Ginger, also called adrak, inji, allam, sunthi, inci and ada in some regional Indian languages, is a very beneficial spice with several medicinal properties. It is extensively used in Asia in their cuisine and to treat many health conditions. Then, how safe is ginger during pregnancy? If you are pregnant, it is natural that you worry about consuming certain foods, especially spices. But this wonder herb is found to be very helpful in pregnancy as it relieves many pregnancy related discomforts like nausea, bloating, common cold and various other conditions.
Let us understand more about ginger in pregnancy along with some interesting ways of including it in your diet.
Is Eating Ginger Safe During Pregnancy?
Consuming ginger is absolutely safe during pregnancy, but you must do it in moderation and with certain precautions. Fresh and raw ginger is the best way of having this spice when you are pregnant. Ginger is also commercially available as a supplement in various forms like pills, capsules, syrups etc. But it is not advisable to take it in such supplement forms as the concentration of this herb may not be indicated correctly. A pregnant woman can safely consume 1500 mg of ginger per day divided into six doses. And anything in excess cause some side effects or discomfort.
See More: Eating Cloves Safe During Pregnancy
Health Benefits of Ginger During Pregnancy:
Let us look at the various benefits ginger can offer when you are pregnant,
1. Cures Morning Sickness or Vomiting:
Nausea and vomiting are commons symptoms of early pregnancy during the first trimester. Ginger is a very effective remedy for such conditions. Drinking ginger tea or chewing on ginger candy can give instant relief from nausea and vomiting.
2. Relieves Heartburn:
Ginger is a very effective remedy for easing heartburn. It helps balance the stomach acids and comfort the stomach. Drinking ginger tea with honey is the best cure for heartburn.
3. Treats Indigestion and Bloating:
Ginger is a very strong natural digestive. It is very effective in treating indigestion and bloating during pregnancy by stimulating the secretion of digestive enzymes. Indigestion and Bloating are common symptoms during the second and third trimester.
4. Improves Blood Circulation:
Ginger is a very good remedy for increasing blood circulation. Good blood circulation ensures adequate blood supply to the fetus. This helps in the proper development of the baby.
5. Treats Cough and Cold:
Ginger is rich in anti-viral properties that help relieve common cold effectively. It is also a very good remedy for cough and sore throat. The Antioxidants in ginger help in boosting immunity.
6. Lowers Cholesterol Levels:
Ginger is a very good natural remedy for reducing bad cholesterol levels in the body. It also helps in increasing good cholesterol levels in the body which are beneficial for health.
7. Balances Blood Sugar Levels:
Ginger is a very good remedy for balancing blood glucose levels. It helps in increasing insulin levels and regulating insulin response. It is very beneficial for ladies with gestational diabetes.
8. Reduces Inflammation:
Inflammation is common during pregnancy, but excessive inflammation can affect the development of the baby. Ginger is rich in anti-inflammatory compounds like gingerols and shagoals, which help relieve inflammation that can negatively affect the pregnancy and unborn baby.
9. Relieves Tired Muscles:
Pregnant women often suffer from sore muscles. Ginger is very beneficial in soothing aching muscles in the body. It is also very good at relieving pain.
10. Improves Digestion and Absorption:
Pregnancy affects digestion and absorption. Ginger is a very good remedy for the secretion of digestive juices and other enzymes for better digestion and absorption. It also helps in regulating the bowel movement and relieving constipation.
See More: Healthy Foods For Pregnant Women
Side Effects of Ginger during Pregnancy:
Ginger is a beneficial herb, but it also has some side effects if it is not consumed in the right way and by following certain precautions,
- Consuming excess ginger can cause heartburn, diarrhea, gastritis, stomach upset etc.
- You must avoid ginger in large quantities if you are taking anti-coagulants as it may intervene with the effectiveness of the medications.
- If you are taking medications for thinning blood, and it controls high blood pressure, it is advised to avoid ginger.
- Do not consume a lot of ginger if you are taking medication for lowering the blood glucose levels.
- High doses of ginger may induce menstrual bleeding, which may be harmful for the baby.
- As ginger is slightly acidic, it is not good to consume it if it worsens your heartburn.
How to Add Ginger in Pregnancy Diet?
Let us look at the various ways of consuming ginger when you are pregnant,
- Add a few slices of ginger to boiling water to make ginger root tea. You can add some lemon drops and honey to enhance the taste. Drink this lemon and ginger tea warm for best results.
- Extract the juice of fresh ginger and add a teaspoon of this juice to a glass of hot water. Drink it when it is warm. It is the best way of consuming ginger.
- Add a few fresh ginger juliennes to your dal or curry just before serving.
- Add a teaspoon of ginger paste to your soups.
- And add a few ginger chunks to your morning smoothie.
- Add grated ginger to your stir fries or salads.
- Make herbal tea with coriander, mint, ginger and turmeric.
- Make your own homemade ginger candy by boiling ginger slices in sugar syrup. There are many recipes for ginger candy. You can also add other beneficial ingredients like black pepper, rock salt etc.
- You can make cookies and biscuits with ginger as the main ingredient. It is the best way of consuming ginger in a snack.
See More: Garlic During Pregnancy Benefits & Effects
Most pregnancy related discomforts are relieved only when the baby is delivered. But spices like ginger will help you manage and prevent many unwanted symptoms of pregnancy. We hope the information provided above has given you a good awareness of the benefits of ginger during pregnancy. Try the various ways of eating ginger suggested above and let us know your experience. Click on ‘like’ or comment below if this article was useful to you.
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers:
Q1. Can I eat dry ginger powder during pregnancy?
Ans: It is advised not to take dry ginger powder or sukku during pregnancy. Dry ginger has highly concentrated amounts of ginger compounds. It may be harsh on pregnancy and give side effects.
Q2. How much ginger should I take during pregnancy?
Ans: You can safely consume up to 1000mg to 1500mg of ginger per day when you are pregnant. But you must make sure not to take all of it at once. Consume it in 4-6 doses spread throughout the day.
Q3. Are ginger tablets safe during pregnancy?
Ans: The concentration of ginger compounds in ginger tablets may vary and may not be labelled appropriately. It is advised not to take ginger tablets during pregnancy as they carry the risk of excessive consumption of ginger compounds. Fresh ginger is always the best way of consuming ginger.
Q4. Can ginger cause miscarriage in early pregnancy?
Ans: There is no evidence of ginger causing miscarriage or other serious complications during pregnancy. But as ginger is a spice, it is recommended to consume it in moderate amounts.
Q5. Is chewing ginger during pregnancy safe?
Ans: Chewing ginger while pregnant is absolutely safe is you are limiting the consumption to 1000mg to 1500mg per day. The best way of chewing ginger is in the form of ginger candies. Commercially available ginger candies may contain preservatives and other harmful chemicals, so it is best to consume homemade candies.
