Spices To Eat & Avoid During Pregnancy

For generations, spicy foods have had the reputation of affecting pregnancy in some way or the other like aggravating early morning sickness and much more. However, according to recent reports, women who are pregnant should consume spicy foods to help them get rid of certain problems like constipation and inflammation.

According to experts, a handful of spices are good for the pregnant mum and for the foetus as well. But there are some spices that must be avoided by the pregnant women.

WAYS TO STORE YOUR SPICES AT HOME

Pregnant woman should eat a well-balanced diet so that they can foster normal growth and development of the unborn baby. Nutrition, according to Indian mythology, is influenced by food fads, taboos, customs, cultural and religious beliefs and not to forget the attitudes of family members.

Here are some of the spices to eat and avoid during pregnancy:

PREVENT CANCER WITH INDIAN SPICES

Cinnamon

Cinnamon

Cinnamon bark is one of the spices to eat during pregnancy as it helps in keeping your blood pressure under control. However, consumption of cinnamon should be to a minimum as it is a hot spice.

Cumin

Cumin

Traditional uses of cumin help to reduce inflammation and prevent gas during pregnancy. Therefore, it is a safe spice to eat during pregnancy.

White Pepper

White Pepper

Constipation is a common problem which is faced by almost every woman at the time of pregnancy. The best home remedy to get rid of constipation during pregnancy is by adding a little white pepper to your daily diet.

Black Pepper

Black Pepper

If you are having a problem with heartburn during pregnancy, one of the ways to cure it is with the help of black pepper.

Cardamom

Cardamom

Those women who are suffering from anaemia should add a pinch of cardamom to their food. During pregnancy, a pinch of cardamom helps the blood not to clot. Therefore, it is one of the best and safe spices to eat during pregnancy.

Hing

Hing

Pregnant women should avoid the use of hing or asfoteida at the time of pregnancy. According to experts, this spice can disturb pregnancy and may lead to miscarriage.

Capers

Capers

Capers is another spice which is commonly used in a lot of dishes. It is one of the spices to avoid during pregnancy as it induces menstruation.

Licorice

Licorice

Studies have shown that one of the spices to avoid during pregnancy is licorice as it contains a component known as glycyrrhizin, which impairs the placenta and allows stress hormones called as glucocorticoids to enter the baby's system.

Story first published: Wednesday, March 26, 2014, 16:19 [IST]
Read more about: pregnancy prenatal