How to Use Saffron to Reduce Stress and Improve Mood During Pregnancy?
Pregnancy is a happy time, but moms-to-be must eat right. A balanced diet is essential for both mom and baby. That’s why it is suggested to include saffron in the diet. Including saffron in your diet can make your pregnancy healthier. Pregnancy changes your body and mind a lot. Saffron is good during pregnancy because it makes you feel happy and has some medicinal properties. It can also help with anxiety, stress, and stomach pain.
Saffron/Kesar is also known as ‘Zafran’, ‘Koung’, or ‘Kumkumapoovu’ and has been used as a traditional spice and as a medical supplement. Saffron is suggested for expecting mothers because of its therapeutic properties like aiding digestion and improving the appetite of the pregnant woman. However, like any other herb, there is moderation in the consumption of saffron. And it is essential that you buy saffron online with due research to shop for only authentic items.
So, let’s know saffron better and learn its benefits.
What is Saffron?
Saffron is made from the dried stigmas of the Crocus sativus flower. It is one of the most expensive herbs in the world because it takes a lot of human labor to harvest. Saffron is produced in the valleys of Kashmir in India and is often regarded as the “king of spices.” In India, it is believed that consuming saffron during pregnancy is good for the mother and baby. You can buy Kashmiri Kesar online from anywhere in India.
Now let’s take a closer look at how it is beneficial for pregnant women.
Original Saffron is packed with Essential Nutrients for a Healthy Pregnancy
Saffron is a spice that is commonly used in Indian cuisine and is also good for pregnant women. It is a good source of iron, vitamin A, and vitamin C, which are all important nutrients for pregnant women. Saffron also contains antioxidants that protect the body from damage.
Pregnant women can add saffron to their diet to get the nutrients they need, but it is essential to consume it in moderation and after talking to a doctor.
Benefits of Saffron during Pregnancy
Saffron, the most expensive spice globally, has been traditionally used to treat mild to moderate depression and is advised to pregnant women with milk due to its medicinal qualities. Here, we’ve explained how saffron can be beneficial during pregnancy if consumed in moderation:
Maintains Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is a common problem faced by many pregnant women. It can also lead to complications, if not treated. Saffron can lower blood pressure because it contains crocin and safranal, which fight high blood pressure. But you should only take a little bit of saffron because too much can make your blood pressure drop dangerously.
Helps in Digestion
Some women may experience constipation, bloating, and heartburn during pregnancy, which means the problem of digestion. However, taking saffron daily in diet, can reduce acidity, improve blood flow, and boost the metabolism in general.
Eases out Morning Sickness
Feeling nauseous, commonly known as morning sickness during pregnancy, can happen at any time of the day and make you uncomfortable. Therefore, you can take saffron tea to calm the digestive system and help ease morning sickness when consumed in small amounts.
Control Mood Swings
Having saffron milk during pregnancy can help with mild to moderate depression due to its mood-enhancing effects. With its antidepressant properties, it helps in decreasing mood swings, anxiety, depression, and irritation in pregnant women.
Prevents Hair Falls
During pregnancy, hormone fluctuations can lead to hair fall in some expecting women. It is believed from ancient times that applying a mixture of saffron, milk, and licorice paste can prevent hair loss and promote hair growth during pregnancy.
Ease Muscle Cramps
During the third trimester of pregnancy, many women experience muscle cramps in their legs and abdomen, as well as joint pain. However, with its anti-spasmodic and antinociceptive properties saffron can help reduce muscle contractions and relax joints. Ultimately, it provides relief from muscular pains during pregnancy.
Better Sleep
Original Saffron (Kesar) can help pregnant women sleep better. As pregnancy progresses, it gets tougher to sleep due to cramps and discomfort. Therefore, saffron-infused milk can be very helpful. Saffron has mild sedatives that can relax you and improve sleep quality.
Protect Against Heart Disease
During pregnancy, women consume more fatty acids than needed by the body. However, it can have some dangerous effects on their cardiovascular system.
Saffron (Kesar) has potassium, antioxidants, and crocetin, which can lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Hence, it is also good for heart health.
How to Use Saffron?
