Cardamom is an aromatic spice that gives a spike to the flavor of special dishes or drinks. These seeds, the grains of paradise, find a proud place on any Indian kitchen shelf. Cardamom seeds enhance the flavor of tea, curries, rice varieties, desserts, and treats. Cardamom or elaichi, the queen of spices, belongs to the family of ginger. Although consuming cardamom in some form or other is pretty common, for a pregnant woman, the obvious question is- is it safe to have cardamom during pregnancy?
The essential oil of cardamom dispels the nauseous feeling you get during pregnancy. This spice comes in two varieties, green and black. The green cardamoms are green pods with a sweet aroma and small seeds. They find their way into desserts, tea, and curries. Black cardamom are sooty pods bigger in size with a strong smoky scent. You can find them in the special garam masala giving a boost to the taste of curries and dishes. In this article we will explore whether cardamom is safe to consume during pregnancy, and what are its benefits and side effects, if any.
In This Article
- Is Cardamom Safe During Pregnancy?
- What Are The Benefits of Eating Cardamom During Pregnancy?
- What Are The Side Effects Of Eating Cardamom During Pregnancy?
- What Precautions To Take While Having Cardamom?
- FAQ’s
Is Cardamom Safe During Pregnancy?
Yes, it is safe to have cardamom during pregnancy, but in limited quantities. Cardamom is used in dishes, and beverages as a safe seasoning ingredient. Expectant mothers who like the flavor of cardamom can go ahead and have it during all the trimesters of their pregnancy.
It is better to go in for the black variant of cardamom as flavoring for food. Chewing green cardamom directly as medicine is not safe for pregnant women during the first trimester of pregnancy. The potent properties present in cardamom can lead to bleeding or sometimes even miscarriage in early pregnancy. Green and black Elaichi are to be taken only in moderation during pregnancy.
Consuming Elaichi during pregnancy offers relief from many woes that expectant mothers face during pregnancy. Make cardamom a part of your diet as it is one of the safest and healthiest spices which alleviates health issues that surface during your conception period.
What Are the Benefits of Eating Cardamom During Pregnancy?
Cardamom is rich in flavor and promises benefits for a pregnant woman. It stimulates metabolism with its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Though it is a spice, it has a cooling effect which helps reduce the heartburn caused by acidity.
This spice goes a long way in helping with healing stomach ulcers. The fiber content in cardamom is good for heart health. Cardamom is looked upon as a potential detoxifier for the body. Check out the great benefits of cardamom which can make your pregnancy journey easy in a natural way.
Some benefits of having Elaichi during pregnancy are-
- Cardamom aids bile acid secretion in the stomach and furthermore helps with digestion.
- The antibacterial property of cardamom keeps the oral cavity healthy. Cardamom has a strong taste that stimulates saliva flow, thereby helping with the prevention of dental caries. It gets rid of bad breath too.
- Chewing a few cardamom seeds can increase the appetite. Cardamom oil is used to treat loss of appetite or anorexia.
- Cardamom is an age-old medicine with antiemetic properties effective as a treatment for nausea and vomiting.
- Helps reduce blood sugar levels, a very important thing during pregnancy.
- It also helps to regulate blood pressure, another important factor during pregnancy.
[Read : Indigestion During Pregnancy]
What Are the Side Effects of Eating Cardamom During Pregnancy?
The green and black cardamom can be safely consumed during pregnancy. So far there has been no risk or side effects found when using Elaichi in cooking during pregnancy. Though there is no scientifically proven dosage established, 1 to 2 grams of cardamom is considered safe. Check with your doctor just in case you choose to have this spice during pregnancy.
When inhaled during aromatherapy, it is possibly safe to breathe the vapor from cardamom oil. But, again before indulging in any aromatherapy during pregnancy, please consult your doctor once.
[Read : Aromatherapy During Pregnancy]
What Precautions to Take While Having Cardamom?
It is possibly unsafe to take larger amounts of cardamom as medicine during pregnancy. Pregnancy is a time when you must use utmost caution or precaution when it comes to food. Even if something is beneficial, there may be some contraindications of having it during pregnancy. There is a concern that it might cause a miscarriage if taken in more quantity.
Expectant mothers who already have health issues like gallbladder issues should abstain from consuming cardamom. It will tend to aggravate gallbladder pain and might lead to infection and bleeding.
Research also suggests that cardamom can induce allergic reactions in some individuals, like hives, dermatitis, or even respiratory issues for. This allergy is caused when you consume large quantities of cardamom seeds for a prolonged period. Elaichi may also interact with medicines during pregnancy.
FAQ’s
1. Does Cardamom Help With Nausea in Pregnancy?
Cardamom aids in treating morning sickness and prevents nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. But, it is a spice that should not be taken in large quantities. Check with the doctor for recommended dosage before consuming cardamom while pregnant. Another alternative is to smell the pods when you get nauseous.
2. Is Cardamom Safe to Consume During Pregnancy?
Consumption of cardamom in moderation during pregnancy is safe and women with anemia can add a pinch of cardamom to their food.
Read Also: 12 Amazing Benefits of Ginger During Pregnancy
