In India, turmeric is often consumed mixed in milk. This nutritious and medicinal beverage is effective for relieving a sore throat, cough, or pain due to injury. But some may wonder whether it is beneficial to drink turmeric milk during pregnancy. Turmeric has several health benefits since it is rich in different bioactive compounds. In addition, it has proven effects against infections and inflammation. Continue reading this post to learn more about whether drinking turmeric milk is safe during pregnancy, its health and skin benefits, and some possible side effects.

Is It Safe To Take Turmeric During Pregnancy?

As per the U.S Food and Drug Administration, turmeric is “generally regarded as safe” (GRAS) to be used as a food ingredient (1). However, any specific recommendation for pregnancy has not been documented. Therefore, you may add it in your diet in small quantities or consult your doctor about the right amounts. Jessica Houston, a trained nutritionist from Greater Orlando, Florida, says, “Turmeric-based products are likely safe when the bioavailability and dosage are similar to what is naturally found in foods, although each person may tolerate the products in different ways. Because the research that classifies these products as safe during pregnancy is limited, plant-based consumption is generally best when pregnant.” Pregnant women, who regularly took small amounts of turmeric in their food, did not report any adverse effects. However, prolonged use of large doses of turmeric may cause gastrointestinal problems  (2).

Is It Safe To Drink Turmeric Milk During Pregnancy?

It is likely safe to take a glass of warm milk with a pinch of turmeric once every few days. Milk is a major source of dietary calcium, which is essential during pregnancy (3), and turmeric being rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory components (4), offers double benefits. However, you should consume it in small amounts and consult a nutritionist to know of some more ways to include turmeric into your diet safely.

Nutrients And Health Benefits Of Turmeric

Before understanding turmeric benefits, let’s understand what turmeric is. Turmeric, scientifically known as Curcuma longa, is a root used in medicines and food. It is available in extracts, capsules, or powder and is referred to as the “Indian saffron” due to its bright yellow color and potential therapeutic properties (5).

Nutritional facts of turmeric:

One tablespoon, i.e., one serving of turmeric powder, provides the following nutrients against the recommended allowances per day (RDA) (6) (7). AI = Adequate intake (AI) is the recommended average daily intake level of apparently healthy people. It is used when an RDA cannot be determined (8). The nutritional value of turmeric is promising. So, it is wise to check what benefits you could possibly reap from it.

Benefits Of Turmeric Milk During Pregnancy

Houston adds, “The reported anti-inflammatory, anti-hypertensive, and neuroprotective effects of curcumin are encouraging, especially for pregnancy-related disorders, including gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and postpartum depression. The body of evidence suggests that women who are pregnant or trying should consume turmeric through food, rather than as a supplement.” It may not be safe to take turmeric as an oral supplement, but combined with milk, it might prove beneficial. Besides, it might also help treat many problems that you experience during pregnancy. Turmeric has various nutrients and some bioactive compounds such as curcumin and demethoxycurcumin that have medicinal properties. Let’s check some benefits in detail. Undoubtedly, turmeric has some crucial therapeutic properties. However, there are some concerns related to the use of turmeric during pregnancy.

There are a few concerns about the adverse side-effects of turmeric use during pregnancy. Houston observes, “While research suggests that normal doses of food-based turmeric can help lower blood sugar, megadoses may drop your blood sugar too low, especially in settings of dysregulated blood sugar. You might experience acid reflux or indigestion with too much turmeric, especially for those who already have a history of gastrointestinal issues. Turmeric supplements may affect the efficacy or increase the toxicity of a range of medications when taken together.” Curcumin, taken orally, is neither absorbed nor metabolized properly. In fact, it is rapidly eliminated from the body. Therefore, the potential of curcumin as a harmful substance is limited by its poor bioavailability. Turmeric supplements are also known to cause spotting as early as two days after their consumption. Before consuming turmeric, you might want to take your doctor’s advice. But turmeric is not just restricted to its use in foods. It is good for your external body, as well.

Is It Safe To Drink Turmeric Tea During Pregnancy?

In general, turmeric tea is not considered safe during pregnancy, as the proportions of turmeric are high in it. Excess intake of this root powder can cause uterine contractions and menstrual flow.

Skin Benefits Of Turmeric During Pregnancy

Turmeric is believed to give a beautiful glow to your skin. Here are some ways you can try to get that smooth and supple skin during pregnancy, along with the glow.

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