Clove during Pregnancy Can Be Both Blessing and Hazard!
Unsure if clove during pregnancy is right or not? Considering it’s added to rice, curries, and most Indian cuisines.
Clove is a flavorful, aromatic spice that’s used for medicinal purposes, particularly for cold, flu, and more.
Bursting the myth about eating cloves during pregnancy: cloves are in general safe to consume as a spice. Yet, moderation is the key.
Let’s understand if it’s safe and how cloves during pregnancy are beneficial for the mother and fetus:
Also Read: 5 Natural Alternatives for Commercial Processed Drinks this Summer
is it safe to drink clove water during pregnancy?
While clove water has numerous health benefits, it’s important to be cautious when consuming it during pregnancy. Cloves contain eugenol, which has been shown to have potential uterotonic effects that may stimulate contractions and cause premature labor or miscarriage.
Therefore, it is generally not recommended for pregnant women to consume clove water or any other clove products in large amounts. However, using small amounts of cloves in cooking or as a spice is generally considered safe.
It’s always best to consult with your healthcare provider before consuming any new food or beverage during pregnancy to ensure it’s safe for you and your baby. They can provide personalized advice based on your medical history and current condition.
Also Read: Is it safe to eat Cardamom during Pregnancy?
Is it safe to eat clove during pregnancy?
Health experts confirm that cloves in the powdered or whole form are safe to eat during pregnancy. But, clove essential oil or clove enhancements may not be safe. Overindulgence with cloves for medicinal purposes such as colds, toothaches, and coughs is NOT recommended either.
Although chewing on clove during pregnancy is not harmful, it’s always best to consult your doctor.
Cloves have a nutrient-rich profile, constituting iron, potassium, calcium, vitamins, manganese, and more. Cloves provide many health benefits to pregnant women:
1. Muscle & Bone Development
Cloves contain a minimal yet good supply of vitamin E, calcium, and phosphorus which are necessary for the muscle and bone development of the baby. Cloves are a must-have for a fetus’s healthy development the body.
If you are an expecting mother or someone looking for ways to improve the health of your muscles and bones, incorporating cloves into your diet might be a good idea. Cloves are known to contain important nutrients such as vitamin E, calcium, and phosphorus that are essential for the healthy development of muscles and bones.
Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect the body’s cells from damage caused by free radicals, which can contribute to chronic diseases. Calcium, on the other hand, is essential for strong bones and teeth, while phosphorus plays a crucial role in the formation of bones and teeth as well as in energy production.
Whether you are looking to support your own muscle and bone health or that of your growing baby, consider including cloves in your diet. You can add cloves to your tea, coffee, or any dish you cook to enhance the flavor and reap the benefits of this nutritious spice.
Also Read: 5 Natural Alternatives for Commercial Processed Drinks this Summer
2. Antioxidants Packed
Cloves contain iron and vitamin C which are vital in boosting immunity. They are also rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants activate the cell repair system and strengthen immunity. They improve the body’s response to foreign invasion during pregnancy.
Cloves are known to be rich in antioxidants that can provide several health benefits. Antioxidants work by protecting the body’s cells from damage caused by free radicals, which can contribute to chronic diseases and weaken the immune system.
Cloves contain iron and vitamin C, both of which are essential for a healthy immune system. Iron is crucial for the production of red blood cells, which transport oxygen throughout the body, while vitamin C helps boost the immune system and aids in the absorption of iron.
In addition to iron and vitamin C, cloves are packed with other antioxidants, such as flavonoids and phenolic compounds. These compounds activate the cell repair system and strengthen immunity, which can be especially important during pregnancy when the body’s immune system is working to protect both the mother and the growing baby.
Incorporating cloves into your diet can help boost your immune system and provide protection against harmful free radicals. You can add cloves to your tea, soups, stews, and other dishes to enhance the flavor and reap the benefits of this antioxidant-rich spice.
Also Read: Spice It Up in Bedroom – 5 Natural Spices that work as Aphrodisiacs as per Ayurveda
3. Mineral-Rich
Cloves are an excellent source of manganese, sodium, and phosphorus. They are necessary for a baby’s healthy growth. Thus, eating clove during pregnancy’s first trimester is super-healthy for the growing baby.
Manganese is important for the healthy growth and development of bones, and it also helps the body form connective tissue and metabolize carbohydrates and fats. Sodium is important for maintaining the balance of fluids in the body and regulating blood pressure. Phosphorus plays a crucial role in the formation of bones and teeth, as well as in energy production.
