Being born in an Indian household and not being aware of the countless miracles of haldi is next to impossible. From its anti-inflammatory properties to its antiseptic values, haldi can single-handedly be called the wonder masala in our kitchen dabbas.
In my family, growing up, haldi seemed to be the solution for most of our common ailments. If someone has a little bruise my grandmother would dab some turmeric paste, if anybody had a viral infection or common cold my mum would pound a bit of fresh turmeric root and give it us for chewing.
So naturally, when I heard about some scientific researches warning against using turmeric during pregnancy I was shocked. I mean, after all, the golden wonder, in my opinion, could do no harm.
However, if you too are in the same illusion as I was, it is important for you to note why an excess of turmeric during pregnancy may do more harm than good.
The possible problems
Now before you ban that box of haldi from your kitchen shelf, the good news is that it is totally all right to consume normal amounts of haldi during your pregnancy. In fact, in moderate amounts, turmeric, when consumed in pregnancy ,continues to do all the goodness to your body that you may have grown up hearing.
According to doctors, turmeric should be avoided only in excess of normal amounts. The reason for this is that turmeric is known to cause uterine bleeding. It can cause uterine contractions and can also cause mensuration. According to some doctors, an excess of turmeric is also known to cause fetal abnormalities.
According to University of Maryland Medical Center, in the United States, turmeric continues to discharge its restorative properties only when it is used as a spice in food. When it is consumed in additional quantities as a supplement or in herbal tea etc. it may do harm.
There have been some studies that also show that turmeric, when consumed in excess amounts, have caused spotting in women within two weeks of its consumption.
However, doctors also say that it may also be all right to take up to one glass of turmeric milk as long as only a pinch of turmeric is added. But any more than that must be avoided while you are expecting.
And as far as those turmeric capsules or supplements are concerned keep them off-limits while you are in that tender phase of life.
Read: Can consuming mulethi during pregnancy harm your baby?
