The impact of tamarind during pregnancy can be best understood in terms of the fact. That it helps reduce swelling of the ankles. Which can be painful and harmful, as also bloating and muscular pain. Sweet tamarind in pregnancy is beneficial as it is an excellent source of decent sugar. It is safe for consumption during pregnancy. But in modest amounts and generally as a combination with other food items.
The tamarind fruit is native to the continent of Africa. It is a leguminous tree of the Fabaceae family. The fruit produced by this tree is enclosed in pods that contain pulp and seeds. The pulp of the tamarind pod is used in cuisines worldwide.
Tamarind has many benefits in terms of maintaining good health. It helps with blood pressure, controlling cholesterol, digestion and even in ensuring you keep your skin vibrant and your hair strong and healthy. It can also be used as a laxative.
Nutritional Facts of Tamarind in Pregnancy:
If you are concerned about whether “is tamarind good for pregnancy” then here are a few facts that may help you make your choice. Tamarind is very rich in terms of nutritional value.
- It contains calcium and other nutrients such as vitamins A, C, and K.
- Tamarind is also a very safe and reasonable source of protein, fibre, and many other minerals.
- It is also a good source of sugar, especially during pregnancy.
Eating tamarind in pregnancy in moderate amounts is not harmful but beneficial for both the mother-to-be and the welfare of the unborn child.
[ See More: Uses of eating amla during pregnancy ]
Eating Tamarind During Pregnancy is Safe or Not?
No research exists that has proven whether tamarind is safe to be used as a medicine during pregnancy. Consumption of tamarind during pregnancy in moderate amounts is beneficial. Tamarind is rich in nutritional value and has a lot of minerals and vitamins that are good for an expecting mother.
However, there may be particular concerns about tamarind in pregnancy. Tamarind is likely to react with medications containing paracetamol, ibuprofen and even Aspirin. It is thus advisable that 24 hours elapse post the intake of these medications prior to any further consumption of tamarind.
Benefits of Tamarind During Pregnancy:
Tamarind being as high as it is in terms of nutritional value is beneficial in moderate amounts during pregnancy. There are benefits of tamarind during pregnancy for the expecting mother and thus also for the unborn infant.
- In the later trimesters of pregnancy, the anti-inflammatory properties of tamarind helps to control swelling of the ankles, bloating and various assortments of muscular pains.
- Tamarind is very high in terms of antioxidants.
- This is essential for dealing with conditions such as diarrhoea, constipation and gestational diabetes.
- This is best as it is a natural form of health care.
- Gestational diabetes is a condition involving a high level of blood sugar during pregnancy. which can be controlled with tamarind as it contains polyphenols and flavonoids.
- The presence of minerals such as potassium and sodium is supposed to assist in the control and management of blood pressure during pregnancy.
- It is also believed that the antioxidants in tamarind are supposedly helpful in the prevention of certain forms of cancer.
Side Effects of Tamarind During Pregnancy:
There is not sufficient research conducted to arrive at a conclusive opinion. As to whether tamarind is safe to be used as a medicine during pregnancy. And so there may be some grey areas around tamarind side effects during pregnancy.
- Most of the risks involved are due to the consumption of uncontrolled amounts of tamarind during pregnancy. Ibuprofen is a drug that can endanger a child’s life, and tamarind increases the capacity of the body to absorb this drug.
- Tamarind also increases the absorption rate of Aspirin, which acts as a blood thinner and results in the baby not receiving the proper nutrition due to irregular blood flow.
- Excessive eating of tamarind can lead to issues with blood sugar and blood pressure.
How To Consume Tamarind During Pregnancy Diet:
Consumption of tamarind in moderate amounts is excellent during pregnancy. However, tamarind should be consumed with other food items. And not in either a raw or an undiluted form. It can also be consumed as juice. The most common questions by mothers are “Can I eat tamarind during pregnancy”? The answer is YES… You can have Pani Puri, Sev Puri, Sambar or any assortment of veg and non-veg curries. Keep in mind hygiene is a huge factor and so it is best to have these sweet and sour delicacies at home as opposed to on the street!
The craving for the sweet-sour taste of tamarind will always be there. With that comes the question “is it safe to eat tamarind during pregnancy”? Or “what are tamarind side effects during pregnancy”? While it is widely acknowledged that.
Tamarind has multiple nutritional properties. And is beneficial in controlling many of the common ailments faced by women during pregnancy. It must also be noted that too much of anything is not good. Excessive consumption of tamarind in any form, especially raw or undiluted, will lead to dangerous situations for both the mother and child. Therefore, enjoy the tamarind, stay healthy, and most of all stay safe.
Q1. Is it possible for tamarind to cause a miscarriage?
Ans: Tamarind is a rich source of vitamin C. However too much vitamin C is not suitable during pregnancy and can have a harmful effect on expecting mothers. Excessive intake of vitamin C, especially during the early stages of pregnancy may reduce the production of progesterone. Progesterone is essential during the early stages of pregnancy. As it prepares the uterine lining to receive the embryo. This is the reason that it is advocated that tamarind is consumed in moderate amounts and combined with other foods.
Q2. Does consuming tamarind for pregnant women or breastfeeding mothers need to take extra precautions?
Ans: Pregnant women need to take the usual precautions during pregnancy. Consume tamarind in modest amounts. Preferably with other foods. It is also useful in the form of juice. Breastfeeding women can consume tamarind in similar quantities. As it does not have any impact on the child and is relatively safe.
Q3. How does tamarind affect the early stages of pregnancy?
Ans: In the first trimester, especially the first month of pregnancy, an excess intake of tamarind is not good. Tamarind contains vitamin C and too much vitamin C can lead to a self-induced miscarriage. Because of the reduced production of progesterone. It acts as a natural remedy for nausea and morning sickness. which are common conditions during early pregnancy. Though the risk of excessive tamarind consumption is greatest during the earlier stages of pregnancy. It is always recommended to satisfy your cravings for tamarind in moderate amounts.
