It is natural to have strong cravings for certain foods during pregnancy. Many women have a craving to eat tamarind during this time. Its sour-sweet taste always attracts pregnant women, but do you know how safe it is to consume tamarind during pregnancy? Here we will explain in detail how safe it is to eat tamarind during pregnancy and whether eating it is beneficial for a pregnant woman or not. Not only this, you will also know here whether eating tamarind causes harm to the pregnant woman and the foetus.
Is it safe to consume tamarind during pregnancy?
Yes, tamarind can be consumed in moderation during pregnancy. It has been told in a research that tamarind can be beneficial in removing the problem of vomiting and nausea in pregnant. Along with this, it is also known to remove problems like cold, stomach pain , infection, joint inflammation.
Not only this, the vitamin C present in it helps in absorbing iron in the body. It can also help prevent anemia caused by iron deficiency (1) . Along with this, it also contains folate and other nutrients necessary for pregnancy, due to which it is said to be good and safe for pregnancy.
Moving ahead in the article, read what are the benefits of tamarind in pregnancy.
Benefits of eating tamarind during pregnancy
On the basis of further scientific research, we are giving information about the benefits of consuming tamarind during pregnancy. Just after knowing the benefits of tamarind in pregnancy, do not start consuming it in excess. Consuming every food item in limited quantity only gives its benefits. Let us now read the benefits of eating tamarind during pregnancy.
1. Prevention of diabetes
Consuming tamarind during pregnancy can reduce the problem of diabetes . Actually, the polyphenols present in it have antioxidant capacity. This can reduce the problems caused by oxidative stress and free radicals, including diabetes. On this basis, it can be said that eating tamarind during pregnancy can cure diabetes.
2. High blood pressure problem
Tamarind can also be helpful in preventing high blood pressure during pregnancy ie gestational hypertension. A research published by NCBI (National Center for Biotechnology Information) also states that tamarind can reduce the problem of high BP (4) . Also, the polyphenolic present in its seed extract can also control blood pressure.
3. Rich in Folate
olate is also essential in pregnancy , which is abundant in tamarind (6) . During research, it has been found that pregnant women who include folate and folate-rich foods in their diet have a lower risk of neural tube defects in their fetus ( 7 ) . In addition, this nutrient can protect pregnant women from the risk of miscarriage, preterm delivery, and low birth weight.
4. Rich in Vitamin C
Tamarind can also be helpful in supplying Vitamin C and maintaining its balanced quantity. In a research, it is mentioned that vitamin C present in tamarind is good for pregnancy (2) . A research paper published by NCBI also mentions the benefits of Vitamin C during pregnancy. According to research, consuming vitamin C during pregnancy can protect against pre-eclampsia (high blood pressure).
Not only this, it can also help in removing the obstacle in the intrauterine development of the baby and reducing the risk of maternal anemia ( 9 ) . According to another research, vitamin C can also play an important role in preventing the death of mother and child before and after delivery.
5. For constipation
Constipation is common in pregnancy (11) . To get relief from this, tamarind can be consumed (12) . Research suggests that it contains tartaric and malic acids as well as potassium, which have been shown to have laxative effects. This helps in evacuation of stool, due to which the complaint of constipation can be removed. (13) . In addition, tamarind also contains some amount of fiber, which can reduce the problem of constipation ( 2 ) . For this reason, constipation is also counted among the benefits of eating carrots during pregnancy.
6. Anemia
Women are at risk of anemia during pregnancy. Research suggests that 32 to 62 percent of pregnancies are affected by anemia (14) . Tamarind can help in preventing this. Actually, the vitamin C present in it absorbs iron in the body. This can prevent anemia caused by iron deficiency. For this, you can drink tamarind directly or drink it.
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Now we will tell how to include tamarind in pregnancy diet.
How to include tamarind in your diet during pregnancy
Tamarind can be included in the diet in many ways, some of which are as follows.
- Tamarind can be consumed directly.
- Tamarind can be eaten by making pickle during pregnancy.
- You can also eat tamarind by making a delicious chutney.
- You can consume it by adding tamarind to the sherbet.
Know further what are the disadvantages of eating tamarind during pregnancy.
Side Effects of Eating Tamarind While Pregnant
There are benefits of eating tamarind during pregnancy, but there can be disadvantages of tamarind if it is excessive. Some of these side effects are as follows.
- The tannins present in tamarind can cause digestive problems (6) .
- Due to the acidic nature, the outer layer of the tooth can be damaged (6) .
- Do not take aspirin and ibuprofen at all during the intake of tamarind. This can reduce the effect of drugs (6) .
- Hot foods include tamarind, which can generate heat in the body, which can harm the fetus (15) . Do not eat too much tamarind in this situation.
On the basis of research, we have told both the advantages and disadvantages of eating tamarind during pregnancy. Now after reading these two you can decide whether to eat tamarind or not. Although it would not be wrong to say that eating tamarind in small quantities does not prove to be harmful, but every woman’s pregnancy is not the same. For this reason, in case of any complication related to pregnancy, consume it only after asking the doctor. Healthy pregnant women can eat clean tamarind in limited quantity at the time of craving.
