The safety of eating Cumin during Pregnancy is Questionable!
Cumin is commonly added to Indian cuisines, but is it truly safe to eat cumin during pregnancy?
Although a common household spice, there is a lack of adequate research on whether it’s safe when pregnant. Some experts suggest cumin to counter morning sickness. Yet, flatulence and even bleeding can possibly happen due to the overconsumption of cumin seeds.
Another school of thought comes from some cultures that believe cumin can induce abortion. Some women claim that cumin causes preterm labor. But, no scientific research backs up these claims.
On the brighter side, cumin has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. It eases the symptoms of nausea and vomiting during the first trimester.
Cumin—The Potent Spice
Cumin is present in both whole seed and ground form. It is a common ingredient in Asian and South Eastern cuisines. Its essential oil is also used for various purposes.
There are two varieties of cumin—black cumin and regular cumin. They have different flavors. Black cumin is a little sweeter but smoky in taste compared to regular cumin. It’s rarely available too.
According to the United States Department of Agriculture, a teaspoon of cumin seeds offers:
- About 8 calories
- 0.4 g protein
- 0.47 g fat
- 0.93 g carbs
And it also delivers great nutritional value:
- 1.4 mg iron
- 19.6 mg calcium
- 7.69 mg magnesium
Benefits of Eating Cumin During Pregnancy
Cumin seeds are healthy for weight loss but not for pregnant women. It’s recommended to consume in small amounts to avoid any risks.
According to research in the Child Nursing Branch in Chennai, having cumin water during pregnancy provides relief from constipation. It also helps with the feelings of nausea.
The study also concludes that cumin also helps increase lactation in women after pregnancy. As cumin is a good source of calcium and iron so it increases milk production in lactating women.
Research conducted at the National Centre of Biotechnology and Information found that black cumin seeds contain ethanol extracts, which had therapeutic effects on pregnant rats suffering from preeclampsia.
Is it Safe to Eat Cumin During Pregnancy?
Cumin is safe during pregnancy but in moderate amounts. Cumin has a warm effect on internal body temperature. Health experts suggest being cautious of eating too much cumin as it can interact with your medicines.
Is Cumin Water Safe During Pregnancy?
Cumin water can cause pre-term contractions in pregnant women. Being a warm spice, it may increase body heat or cause heartburn. Some women use it when the delivery date is past due to induce labor. Thus, doctors tell against drinking excess cumin water.
Does Cumin Tea Induce Labor?
Like cumin water, cumin can cause body heat to build up inducing labor. Moreover, there is a lack of adequate evidence on the safety of cumin tea during breastfeeding or pregnancy. Also, in Tunisian culture, consuming cumin caused abortions. So, it’s not recommended in moderation either.
How much Cumin is Safe to Eat when Pregnant?
According to the IOSR Journal of Pharmacy, a healthy individual can eat 3g of cumin in a day. If you are pregnant or intend to do it, it’s recommended to eat less than the given amount. It is best to consume cumin for a short time, instead of regular intake.
Final Verdict
Cumin seeds are one of the spices to avoid during pregnancy, especially during the first trimester. It’s better to add it in moderate quantities in curries and rice.
Consuming Cumin often reduce the feeling of nausea and vomiting. But, it is not recommended by NHS either.
Side Effects of Jeera Water during Pregnancy
Consuming cumin water or cumin during pregnancy is beneficial only if taken in the right amounts. If it’s only added in small amounts to curries, it is safe for pregnant women. But there are several possible side effects of eating excessive cumin during pregnancy.
- Having cumin in excess may cause heartburn in patients with GERD.
- An excess of cumin water causes discomfort associated with flatulence and burps.
- High intake of cumin has a direct impact on body heat, which may affect the baby’s health or induce labor.
- Extra cumin intake may damage kidneys and liver.
- Women often have low blood sugar levels during the first trimester of pregnancy. Cumin can further lower blood sugar levels.
- During the first trimester, cumin may cause bleeding or miscarriage.
- As for black cumin oil, excess use can lead to proteinuria and hypertension.