During pregnancy, these minerals are particularly important for the healthy growth and development of the fetus. Incorporating cloves into your diet can help ensure that you are getting the necessary nutrients for a healthy pregnancy. However, it’s important to keep in mind that excessive consumption of cloves can have negative side effects. Therefore, it’s essential to consult with your healthcare provider before making any significant changes to your diet during pregnancy.
Also Read: 10 Health Benefits of Green Chili
4. Improves Digestion
Constipation and indigestion are common problems during pregnancy. Cloves contain dietary fiber that helps boost digestion and keep bowel movements in order.
Pregnancy can cause changes in the digestive system, leading to constipation and indigestion. Fortunately, cloves can help improve digestion and alleviate these uncomfortable symptoms.
Cloves are a rich source of dietary fiber, which plays a crucial role in digestive health. Fiber helps to regulate bowel movements, prevent constipation, and keep the digestive system healthy. Cloves also contain compounds that have a calming effect on the digestive system and can help alleviate indigestion.
Incorporating cloves into your diet can help improve digestion and keep bowel movements regular during pregnancy. You can add cloves to your tea, coffee, or any dish you cook to enhance the flavor and reap the benefits of this nutritious spice.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that excessive consumption of cloves can have negative side effects, including heartburn, mouth sores, and allergic reactions. Therefore, it’s essential to consult with your healthcare provider before making any significant changes to your diet during pregnancy.
Cloves can provide many benefits for pregnant women, including improving digestion and relieving constipation and indigestion. Adding cloves to your diet can be a tasty and healthy way to support a healthy pregnancy.
Also Read: 5 Natural Alternatives for Commercial Processed Drinks this Summer
5. Brain Development
Cloves are a good source of omega-3 fatty acids that are essential for brain and nerve development in babies.
Cloves are a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for brain and nerve development in babies. These fatty acids also play a role in reducing inflammation, which can be helpful during pregnancy. Omega-3 fatty acids are critical for the development of the brain and nervous system of the fetus, and their intake can have positive effects on the child’s cognitive and behavioral development.
Adding cloves to your diet can be a tasty and healthy way to ensure that you are getting the necessary nutrients for a healthy pregnancy. However, it’s important to keep in mind that excessive consumption of cloves can have negative side effects. Therefore, it’s essential to consult with your healthcare provider before making any significant changes to your diet during pregnancy.
Also Read: 7 Health Benefits of Tamarind During Pregnancy
6. Anti-Microbial Properties
Cloves have Eugenol, which combats fungal, viral, or bacterial invasion. These anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties make eating cloves during pregnancy third trimester necessary.
Cloves contain a compound called eugenol, which has potent antimicrobial properties that can help combat fungal, viral, or bacterial invasion. These properties can be particularly useful during the third trimester of pregnancy, when the risk of infection is higher.
Eating cloves during the third trimester of pregnancy can help boost the immune system and protect against infections that can harm both the mother and the developing baby. Cloves can be added to various dishes, such as soups, stews, and curries, to enhance their flavor and reap the benefits of this powerful spice.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that excessive consumption of cloves can have negative side effects, including allergic reactions and gastrointestinal problems. Therefore, it’s essential to consult with your healthcare provider before making any significant changes to your diet during pregnancy.
Also Read: Apple Cider Vinegar for Hair, Dandruff, and Scalp
7. Anti-Inflammatory
Cloves are rich in flavonoids with anti-inflammatory properties. It’s beneficial in easing the pains and aches you experience during pregnancy.
Cloves contain flavonoids, which are plant-based compounds that have anti-inflammatory properties. These properties can help ease the pains and aches that pregnant women may experience, such as back pain, joint pain, and headaches.
The anti-inflammatory properties of cloves can also be helpful for reducing swelling and inflammation in the body, which is particularly important during pregnancy when the risk of developing conditions like gestational diabetes and preeclampsia is higher.
Adding cloves to your diet can be a tasty and healthy way to incorporate anti-inflammatory properties into your daily routine. However, as with any dietary change during pregnancy, it’s important to consult with your healthcare provider before making significant changes to your diet.
Also Read: 5 Natural Alternatives for Commercial Processed Drinks this Summer
8. Prevents Cancer
Cancer is a prevalent disease and pregnant women need to be extra cautious for themselves and their babies. Few studies have shown that cloves are part of the future of cancer treatment as they can inhibit cell proliferation of cancerous cells.
