Cinnamon is one of the most common spices. It is used for baking, meat dishes and desserts. Cinnamon goes well with chocolate. But during the period of carrying a child, not all spices are equally useful for a woman's body. Therefore, they can not be used for cooking. Today we’ll talk about whether cinnamon is good for pregnancy.
Varieties
Cinnamon is a spice obtained from the bark of tropical trees. They belong to the laurel family. Cinnamon varies by species:
- Chinese Spice has a sharp aroma and taste. It is sometimes called Indian spice.
- Ceylon. The spice has a burning taste, as well as a fragrant shade. The most expensive of the other types of cinnamon. Its origin is India, Ceylon, Brazil, Indonesia.
- Malabar. Spice has a sharp and slightly bitter taste.
- Cinnamon. The homeland of this type of cinnamon is Indonesia. It has a spicy smell and a burning taste.
Before including this spice in the diet, it is necessary to determine whether cinnamon can be consumed during pregnancy, and also to learn about its effect on a woman's body.
Spice composition
Cinnamon is successfully used in cosmetology and pharmaceuticals. Its composition includes such substances:
- cinnamaldehyde;
- organic acids;
- ethers;
- tannins;
- starch;
- resins;
- vitamins C, B, A and E, niacin;
- macro- and microelements.
Vitamin A in cinnamon is involved in the formation of the infant's organs of vision. It also promotes the production of collagen and elastin, improves the appearance of skin and hair.
Vitamin E has a positive effect on the circulatory system. He actively participates in the production of hormones that support pregnancy and ensure the formation of the internal organs of the baby.
Ascorbic acid strengthens the immunity of the mother and the fetus, and also prevents the development of colds.
B vitamins are necessary for the normal course of pregnancy.
Is cinnamon available in the early stages? During pregnancy, namely in the first trimester, the spice will be especially useful, since there are many substances in it, without which the laying and development of the internal organs of the baby cannot occur. However, it should be used with caution.
The benefits of cinnamon
Fragrant spice has many positive properties. Cinnamon during pregnancy is capable of:
- Cleanse the body. Spice has a diuretic, choleretic and laxative effect. As a result, the kidneys, liver, stomach and intestines are cleansed. Cinnamon as a natural diuretic removes excess fluid from the body. Thanks to its laxative properties it prevents the development of constipation.
- Reduces pain. A pregnant woman is not recommended to take medications to reduce pain. Cinnamon can get rid of negative symptoms.
- Reduce glucose levels. Cinnamon is prescribed for pregnant women with type 2 diabetes and at a risk of developing gestational diabetes.
- Strengthen blood vessels. The spice dissolves cholesterol plaques and provides normal blood supply.
- Normalizes digestion. Spice irritates the receptors of the stomach, which stimulates peristalsis and digestion.
Here are the main benefits of cinnamon. However, it must be taken with a pinch. A large amount of cinnamon can lead to a miscarriage, and at a later date - to premature birth.
How to consume cinnamon?
Most often, spice is an additional component to all kinds of dishes and drinks.
Honey with cinnamon is considered a cure for many diseases, so it can be used to treat colds. The combination of these products contributes to:
- enhancing metabolism and digestion;
- improving the condition of the skin;
- protect the heart and blood vessels;
- activation of immunity.
Cinnamon drink with honey should be consumed in small quantities - 1-2 tbsp. l per day. Otherwise, it can harm the mother and baby.
Most often, spice is used to give tea a special taste or aroma. Not many people know that a drink can have a powerful effect on the body.
The interaction of the active components of tea and cinnamon with daily use helps to improve the condition of the expectant mother, as well as increase the overall tone of the body. The life activity and well-being of a pregnant woman is increased. Drinking 2-3 cups a day is recommended.
Kefir is a drink that is considered the basis of the correct diet of a pregnant woman. The fermented milk product contains a large amount of calcium, as well as protein for the proper growth and development of the unborn child.
You can add a pinch of cinnamon to kefir, as a result of which it turns into a valuable drink. It helps to fight excess weight and improves skin and hair. You should not abuse kefir with cinnamon, so as not to cause a negative effect on the woman’s body.
Precautionary measures
So can cinnamon during pregnancy or not? Experts do not recommend expectant mothers to consume spice in large quantities. The optimal norm is a pinch or 0.5 tsp. cinnamon 1 time per day.
It can be used for baking pies, rolls, which does not harm the mother and child. Although it is also not recommended for a woman to get involved in flour during this period.
In order for the spice to bring only benefits to the body of the expectant mother, the recommendations of nutritionists should be followed.
Is it possible to cinnamon during pregnancy? It is forbidden to carry out aromatization with spice during the period of bearing a child. Volatile ether can cause active fetal movement.
If cinnamon is taken to stimulate labor, then treatment should be done with permission and under the supervision of a specialist.
Spice should be chosen correctly, because under its appearance cheaper, less useful cassia can be sold. The use of ground spices in sachets should be avoided.
Cinnamon sticks will be of particular benefit. Spices from India or Brazil should be preferred.
Contraindications
Cinnamon is not allowed in the following cases:
- diseases of the digestive tract (increased acidity of the stomach, gastritis, ulcer);
- heart and vascular disease;
- uterine or vaginal bleeding;
- problems with bearing the fetus;
- individual intolerance to the composition of the spice;
- increased blood coagulation.
If there are no contraindications, then a small amount of cinnamon will not harm the health of the woman and the unborn child.
Conclusion
Cinnamon during pregnancy is an important spice for a woman’s body, which can saturate it with nutrients and activate metabolism. However, future mothers should use it with caution and after consultation with an experienced therapist. Otherwise, it can lead to a miscarriage or premature birth.