Saffron Benefits: Pregnant women consume many nutritious foods for a healthy baby. Some pregnant women should put saffron in milk and drink it. Then a white baby is born, they advise. But, is this advice really sound?
Answering this question, Dr. Surabhi Siddharth (consultant and obstetrician and gynaecologist, Motherhood Hospital, Kharghar) said, “Saffron does not have any properties that improve the skin color of the baby. Saffron is full of antioxidants and helps reduce inflammation. Also it can keep both mother and baby healthy. So if pregnant women consume saffron, it can have more health benefits.”
Dr. Seema Sharma (Consultant, Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, Apollo Cradle Children’s Hospital, Moti Nagar, New Delhi) said, “Skin color depends on genetic factors. Eating certain foods during pregnancy does not make the baby fairer.”
Obstetrician Radhika Kalpatharu told The Indian Express, “Consumption of saffron improves digestion; Which becomes weak during pregnancy. So mixing saffron with milk or pulses gives you relief from digestive problems including constipation.”
Kalpatharune said, “Saffron has anti-depressant properties; which control mood swings and mental stress. It keeps mother and baby happy.” On this issue, Dr. Surabhi also agreed and said that saffron has mood-enhancing properties that help reduce stress and also reduce anxiety in women during pregnancy.”
According to Kalpatharu, “Saffron can control problems like blood pressure during pregnancy. Morning sickness is common in the first three months. In such cases, moderate consumption of saffron will reduce morning sickness and also provide relief from vomiting. As the baby grows in the womb, the muscles of the mother’s body stretch and adjust the position. During this process, the mother experiences severe pain in the back, abdomen and legs. Moderate consumption of saffron will relieve these pains.”
Women also face anemia during pregnancy. According to Kalpatharu, “Pregnant women should consume iron rich food and supplements during pregnancy. Some amount of saffron should also be consumed. Also, daily exercise as advised by experts helps maintain iron and hemoglobin levels and thus keeps the body healthier.”
Obstetricians said, “Pregnant women may feel tired after waking up in the morning due to their growing belly and shortness of breath.” Also Kalpatharu said, “If you drink milk with saffron before going to bed, you will sleep better.” Dr. Sharma agrees, “Due to the mild effects of saffron, it can be beneficial for restful sleep.”
Pregnant women experience common problems like pimples, pigmentation during this period. Advising on the same, “Regular consumption of saffron cures skin problems and brightens the skin,” says Kalpatharu.
According to Kalpatharu, “Pregnancy can weaken your immune system. Considering that, regular consumption of saffron will keep you safe from allergies and protect you from weather changes and other common infections. So if you consume saffron in moderation as advised by a gynaecologist, it will be very beneficial for the mother and the baby during pregnancy.”
How much to consume saffron?
Dr. Surabhi said, “Add two-three saffron sticks in milk. But drinking saffron milk will be a personal choice. Saffron can also cause side effects such as nausea, anxiety and nosebleeds in pregnant women. So be careful and don’t consume it unless an expert tells you.”
