✓ Saffron in pregnancy: yes or no?

Source: Shutterstock

Saffron in pregnancy

Saffron, like so many other spices, can have beneficial effects at the same time effects potentially harmful for the body during pregnancy, of which it is good to be aware, but without alarmism: it all depends on the doses. We talk about it with Dr. , responsible of Obstetrics and Gynecology

Saffron in pregnancy: can it be taken?

"Absolutely yes, saffron is an element that you can safely assume pregnant - assures dr. - even if, like most spices, it can bring advantages and disadvantages, if it is taken in high doses, that is greater than 1 gram. Attention, 1 gram may seem small, but instead it corresponds to a large amount of product: one sachet, which is used to make a risotto for 4 people, for example, ne contains only 10 mg. Hence, you can also rest assured by eating a yellow risotto per day!".

Read also: Chickpea omelette recipe for pregnant women

The benefits of saffron

"Saffron plays a mild antidepressant action, which in pregnancy can always help, and is a antioxidanttherefore useful - as well as during pregnancy - for women suffering from premenstrual syndrome. Saffron also contributes to reduce pressure. This is an advantage and a disadvantage at the same time, it depends on the situation: in pregnancy, especially in summer, if the woman already suffers from low blood pressure she could suffer from it (but we always talk about very high doses), while if she tends to suffer from high pressure it can instead bring benefits ".

The Risks of High Saffron Intake in Pregnancy

"Among side effects of saffron intake can occur, in general, nausea, vomiting, headache; in pregnancy, a high amount of this spice can stimulate the uterine contractions, encouraging preterm birth, e cause harm to the fetus, but, I repeat once again, only if it is taken in quantities greater than 1 gram, a quantity that is very difficult to achieve with food. In short, consuming saffron every now and then does not cause any problems and could, if anything, bring some benefits ".

Read also: Nutrition during pregnancy: the foods to avoid

Pregnancy and spice

"Characteristics similar to those of saffron concern different spices, for example pepper e turmeric. To them numerous beneficial effects can be placed side by side in rare cases some side effects:

nausea,
He retched,
uterine contractions

if, even in this case, they are taken in large quantities.

Particularly in a cuisine like that of Del Paesena, where spices are used sparingly, there are therefore no problems: add them freely to the recipes everyday".