Turmeric in pregnancy

Turmeric is the most commonly used spice in Asian food which is obtained from the roots of the Turmeric plant and has various medicinal properties. The curcumin is the chemical which is responsible for yellow color.

Turmeric is also known as the “Golden Spice”. Firstly because of its vibrant yellow colour and secondly to all the attributes this single spice has like antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-microbial and many more. 

The benefits of turmeric are so many that you will be astonished to observe how it benefits you and your baby in their health. In fact, the uses date back to almost 4000 years in the Vedic culture of India.

Nutritional Value of Turmeric

Turmeric can cause wonders for pregnant women as every 100 grams of turmeric contains 861% of Manganese, 306% of Iron, 144% of copper, 52% of Magnesium, 44% of Potassium that one need for 2000 calorie diet.

Benefits of Turmeric in Pregnancy

• Eases swelling and inflammation
  
• It can also relieve joint pain and back pain.
• It has a soothing and supportive effect on the digestive tract and can prevent constipation.
• As turmeric has the properties to fight against cold and allergies, it is mostly preferred by pregnant women to build a healthy immune system.
• It balances the blood sugar levels and helps ward off depression—a common side effect of carrying a child. 
• In traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine, turmeric has been used as an alternative to prevent pregnancy gingivitis. According to a study, turmeric mouthwash was equally as effective as the standard antimicrobial in the prevention of plaque and gingivitis. 
• Mother having higher levels of inflammation in her body could affect the baby's neurodevelopmental condition. According to 2018 study, there is a correlation between mother’s inflammatory conditions and the baby’s memory. As turmeric reduces inflammation it may boost the baby's brainpower but there not clear evidence to prove this

As turmeric helps to relieve symptoms of inflammation, muscle ache and joint pains; the pregnant women show willingness towards it.

Side-effects of Turmeric

Turmeric is considered safe during pregnancy if consumed in moderate amounts.

The side-effects are mainly due to over-consumption of turmeric:

• Miscarriage: The uterine contractions are increased by the consumption of turmeric which leads to bleeding causing miscarriage.
  
• Birth defects: The turmeric may help in the growth of the foetus due to bioactive substances present in it, but there was no such scientific evidence about the effects of turmeric due to its bioactive nature.
• Aggravates bleeding disorders: Turmeric is known to prevent the production of clotting factor and aggregation of platelets, increasing the chances of bleeding.
• High doses of turmeric — more than what’s found in most foods — may also interfere with some medications like blood thinners and acid blockers.
  

Heartburn, premature labour, miscarriage, increase in blood flow, abortion and allergic reactions are some of the common problems associated with turmeric but the dosage which causes it, is critical.

Dosage of Turmeric to be used

Turmeric consists of mainly curcumin, almost 3 % of its weight, so it may cause problems when taken in large amounts.

• Turmeric is very much safe when taken in smaller amounts as a herb in cooking.
• Some supplements and capsules might have a very high content of curcumin which can raise the risk of various pregnancy complications.
• It is not very safe during pregnancy to take medicinal amounts of turmeric orally.

So, the question comes which form can the turmeric be taken by pregnant women.

Forms of Turmeric

Curcumin content of dried or powdered turmeric isn’t very high, so it’s not absorbed well through the bloodstream. So, the fresh root of turmeric can be used by drying and making it into a powder.

Applications of Turmeric Powder

• Pregnant women can sprinkle some turmeric in curry, eggs, grains, and vegetables.
• You can also add turmeric to smoothies with fruits and an avocado— maybe a berry smoothie with turmeric powder or root and avocado as a fat source
  

• Turmeric for digestion: Turmeric when taken through milk before bedtime can help you if your body has any digestive issues.
  
• Turmeric in pigmentation: As turmeric prevents the melanin production and lightens the skin tone, apply turmeric powder by mixing it with lime juice and cucumber juice as a paste on pigmented area and wash the pigmented area after a few minutes. 
• Turmeric for Stretch marks: Apply turmeric powder by mixing it with curd on the belly and wash off during bath it can give you good result reducing the stretch marks.
• Turmeric for clear skin: Drink milk with little turmeric powder and honey in it, it will clear the skin and gives clear complexion.
• Turmeric in Acne: If you have any acne during pregnancy apply the paste of turmeric and water on the acne-prone skin will work wonders as turmeric has highly potent anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties help in treating acne.
  

Best time to take Turmeric

Due to the poor biodegradable property of curcumin the turmeric is quickly metabolized by the intestine and liver so we should have the knowledge of best time to use to make proper use of it.

As a pregnant woman, you need to be much aware of the best time and the right quantity to take the turmeric supplements to make the best use of its properties.

The best time to take curcumin is three or four hours before or after eating. At this time curcumin absorption will be the highest.

Recipes Ideas containing Turmeric

References