Even though certain foods might be healthy for people to consume in general, a pregnant woman might want to avoid eating them for one reason or another. Given that garlic is frequently referred to as a “super spice,” it is interesting to investigate the impact that garlic has on pregnancy.
Is it safe to eat garlic during pregnancy?: Garlic has been revered for thousands of years across the globe as a food that provides numerous benefits to one’s health. It has a high concentration of organosulfur, which is the compound that is responsible for its flavor and aroma, in addition to the possible benefits it may have for one’s health. These health benefits are, as a matter of fact, extended to women who are pregnant; however, the question of whether or not it is entirely safe still remains. Pregnant women may not have a very good understanding of the response to that question.
There have been no studies done over the years that have found that eating garlic while pregnant is in any way dangerous, nor have there been any studies that have found that it is in any way safe. Garlic is safe for pregnant women to consume, according to some authorities, but only in the early stages of the pregnancy. This is due to the fact that when the pregnancy is still in its early stages, the individual can still reap the beneficial effects of garlic despite the fact that there is no danger to the developing baby. Even so, these women are only allowed to consume it in very small doses. Then in their second and third trimester, they are discouraged from taking garlic because of some potential side effects. At this stage, the side effects of garlic include lower blood pressure and thinning of the blood. Overall, if you are interested in taking garlic during your pregnancy, talk to your doctor. If you insist on eating garlic, he or she will suggest an appropriate amount for you to consume, but if you choose not to, they will advise against it.
Health benefits of eating garlic during pregnancy
Consuming garlic while pregnant is associated with a number of health benefits. The following is a list of some of the health benefits that garlic offers to pregnant women.
1. Lowers the likelihood of developing high blood pressure
The treatment and prevention of heart problems are two of garlic’s most well-known uses. Since high blood pressure is a common issue for pregnant women, they can also benefit from this, as it is a common problem during pregnancy. One condition that affects nearly one in ten pregnant women is high blood pressure, which is also known as hypertension. Essentially, garlic reduces the risk of a pregnant woman having high blood pressure.
2. Increase baby weight
Garlic may help alleviate some of the symptoms associated with low birth weight, which is one of the pregnancy-related complications. Researchers have found that giving garlic to pregnant women who are at risk of having babies with low birth weight increases the babies’ birth weight. Garlic supplements encourage growth in the cells of your placenta while simultaneously lowering the risk of complications during or after birth.
3. Reduces cholesterol level
Garlic is an excellent source of the compound known as allicin, which has been shown to effectively help lower cholesterol levels while also keeping them in check. Garlic, especially when consumed in its chopped form, is known to reduce the risk of developing a variety of additional complications in addition to those that are caused by heart problems.
4. Prevents cancer
Garlic has been shown to reduce the risk of developing certain types of cancer, most notably colon cancer; however, in order for this to work, you will need to consume garlic on a regular basis, which may not be safe for women who are pregnant. Garlic may play a role in lowering one’s risk of developing cancer, according to the findings of a study carried out in China. Consuming garlic and onions together lowers the risk of developing stomach cancer, as stated by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) in the United States.
5. Combats cold, flu, and other infections
To avoid having to take prenatal vitamins or other medications while pregnant, a woman needs to take care of her health. This is due to the fact that she is taking medications that are harmful to both her body and the baby. Consuming garlic helps keep the immune system in peak condition, which in turn makes it easier to fight off infections like the flu and cold.
6. Prevents skin infections
Garlic has been shown to be helpful in preventing the many changes that can occur to a woman’s skin during pregnancy. Garlic contains a number of active ingredients that are beneficial in warding off skin infections.
Potential side effects of eating garlic while pregnant
Garlic, despite all of its positive effects on health, can occasionally cause adverse reactions in some people, including pregnant women. Consuming garlic while pregnant can cause a number of unpleasant side effects, including those listed below.
- Because of its ability to cause blood to become more thin, garlic can lead to an increase in the amount of bleeding that occurs during surgical procedures.
- Garlic can cause the blood pressure to drop to dangerously low levels if it is consumed in excessive amounts. This is beneficial for pregnant women who have high blood pressure, but only if there is not too significant of a drop in their blood pressure. In the event that this takes place, the woman might experience shock and pass out.
- Garlic may make it more difficult for the body to absorb iodine, which can result in a condition in which the thyroid gland is unable to produce an adequate amount of hormones.
- Garlic may have an adverse reaction when combined with certain types of medication that are intended to lower blood sugar levels.
Consult your primary care physician before consuming garlic in any form, including raw or as a dietary supplement. Though it’s possible that pregnant women who consume garlic in moderate amounts won’t experience any adverse effects, you should still discuss the topic with your healthcare provider just in case. They will advise you on a dose that will be safe for both you and the child that you are carrying.
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