Does Saffron Have Any Benefits During Pregnancy?
A lot of people are searching for saffron and pregnancy these days. Is it safe? Are there any health benefits? Will it make my baby have fair skin?
There’s a lot of confusing information out there and we wanted to take a minute to find some answers.
First of all, and most importantly, is saffron safe to take while pregnant? As with anything during pregnancy, it is best to check with your doctor if you are unsure if you should be consuming saffron. There is some evidence that taking large quantities of saffron may cause uterine contractions, and potentially lead to preterm labor or miscarriage. It's important to note that saffron should be consumed in moderation. Nobody should be consuming large quantities of saffron at a time. Luckily, just a pinch of saffron is usually all you need to get its benefits.
Historically, many believe that consuming saffron during pregnancy will increase the likelihood that your baby will have fair skin. Still today, in certain cultures, some elders recommend pregnant women drink milk infused with saffron on a daily basis to lighten their baby’s skin.
In truth, a baby’s skin tone is predetermined based on the genetic makeup of his or her parents and it is unlikely that any supplements will have an effect on the baby’s natural complexion. There is no scientific evidence to suggest that saffron will give your baby fair skin.
Does saffron have any health benefits during pregnancy? Taken in small doses, saffron does have a plethora of medicinal properties and pregnant women can benefit from many of these.
Digestion
Many women suffer from digestive issues from nausea and heartburn to bloating and constipation, thanks to increased progesterone slowing down the digestive process and relaxing the esophageal valve. Additionally, pressure on your stomach and intestines from your growing uterus can exacerbate these issues. Saffron helps reduce these symptoms by improving circulation and coating the stomach to soothe gastrointestinal acidity.
Mood swings
Once again thanks to increased hormones, many women experience frequent mood swings and emotional episodes. Saffron has a high level of carotenoids, which is believed to help elevate your mood and reduce depression by increasing levels of dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin in the brain.
Antioxidants
Saffron is packed with antioxidants, which is a key part of a healthy diet. In fact, saffron's ORAC value is 20,580, which is comparable to cayenne pepper and dark chocolate! Furthermore, saffron's nutritional profile includes many vitamins and minerals that are important to keeping you and your baby healthy during pregnancy.
Skin Care
Pregnancy takes a toll on women’s bodies and the skin is no exception. Hormonal surges during pregnancy can cause breakouts, dry skin, and the appearance of dark spots, known as melasma, or the mask of pregnancy. Luckily, saffron can help with these in a number of ways. Here are some ideas on how to use saffron to clear up a variety of skin issues.
If you’re looking for new ways to add saffron to your diet, check out these easy recipes and start reaping the benefits of this most magical spice.