Dr. Aruna Ashok MBBS, MS OG, DNB OG
- Clinical Director
Aruna Ashok | 08 Jun 2023
Saffron is indeed a rare and expensive spice. It mainly involves manual labour for harvesting the flowers, which is a time-consuming process. Hence, it is well-known for being expensive as well as rare. Saffron has a strong association with pregnancy. As soon as the woman learns that she is pregnant, the very first suggestion from her well-wishers would be about saffron consumption.
Many traditions believe that the intake of saffron during pregnancy can help improve the baby’s complexion. Even though it is a myth and does not have any scientific evidence to confirm the claim, people would still believe it.
This blog has come to explore the real benefits of saffron in pregnancy. Along with it, let’s also see how to consume them. When there is a benefit, there would certainly be some side effects. Let’s explore them as well.
Saffron, otherwise known as kesar, provides several benefits to pregnant women. The benefits may range from preventing mood swings to aiding in labour and childbirth. However, it is significant to be mindful of the amount you include in the diet. An excessive amount can lead to severe negative impacts.
Listed below are some of the benefits provided by saffron in detail.
Sometimes, digestion slows down during pregnancy, which can cause nausea and bloating. Saffron is known for its natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities, which help digestion and ease these common pregnancy discomforts.
Mood swings are a common symptom of pregnancy. Saffron, when consumed during pregnancy, can help alleviate stress and enhance the mood. This is possible as the spice contains mood-regulating properties that can increase the levels of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is a chemical in the brain that plays a key role in regulating mood and anxiety by creating a calmer state of mind.
Saffron, when consumed during pregnancy in a limited amount (a pinch), can help to regulate blood pressure because of the presence of antioxidants. Studies show that too much consumption of saffron (over 5 grams) can cause severe negative impacts. Hence, it is essential to have a consultation with the healthcare provider before adding saffron to the pregnancy diet.
Saffron is believed to relieve morning sickness, which is a common symptom of pregnancy. The antioxidant properties in saffron can help soothe the digestive system. This can help alleviate morning sickness along with other symptoms like vomiting and nausea while pregnant.
Saffron in pregnancy is helpful to improve digestion. This is possible as the spice can enhance the blood circulation in both the intestines and stomach. This helps to alleviate pregnancy symptoms like heartburn, constipation, and gas. It is also helpful in reducing acidity.
Saffron can be beneficial in promoting better sleep, especially when consumed during pregnancy. Women, while pregnant, may have sleep disturbances due to muscle cramps and frequent urination. Certain sedative properties in the spice may promote better sleep, along with relieving muscle cramps.
The antioxidant properties in saffron can significantly help with preventing heart diseases by maintaining healthy blood vessels and arteries. Crocin and crocetin are the compounds present in saffron that act as antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties. These two properties are well-known for preventing oxidative stress, which plays a key role in cardiovascular diseases. By preventing oxidative stress, saffron can largely help reduce the increased risk of fat accumulation in arteries.
Saffron, when consumed while pregnant, especially in the third trimester, can help with labour and childbirth. It is believed that the spice tends to stimulate cervical ripening and shorten the labour duration. Studies show that saffron can also help with reducing pain and anxiety during labour. However, it is highly recommended to have a consultation with the healthcare provider regarding the consumption of saffron during pregnancy. Excessive intake of saffron can sometimes lead to pregnancy complications like preterm deliveries or pregnancy losses.
Following are some of the medical benefits of key nutrients present in saffron. They are:
Iron
Iron is an essential nutrient for the pregnant woman. It is vital to support the healthy development of both the growing fetus and the placenta. It is also required to maintain the increased blood volume in the pregnant woman. The nutrient can be attained from saffron or kesar as it is rich in it. Consuming an adequate amount of saffron while pregnant can help prevent anaemia, premature birth, low birth weight, and increased postpartum depression.
