Pregnant ladies should be aware of the link between nutrition and pregnancy. This means you should consume nutrient-dense foods while pregnant, like herbs. Basil is considered as one of the best and most beneficial herbs. But the question is, “Can pregnant ladies consume basil during pregnancy similar to others?”
In this article on Hipregnancy, we will discuss the answer to the above question and many other points about basil consumption during pregnancy. Keep reading this article to the end if you enjoy adding basil to your favorite dishes.
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Is basil safe during pregnancy?
Basil is an aromatic herb, rich in minerals, vitamins, iron, folate, and other key nutrients needed for a healthy pregnancy.
As a result, there is no reason to stop taking basil while pregnant, but it should be consumed in moderation. In addition, it is necessary to consult a doctor before trying out this green herb during pregnancy to prevent any possible dangers.
Improving the baby development, increasing blood clotting, and preventing anemia and neural tube defects are examples of basil health benefits for the mother and the baby. There are many other benefits that will be discussed in the following part. Let’s continue to see how useful basil is for pregnant ladies and their growing babies.
Many other pregnancy-safe food options can be consumed while pregnant. To learn more about them, read our article about what can pregnant woman eat. This can help you to choose the best options to support a healthy pregnancy and give birth to a healthier baby.
Also Read: can you do keto while pregnant?
6 Health benefits of basil during pregnancy
There are several health benefits associated with the consumption of basil while pregnant, including;
- Basil is a good source of manganese, though it improves the development of the baby’s bone and the cartilage, and minimizes cellular damage .
- This green herb can increase the number of red blood cells and prevent anemia during pregnancy due to its folate and iron levels. In addition, it can highly reduce the risk of neural tube defects in the fetus.
- The other main advantage of consuming basil during pregnancy is related to its effect on the gastrointestinal tract. Basil can decrease heartburn symptoms during pregnancy, reduce stomach cramps, relieve inflammation, and support healthy intestinal microflora.
- Taking basil during pregnancy first trimester has a positive impact on the nervous system. Consuming basil leaves can reduce your anxiety levels, improve your mood, and enhance your sleep quality as well.
- Basil tea provides a high content of vitamin C for pregnant to pregnant ladies. Hence, basil consumption while pregnant can relieve cough, reduce body temperature, and prevent colds.
- The powder of dried basil leaves can be used as a natural toothpaste to reduce or prevent bad breath, strengthen tooth enamel, and relieve inflammation of the gums.
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Possible risks of basil pregnancy
Although basil is a nutritious herb, consuming it while pregnant might have the following dangers for you and your growing baby. Let’s take a look at these possible risks to see when you should avoid basil during pregnancy;
- Excess amounts of basil during pregnancy can reduce blood sugar levels, which can put the health of both the mom and the baby at risk.
- Basil seeds can have uterine contractions and increase blood flow, followed by stimulating menstruation.
- Those ladies taking anticoagulant drugs should avoid consuming basil in pregnancy due to its blood-thinning agents.
- If you are waiting for C-section to deliver your baby, you should not have basil leaves at least two weeks beforehand.
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How to prepare basil tea during pregnancy?
Basil tea is one of the best tea for pregnancy, and it provides several health benefits, including improved cognitive function, anxiety reduction, and improved immune system. Preparing a cup of this tea doesn’t take much time, and it will be ready to eat after about 5 minutes.
To make basil tea, you need boiling water, chopped fresh basil leaves or pre-packaged basil tea, honey, and lemon juice to taste. Steep the tea bag into boiling water or cover basil leaves with a cup of boiling water, leave them for about five minutes, and add honey and a few drops of lemon juice to make it tasty. Now, your tea is ready to drink. Enjoy it!
There is a positive point about basil tea related to its zero-caffeine level. Consuming basil tea in moderation can be a great choice for tea lovers as caffeine is not recommended during pregnancy (Read more on the caffeine and pregnancy).
Why avoid basil oil during pregnancy?
Consuming basil leaves in moderation is completely safe while pregnant, but using basil oil is unsafe during this period. Why? Let’s talk about it in detail.
Basil oil has a negative impact on the health of the developing fetus and the mother as well. It contributes to abnormal cell growth, increases heartbeats, causes shallow breathing, mouth and throat burn, blood in urine, and dizziness.
All the above issues prove that you should not use basil oil when pregnant if you don’t want to put your baby and yourself at risk of the health issues mentioned above. Remember, it is vital to consult your doctor before using any other essential oils while pregnant, as they may cause complications.
Are basil seeds good for pregnancy?
You might wonder whether it is safe to use basil seeds in pregnancy. Let us tell you all about basil seeds.
While it is considered safe to eat basil during pregnancy, consuming its seeds is not recommended for pregnant women. But why?
Basil seeds can this your blood during pregnancy and slow blood clotting; therefore, you should avoid basil seeds during pregnancy, particularly before a C-section. Taking these seeds before a C-section can result in excessive blood loss.
Moreover, consuming basil seeds or sabja seeds in pregnancy can lower your body’s oestrogen level, negatively impacting the fetus’s growth and development. Oestrogen is mportant in transferring nutrients to the baby and forming the fetus’s blood vessels.
In sum, eating basil seeds in pregnancy is a big no-no due to its harmful effects on the mom and the unborn baby.
Conclusion
Pregnancy has many ups and downs when it comes to diet. Many food options you enjoyed before pregnancy may become forbidden for you, depending on your circumstances during pregnancy.
Basil is a green herb you can enjoy while pregnant, like beforehand. Consuming basil during pregnancy provides several health benefits, but excess amounts can have possible dangers.
In this article on hi pregnancy, we discussed the critical points about basil pregnancy to ensure you about the safety of basil for pregnant women.
Now, you can share your ideas about basil consumption while pregnant. Please, comment on your ideas!
FAQs
1. Are basil leaves good for pregnancy?
It is to consume basil leaves during pregnancy if washed properly and taken in moderate quantities. Eating too many basil leaves while pregnant can irritate the uterus and should be avoided.
2. Is it safe to eat basil during pregnancy third trimester?
Yes, pregnant women can enjoy basil during the third trimester of pregnancy, but should moderate their intake to prevent its possible dangers.