Known in the world of food to be the most expensive spice, saffron has also gained a reputation among pregnant mums. The idea originated in Indian culture, where pregnant women are advised to drink saffron milk to help make the skin of their babies lighter or fairer. It is also rumoured to relieve pregnancy symptoms, a magical spice -if you will.
As tempting as that sounds, it pays to be extra paranoid about the accuracy of such claims. So, let’s find out, shall we? But, first, we’re not going to get to the bottom of things without understanding what saffron is first.
What is Saffron?
Saffron, also known as Kesar, in essence, is a spice that comes from the saffron crocus plant, also known as Crocus sativus. This spice is well known for its rich colour and flavour. The process used to make this spice is as rich as its flavour.
Each stem of the Crocus sativus flower is meticulously picked and processed just to produce a small amount of this spice, which explains why it is considered basically the most expensive spice in the world.
Dishes infused with saffron cost around $5,000 to $10,000 per pound. Caviar is even cheaper. The world supply for this spice comes from India, Greece, and Morocco.
Saffron is also popular for its medicinal properties, particularly in treating depression, indigestion, and high blood pressure. And, the biggest rumour of all is its effect on making babies’ skin lighter. Sounds too good to be true. So, let’s find out if it’s true.
Does Saffron Really Lighten Babies’ Skin?
Let’s get this rumour out of the way. Can eating saffron or drinking saffron milk during pregnancy really lighten the skin of your baby?
Unfortunately, there isn’t any scientific evidence to prove this claim, as what determines the complexion of your baby are the genes of the baby’s parents upon conception. It can probably improve skin texture and overall skin health, but there is no known effect of the spice on the color of the baby’s skin.
Now, how about its use in relieving pregnancy symptoms and other health benefits?
Positive Effects of Saffron in Pregnancy
Saffron is not without benefits. It wouldn’t get the reputation that it has now without them. So, what are these benefits?
1. It helps improve digestion
Pregnant women have more than their lunch in their tummies now. So, getting food down is definitely double the effort. If you digest food with some saffron, however, getting food down wouldn’t be as hard.
2. You get better blood circulation
Pumping blood for two people is for sure harder than when you typically have to do it just for yourself. So, if saffron can help you bring that blood around, especially for your baby, then you better get on board.
3. It helps ease heartburn
Ah, yes, the bane of every pregnant women’s journey at the near end of the tunnel. Even eating an extra banana can cause heartburn. It’s a relief that you can just gulp down some saffron milk to help relieve that uncomfortable feeling in your chest and throat.
Image Source: iStock
4. It helps control diabetes
You should know by now that keeping your sugar level low is a high priority to avoid getting gestational diabetes. Gestational diabetes can complicate your pregnancy. So to avoid all such outcomes, drinking some Saffron milk will help ensure you avoid diabetes.
5. It can help relieve pain and is a muscle relaxant
This is good news. Consumed during labour, saffron can help mummies in the safe and easy delivery of the baby. The spice helps in ripening the cervix and relaxing the mummy’s muscles.
6. It can control colds & coughs and boosts the immune system
Anything to help preggo mums stay in tip-top shape should be good in our books.
7. It increases bone strength
Mums are not only increasing their weight with the amount of nutrition they are putting into their bodies but they have to carry a human being inside of them. So, having super strong bones is very important.
8. It prevents high blood pressure
High blood pressure has bit by bit become more common among pregnant women. A few stems of saffron can help prevent such fate happening to our pregnant ladies.
9. It can treat mild to moderate depression
Everyone knows pregnancy not only takes a toll on your body but on your mind too. The great thing about this spice is that it can ease your mind and bring calm to you with just a few sips of saffron milk.
It’s as if somebody took everything every pregnant woman needs and stuffed it into this spice. No wonder it’s so expensive. That said, can mums-to-be load up on saffron?
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Risks of Saffron During Pregnancy
Even with the mounds of benefits that come with this extravagant spice, pregnant women still must be mindful of when to consume it and how much.
Existing research suggests pregnant women stay off saffron during the first term of pregnancy. Consuming this spice during the first term has led to higher risks of miscarriages. So, when is it safe for mum to take saffron? Once mums start feeling the first kicks of their baby, the coast is clear.
As you drink saffron milk, you ought to be mindful of the side effects too:
- More than 5 grams of saffron a day can stimulate the uterus and increase the chances of pre-term labour or miscarriage. So, always monitor the amount of saffron you are intaking.
- The spice can cause some vomiting in pregnant women. We’re trying to hold as many nutrients in, so if consuming this spice makes you vomit all of those good nutrients out, then best if you avoid it.
- Saffron can cause dizziness. You’ve already had enough of dizziness in your first term. Don’t let any more into your second or third.
- Some women get allergic reactions too. So, stop consuming if you get one yourself.
So, based on these pieces of information, the safe amount is always – just enough. Never too much. We don’t want preterm labour or miscarriages along the way. When in doubt, consult your OB-GYN about the amount and frequency of your consumption of this spice.
How to Use Saffron Milk During Pregnancy
The best way to enjoy saffron while pregnant is to infuse it with sweetened milk. Soak a few saffron threads in a cup full of your favourite milk, and enjoy. Make sure to keep the amount of your saffron within 5 grams.
Happy pregnant woman drinking a glass of fresh milk and touching her belly
We’ve busted some myths and uncovered some side effects of saffron. We know the benefits and risks of this most expensive spice in the world. We can safely say trying some saffron milk is definitely safe (save for your first trimester). Once your baby starts kicking inside of you, you can go, and enjoy your warm, cup of saffron milk in managed amounts and reap the benefits.
Healthline, Swirtlster, BabyCenter, CKB Hospital
Here at theAsianparent Singapore, it’s important for us to give information that is correct, significant, and timely. But this doesn’t serve as an alternative for medical advice or medical treatment. theAsianparent Singapore is not responsible for those that would choose to drink medicines based on information from our website. If you have any doubts, we recommend consulting your doctor for clearer information.