Potassium and Magnesium
Potassium and magnesium are other significant nutrients for the pregnant woman. Saffron, being the source of these nutrients, is helpful to support various bodily functions. Potassium plays a role in regulating blood pressure, minimising muscle contractions, supporting the movement of nutrients across cell membranes, and the proper functioning of the heart. Whereas, magnesium helps in developing bones, relaxing muscles, balancing electrolytes, and regulating blood pressure. The nutrient is also helpful in preventing complications like premature deliveries and preeclampsia.
Vitamins A and C
Saffron is a good source of vitamins A and C, which are beneficial for women while pregnant. Vitamin A is crucial for fetal growth, such as the development of vision and organ formation. On the other hand, vitamin C is essential for supporting tissue growth, absorbing iron, and enhancing immunity. However, it is important to consume an adequate amount of both vitamins and saffron while pregnant. The excessive or insufficient intake can lead to serious pregnancy complications.
Antioxidants
Saffron contains antioxidants like crocin and safranal. Both of these properties are beneficial for the pregnant woman as they can reduce oxidative stress and protect against free radicals. It is also beneficial in preventing heart problems, enhancing vision, and regulating mood. Still, consuming saffron in limited amounts with caution is crucial while pregnant.
Folic Acid
Even though saffron does not contain a significant amount of folic acid, it does contain some amount of the nutrient. Folic acid is crucial for preventing early pregnancy birth defects like NTDs (neural tube defects). Consuming folic acid before and after confirming pregnancy can largely help reduce the risk of these defects in developing foetuses.
Even though saffron provides numerous benefits, it is essential to consume it in moderation to avoid potential side effects. It may include:
Saffron consumption is generally not advised during the first trimester of pregnancy. This is because the spice has properties that can stimulate uterine contractions. If consumed in increased amounts, saffron can potentially cause premature deliveries or pregnancy losses. Hence, experts suggest including saffron in a very limited amount while pregnant, particularly from the second trimester.
Another negative impact that comes with consuming saffron is the risk of allergies. Some women may experience skin rashes, numbness, nausea, itchiness, dry mouth or difficulty breathing as a symptom of saffron allergy. If you notice any of these after consuming saffron, have a consultation with your healthcare provider as soon as possible. They may determine the most appropriate dosage for you with safety measurements.
Even though saffron can provide several benefits, excessive intake can lead to gastrointestinal issues. The issues may manifest through the symptoms of nausea, stomach cramps, diarrhoea, and vomiting.
The excessive intake of saffron during pregnancy can cause dizziness as a side effect, especially in sensitive individuals. Even though it can provide numerous benefits, it can also have certain adverse effects. Along with dizziness, some women may also experience tingling and numbness in their hands and feet. Hence, it is highly recommended to have proper professional guidance before including saffron in the diet, especially while pregnant.
Always remember to take only 2 to 3 strands of saffron while pregnant. It is sufficient to attain the benefits of the spice. Excessive intake, which is more than 3 strands, can lead to complications in pregnancy.
It is true that saffron offers numerous benefits for pregnant women. While it is essential to understand the importance of consuming them in limited amounts. Furthermore, never neglect to avoid saffron in the first trimester of pregnancy. Many experts suggest taking them from the second trimester. This is because studies show that saffron is strongly associated with miscarriage when consumed during the first trimester.
1: Is it true that saffron, when consumed during pregnancy, can induce miscarriage?
Saffron, when consumed in larger amounts (more than 3 strands), especially in the first trimester of pregnancy, can contract the uterus and cause miscarriage. On the contrary, when it does not exceed 3 strands, it provides numerous benefits – typically from the second trimester of pregnancy.
2: What are the key nutrients in saffron?
The key nutrients present in saffron are iron, magnesium, potassium, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants. It also contains folic acid.
3: How much saffron is good for pregnancy?
Starting from the second trimester of pregnancy, consuming 2 to 3 strands of saffron is widely considered good for pregnancy.
4: Can saffron improve my baby’s skin complexion?
The answer to the question is no. Saffron cannot improve your baby’s skin complexion. The complexion is largely dependent on the baby’s genetics.
5: Why is saffron expensive?
Saffron is expensive as it involves intensive manual labour for harvesting the flowers, which is a time-consuming process. Hence, it is well-known for being expensive as well as rare.
