms of turmeric to avoid:
- Turmeric in capsule or supplement form. These products often contain very high concentrations of curcumin, which may exceed safe amounts for pregnant women.
- Concentrated turmeric tea: Brewing large amounts of turmeric tea and drinking it frequently can lead to excessive amounts of curcumin.
Advice for mothers who consume turmeric during pregnancy
- Consult a doctor or specialist Before deciding to consume turmeric in any form, it is best to consult a doctor or nutritionist for appropriate and safe advice for each mother’s pregnancy.
- Avoid consuming large quantities , especially during the first trimester of pregnancy. Extra caution should be taken.
- Monitor your symptoms. If you experience any unusual symptoms after consuming turmeric, you should consult a doctor immediately.
- Choose to eat a variety of nutritious foods instead of focusing on one type of herb. It is important to eat a nutritious diet for the good health of both mother and baby.
Although turmeric has many health benefits, pregnant women should be careful when consuming it, especially in large quantities or in the form of supplements. Consuming a small amount for cooking may not be harmful, but for maximum safety, always consult a doctor or specialist first. Paying attention to your diet and taking good care of your health will help your pregnancy go smoothly and be safe for your beloved baby.
Republished with permission from theAsianParent Thailand