Recent studies have shown that cloves contain compounds with anti-cancer properties that can help inhibit the growth of cancer cells. Specifically, eugenol, a compound found in cloves, has been shown to have anti-tumor effects and can prevent the proliferation of cancer cells.
Although the research is still in its early stages, the potential cancer-fighting properties of cloves are promising and may be beneficial for pregnant women who want to take extra precautions for themselves and their babies.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that more research is needed to fully understand the potential benefits of cloves in preventing cancer. Additionally, excessive consumption of cloves can have negative side effects, including allergic reactions and gastrointestinal problems.
Therefore, it’s essential to consult with your healthcare provider before making any significant changes to your diet during pregnancy.
In conclusion, cloves may have the potential in preventing cancer, but further research is needed. Incorporating cloves into your diet can be a tasty and healthy way to support a healthy pregnancy, but it’s important to consult with your healthcare provider before making any significant changes to your diet.
Also Read: Is it safe to consume Hing (Asafoetida) during Pregnancy?
9. Prevent Stress
Anxiety, stress, and fatigue are common experiences during pregnancy. Particularly due to hormonal imbalances, emotions can be uncontrollable. In such a situation, a natural stress reliever like clove during pregnancy is no less than a blessing.
Pregnancy can be a stressful time due to hormonal changes, physical discomfort, and anxiety about the baby’s health. Cloves contain compounds that have natural stress-relieving properties, which can help reduce stress and anxiety levels during pregnancy.
Studies have shown that the compounds found in cloves, such as eugenol and beta-caryophyllene, can help lower stress levels by reducing inflammation in the body and promoting relaxation. Cloves can also help improve sleep quality, which is essential for reducing stress levels during pregnancy.
Incorporating cloves into your diet or using them in aromatherapy can be a natural way to support stress management during pregnancy. However, it’s important to consult with your healthcare provider before making any significant changes to your diet or using any essential oils during pregnancy.
Also Read: 5 Natural Alternatives for Commercial Processed Drinks this Summer
Side Effects of Eating Clove During Pregnancy
As cautioned earlier, you should not consume clove in high doses. Neither is clove oil or clove supplements safe for pregnant women.
If clove oil is consumed in high quantities, it can activate the uterus, causing contractions. That’s premature labor and can be dangerous for pregnant women.
Overdose of cloves can cause diarrhea, abdominal pain, vomiting, internal bleeding, or breathing issues.
If you experience an allergic response after eating cloves, you must avoid them altogether.
- Allergic Reactions: Some people may be allergic to cloves, and consuming them during pregnancy can cause an allergic reaction. Symptoms of an allergic reaction may include difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or tongue, and hives.
- Gastrointestinal Problems: Consuming cloves in large amounts can cause gastrointestinal problems such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach upset.
- Bleeding Disorders: Cloves have anticoagulant properties, which means they can slow down blood clotting. Pregnant women with bleeding disorders or taking blood-thinning medications should avoid consuming cloves in large amounts.
- Preterm Labor: In rare cases, consuming cloves in large amounts during pregnancy may trigger preterm labor.
- Interactions with Medications: Cloves may interact with certain medications, including blood-thinning medications, anticoagulants, and diabetes medications. Pregnant women taking these medications should speak to their healthcare provider before consuming cloves.
Cloves can have potential side effects during pregnancy, and it’s essential to consult with your healthcare provider before incorporating them into your diet. Consuming cloves in moderation is generally considered safe for pregnant women, but excessive consumption can have negative side effects. It’s always best to err on the side of caution and seek guidance from a healthcare professional before making significant changes to your diet during pregnancy.
Also Read: Is it safe to eat Turmeric During Pregnancy?
Can Clove Cause Miscarriage In Early Pregnancy?
Cloves, when used as a spice, do no harm. But, consuming too many cloves, particularly clove oil can lead to miscarriage. As overconsumption of clove oil induces unnatural or premature contractions that can either lead to premature birth or even miscarriage. Thus, it’s best to avoid clove oil altogether.
Final Verdict
Cloves during pregnancy are tiny packets of vitality and nutrition for the mother and fetus. These tiny buds are a natural cure for many pregnancy nightmares. Also, it is a superfood for the baby’s healthy growth and development.
All you need to remember in pregnancy is that excess of everything is bad, so, enjoy your meals and cravings without going overboard.
Also Read: 5 Natural Alternatives for Commercial Processed Drinks this Summer
