Pregnancy is a time where you may experience sudden hunger pangs, at any point in time. We are sure you have your own set of diet chart worked out for you. You may be careful about what to include and what you shouldn’t. On the same line, if you are debating is it safe to eat mustard during pregnancy, here is what you should know before including it in your diet. Out quick word? Eating mustard during pregnancy is safe and also offers a host of other health benefits to both, the mother and the baby.
What is Mustard?
Black mustard is a plant. The seeds of the plant and even the oil, made from pressing the seeds are used in Indian cooking. They are very tiny balls, sometimes red or black. It is also famously known as sarson. The black mustard is aromatic when cooked and the leaves of the plant are enriched with phytonutrients and flavonoids that make it an essential healthy choice.
Benefits of Mustard During Pregnancy:
Mustard is a common kitchen ingredient that is used in several delicacies in form of mustard seeds, leaves or sauce. If you are thinking is mustard safe during pregnancy, the answer is yes. When consumed in moderation, mustard also provides a host of health benefits for the expectant mother as well as her growing fetus. Some of the benefits of eating mustard seeds during pregnancy are:
1. Enhances Immunity:
Eating mustard enhances the functioning of the immune system. Mustard is a rich source of important minerals such as copper, manganese, and iron, all of which protect the body against hazardous ailments and infections.It contains Sulphur that will fight the antifungal and antibacterial properties. Besides, it also fights any skin infection during pregnancy.
2. Controls Asthma:
Mustard has anti-inflammatory properties that will prevent asthma and severe cold infections. It has the potential to clear any chest congestion.
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3. Weight Management Mustard During Pregnancy:
Overweight during pregnancy can lead to serious health complications. One way to manage your weight is to use mustard in your diet. It contains riboflavin, thiamine, folate and other essential vitamins that will regulate the body’s metabolism. This, in turn, aids weight management.
4. Checks Cholesterol Level of The Body:
Mustard contains niacin and Vitamin B3 that help to reduce the level of cholesterol in the body. Therefore, by including mustard in your everyday diet, expectant mothers face a reduced risk of atherosclerosis. It promotes a good flow in the body as well.
5. Prevents Mustard During Pregnancy Constipation:
Most pregnant mothers suffer from the problem of constipation during pregnancy. A natural home remedy for treating this problem can be the consumption of mustard in any form. It was found that mustard possesses a thick slimy substance referred to as mucilage that helps in alleviating the problem of constipation. Since it has high fiber content, it can ease bowel movements, besides aiding digestion.
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6. Prevents Arthritis and Muscle Pain:
Mustard has a high content of selenium and magnesium that provides heat-producing and anti-inflammatory properties to the body. This helps in reducing muscular pain and symptoms of arthritis.
Is it Safe to Eat Mustard When Pregnant?
The often searched question is can pregnant women eat mustard? Yes, they sure can. Mustard is safe to eat when you are expecting. Mustard can be enjoyed through the sauce, the mustard oil or even a delicious curry out of its leaves. Excess consumption can, however, be dangerous and thus you may want to limit your intake and consult your doctor for the right dosage.
While eating mustard is marked as safe during pregnancy, it is best to consult your gynaecologist for the same. Adding mustard seeds to your cooked food can enhance the flavour and also give multiple health benefits provided that you must consume in moderation.
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Side Effects of Mustard During Pregnancy:
- Throat irritation has been observed in pregnant women who over-consume mustard.
- Over consumption of mustard in any form, for example, some women crave mustard during pregnancy and thus end up using honey mustard during pregnancy to satiate themselves. This can lead to serious problems such as miscarriage.
- The other commonly reported side effect is fatigue and difficulty in breathing.
- Chronic diarrhea is also a possible side effect of over consumption of mustard when pregnant.
Mustard has been proven to be a trusted medicine many times. During pregnancy, it acts as a savior to many expectant mothers. Besides the benefits of mustard seeds, mustard oil massage during pregnancy is a commonly practiced means of relieving stress. The oil ensures that your skin gets the right amount of essential vitamins, keeping your skin tender and supple.
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers:
Q1. What is the Mustard Powder Pregnancy Test? How Does it Work?
Ans: The mustard seed powder test does not require the urine sample to know the pregnancy result. If you have missed your period, this is something you can try.
a. Fill in your bath tub with warm water and add the mustard powder into it. Allow yourself to soak in it for about 20 minutes.
b. Rinse yourself in normal water after 20 minutes. Ideally, you should get your periods within two days. In case you do not, your test result is positive and you are pregnant.
Q2. Can I Eat Honey Mustard During Pregnancy?
Ans: Yes, you sure can. Enjoy your honey mustard sauce in your favorite sandwich or sub. Again, be careful of the acceptable dosage.
Q3. Is Mustard Oil Massage Beneficial for Pregnant Women?
Ans: Yes, it is. It will help them relax, and at the same time, their muscles will loosen up. The mustard oil has to be heated a little. The skin will feel tender and supple, keeping you hydrated, especially in winter.
