Can you eat curry when pregnant?

In this brief guide, we will answer the question: “Can you eat curry when pregnant?” We will also discuss the effects of eating curry during pregnancy, if there are any health benefits or harm of eating curry when pregnant, and what precautions you need to take when eating curry during pregnancy. 

Can you eat curry when pregnant?

Yes, you can eat curry when pregnant. However, it should be consumed in controlled quantities, or they may bring some side effects. Curry is made in different ways, and it is a spicy food, the type of food many pregnant women crave during pregnancy.

For many decades, it was believed that spice foods cause pre-labor. However, it was never scientifically proved, being just a myth. Spice foods, however, stimulate the digestive system, which may cause uncomfortable cramps during pregnancy. 

What are the effects of eating curry during pregnancy?

There are different effects of eating curry during pregnancy. Curry in powder can be used in different recipes and has multiple health benefits, which will be discussed below. However, curry should not be consumed in excess, so it may cause unpleasant digestive effects.

There is no scientific study showing the effects of curry on the fetus. But it is known that spice foods can cause heartburn in the mother, especially during the first trimester of pregnancy, which can be really uncomfortable.

Mothers usually get worried about the baby’s future diet. It is proven that everything you eat may influence your baby’s taste in the future. So, eating curry and spicy condiments may let your baby’s diet more diverse, getting a higher quantity of nutrients and flavors.  

Are there any health benefits in eating curry when pregnant?

Yes, there are a few health benefits to eating curry when pregnant, but that depends on the amount you are eating. If you ingest it in the right quantities and with healthy side dishes like rice, eggs and low-fat meat, it helps to improve your immune system.

Curry has a substance called curcumin, which studies show is a powerful way to keep your blood sugar levels under control, avoiding diabetes. When pregnant, some women may develop gestational diabetes, which is harmful for her and the fetus.

Curcumin also is considered an antioxidant, fighting against reactive oxygen species (ROS) in our body. Studies show that antioxidants can prevent cell cancer such as breast, ovarian, brain and prostate.

Curry also contains turmeric, which is a substance that strengthens the digestive system, leading to a good functioning when consumed in the right amounts. When eaten before going to bed, it decreases the chance of having morning sickness and nausea.

Pregnant women often develop pre-eclampsia, which is a condition caused by high blood pressure. Turmeric present in curry can maintain the blood pressure levels, avoiding pre-eclampsia and improving your heart condition.

Can eating too much curry while pregnant be harmful?

Yes, eating curry can bring some harm while pregnant. However, it is because of the spice condiments that are usually with the side dishes. Spicy foods, when eaten in large quantities, cause heartburn and acid reflux, which usually get worse with pregnancy.

Spicy condiments can also cause diarrhea when eaten in excess, which is harmful especially when pregnant because you can be dehydrated. In that case, drink lots of water and avoid it for a few weeks.

What are the precautions you need to take when eating curry during pregnancy?

There are a few precautions you need to take when eating curry during pregnancy. It is advisable to eat curry when homemade, because take out curry usually has different condiments that you are not aware of, which can be dangerous.

In case you have a gut condition, especially chronic and inflammatory diseases like Crohn or colitis, you better avoid curry, because studies show that it increases the inflammation rate in the people who already have that condition.

Always be careful when eating curry in every meal. Even when you are craving, it is best to avoid, because your digestive system needs time to make the process in the correct way, so it is best to give time and not eat every day.

Other FAQs about Curry that you may be interested in.

What is a mild curry paste?

How do I make my curry less tomatoey?

How Can I Make My Curry More Flavourful?

Conclusion

In this brief guide, we addressed the question: “Can you eat curry when pregnant?” We also discussed the effects of eating curry during pregnancy, if there are any health benefits or harm of eating curry when pregnant, and what precautions you need to take when eating curry during pregnancy.

Hope you found this blog useful. If you have any questions, please let us know.

Citations

https://www.emmasdiary.co.uk/pregnancy-and-birth/1st-trimester-of-pregnancy/can-i-eat-spicy-food-during-pregnancy#:~:text=Eating%20a%20hot%20curry%20or,are%20prone%20to%20when%20pregnant.

https://parenting.firstcry.com/articles/10-well-known-indian-foods-to-avoid-during-pregnancy/

https://www.babycenter.com/pregnancy/diet-and-fitness/is-it-safe-to-eat-spicy-foods-during-pregnancy_1246919

https://www.kennedyscurry.com/can-you-eat-takeaway-curry-when-pregnant/

https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-curry-powder

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