One of the simplest dangerous ways to include saffron in your diet is to add a few strands to a warm water cup. Doing this removes most of the flavor from saffron. Later, you can add both the water and saffron to a savory dish after cooking.
Saffron supplements, usually in powdered form in capsules, are also becoming popular. However, be sure to follow the instructions on the package and consult a doctor before taking any new supplements.
Top Ways to Consume Saffron during Pregnancy
Well, original Kesar/saffron is safe in pregnancy when taken in moderation. But the expecting women should know the right way to consume it. So, below are some ways to include it in your diet:
With Milk
Calcium is crucial for your baby’s growth. Therefore, starting from the fourth month of pregnancy, mothers can add saffron strands to their milk. It’s best to drink saffron milk in the morning.
With Water
Original Kesar can also be taken with water. You can add a few strands of saffron to a glass of hot water. It also helps in digestion.
With Rice, Salads, and Soup Recipes
You can sprinkle or soak saffron and add it to rice dishes, soups, and salads to make them tastier or give them a special color. Just 1-2 strands are usually enough for rice recipes.
When Can You Start Using Saffron During Pregnancy?
Saffron can generally be taken during pregnancy after the first trimester, which is after the first three months. However, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider before adding saffron or any other supplements to your diet during pregnancy to ensure it’s safe and appropriate for your situation.
Can Saffron Make Your Baby's Skin Color Change?
One of the main reasons expecting women include Kesar in their diet is the expected effects on the baby’s skin tone. However, there is no scientific evidence to suggest that saffron changes the color of a baby’s skin. A baby’s skin color is determined by genetics, and saffron consumption during pregnancy is unlikely to have any significant impact on it.
Related Side Effects and Risks
We have no doubts that saffron is safe and good for pregnancy. However, it can have some side effects also if taken in higher quantities. Below are some of these side effects:
Vomiting
Having too much saffron might make some women vomit. It can also take away important nutrients from both the woman and her baby. Hence, if you’re allergic to saffron, it’s best to avoid it completely.
Feeling Dizzy
Having a lot of saffron (Kesar) can make you dizzy because it can make you feel sleepy and relaxed.
Allergic Reactions
Many pregnant women are sensitive to foods like saffron (Kesar). Therefore, if you are allergic to saffron avoid it completely.
Hypersensitivity
Another potential side effect of having saffron during pregnancy is hypersensitivity, which can cause symptoms like dry mouth, headache, or anxiety.
If you experience any of these issues, stop using saffron right away.
How to Know Whether Saffron is High-Quality or Not?
It is vital to pay attention to the color, aroma, and texture while purchasing saffron. You should buy Kashmiri Kesar online with a deep red color, a pleasing aroma, and a little moist texture. It comes with a bitter and strong taste.
You should avoid saffron with pale or yellow color and with a weak aroma. Also, when buying saffron for your pregnancy, it’s crucial to consider its source. Saffron from areas with pollution or heavy metals might not be safe. Choose saffron from trustworthy suppliers who can tell you where it’s from and its quality.
Also, use saffron in moderation during pregnancy. Even though it has benefits, too much might harm your pregnancy. It’s best to talk to a healthcare professional before adding saffron to your diet while pregnant.
Final Thoughts
Saffron is a strong spice with medicinal properties and health benefits, especially during pregnancy. It has been used in Ayurvedic medicines for ages to treat different problems. Research indicates that saffron can regulate blood pressure, reduce mood swings, and ease morning sickness, which makes it great for pregnant women. It can also improve sleep, relieve muscle cramps, and aid digestion during pregnancy.
Original Kashmiri kesar/saffron is generally safe and helpful during pregnancy. It offers many advantages to expectant mothers. However, it’s essential to talk to your doctor before taking any herbal supplements, and before you shop pure saffron online, you should know how to consume it and what amount.
At Kashmirstuff, we bring you the world’s finest and most authentic pure Kashmiri saffron straight from the lush valleys of Kashmir. Renowned for its vibrant color, exquisite aroma, and unmatched quality, our saffron is a must-have addition to your kitchen and wellness routine.
Follow the suggested amount, and discuss possible side effects or interactions with other medications you’re using with your doctor. So, it’s clear that saffron has a multitude of benefits for pregnant women when taken in moderation.