Spicing Up Your Food with a Pinch of Black Pepper for Pregnancy Wouldn’t Hurt!
Pregnant women often crave spicy foods during pregnancy. But extra spices can cause extra discomfort and digestion issues. Women find black pepper an amazing alternative to spice up their pregnancy foods. Yes, their fruit and veggie salads are spiced up right!
Black pepper/Peppercorn is a dried fruit that grows in southwest India. Most people are skeptical of its use because of its heat and spiciness. This increases the chances of heartburn, acidity, burning feet, and indigestion.
And, for sure, you would not want to take any risks during pregnancy. To help you out, we have consulted health experts to understand if eating pepper during pregnancy is safe or not.
Nutritional Value of Black Pepper
The pungent spice contains active compounds such as piperine. It is also packed with antioxidants, flavonoids, and other phenolic compounds. They boost digestion and protect cells against oxidative damage.
As for nutritional potency, this spice is a good source of minerals and vitamins:
- Vitamin A, E, and K
- Vitamin B1, B2, B5, B6
- Iron
- Copper
- Calcium
- Potassium
- Manganese
- Selenium
- Phosphorus
- Selenium
- Zinc
- Chromium
Adding black pepper to your pregnancy will be super beneficial for your health. Here’s how it helps you:
1. Boosts Immunity
Black pepper is a great source of manganese which helps in wound healing. In fact, a teaspoon of black pepper delivers 13% of your daily recommended dose of manganese.
During the first trimester of pregnancy or even throughout pregnancy, most women experience weaker immunity. So, black pepper for pregnancy is a tiny packet of health and wellness.
2. Improves Metabolism
Manganese in pepper also aids in improved metabolism. As the uterus presses against the digestive system during pregnancy, most women experience acidity, heartburn, indigestion, bloating, and even constipation.
Rather, studies confirm that adding black pepper to your daily diet ‘in moderation’ helps you prevent bloating, stomach cramps and discomfort.
3. Anti-Depressant Properties
Unwanted stress, anxiety, and even depression is common during pregnancy. Due to hormonal imbalances, a women’s emotions can be a little too dramatic. That’s when black pepper can be your savior. As it has mood-boosting properties, consuming a little black pepper during pregnancy is helpful for good emotional health. But it’s not recommended to consume daily.
4. Controls Blood Pressure
Women with a history of hypertension are more prone to experiencing high blood pressure during pregnancy. It is threatening to the health of the mother and money. Pepper is a great source of potassium. It helps in preventing preeclampsia and hypertension.
5. Anti-Cancerous Properties
Due to rapid changes in women’s bodies and weaker immunity, your body is vulnerable to free radical damage to healthy tissues causing cancer. Pepper is full of active antioxidants like piperine to combat free radicals and prevent oxidative damage.
6. Treats Cold and Cough
Having a cold or cough during pregnancy is challenging as you cannot take medicines. Thus, simple home remedies such as sprinkling pepper on honey or soup before consuming help a bit. Its heating effect and immune-boosting properties also help to find relief from the cold faster.
Side Effects of Eating too much Pepper during Pregnancy
Black pepper for pregnancy can be harmful if consumed regularly and in excess. You may experience:
- An allergic reaction: Some women develop aversion or allergic reactions to certain foods, so don’t consume more than a pinch if you are allergic.
- Heartburn or Indigestion: Excessive black pepper intake can trouble your stomach.
- Increased Body Heat: Spicy foods are a big NO for a summer pregnancy. They can cause stomach discomfort, burning feet, mouth ulcers, and pregnancy complications.
How Much Black Pepper Is Safe During Pregnancy?
It’s best to add only a pinch or two of black pepper to your salads, eggs, and soups. Consuming excess black pepper during pregnancy can cause ingestion, acidity, and an uncomfortable burning sensation. The extra spiciness can upset your stomach’s pH levels and can sometimes cause complications in pregnancy.
Final Verdict
Black pepper for pregnancy is a hidden blessing, especially during the first trimester. It not only boosts immunity but prevents you from experiencing common stomach discomforts. But black pepper must be consumed in moderation.
