Cinnamon during pregnancy - benefits and harms

Future mothers have a restructuring of eating habits, their sense of smell and taste preferences are changing. That is why, for the preparation of various dishes, pregnant women increasingly use various spices, for example, cinnamon.

In addition to its gastronomic indicators, this oriental seasoning brings extraordinary benefits to the body of a woman and a child, saturates it with vitamins and antioxidants, and prevents diseases. But, like all spices, cinnamon has a number of restrictions for use and in some cases can be harmful.

Cinnamon - a source of vitamins and minerals

Overseas spice surprises with its diverse composition, thanks to which it is successfully used in pharmaceuticals and cosmetology. And it consists of a number of useful components:

• cinnamaldehyde;
• organic acids (e.g. pantothenic acid);
• mono- and disaccharides;
• eugenol;
• ethers;
• tannins;
• starch;
• resins, etc.
• vitamins of almost all groups, including choline, niacin, pyridoxine, ascorbic acid;
• macro- and microelements (sodium, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, manganese, potassium, zinc).

Vitamin A as part of cinnamon is involved in the formation of the baby's visual organ, the development of the retina. It also provides metabolism in the body of the expectant mother, helps maintain visual acuity, which during pregnancy can slightly decrease. Vitamin A is involved in the production of collagen and elastin, strengthens the health of the skin, hair and nails.

Ascorbic acid provides the general and local immunity of the mother and the child, and prevents colds and viral diseases.

Vitamin E destroys cancer cells and radicals, provides cell regeneration, which is important during the period of complex rebuilding of the body to bear pregnancy. Also, the vitamin affects the circulatory system: it stimulates blood flow, increases the tone of the vascular walls, and promotes the development of the placenta and its blood circulation. Vitamin E is actively involved in the production of hormones that support pregnancy and ensure the formation of the internal systems of the child.

Vitamin K affects hemostasis - a blood coagulation system. It is thanks to him that prothrombin is actively produced, which ensures blood coagulation during significant blood loss (for example, during childbirth).

B vitamins are comprehensively necessary for the normal course of pregnancy. B1 provides the growth of the child’s organs, strengthens the mother’s central nervous system, stimulates the metabolism in the brain cells. B2 is involved in the development of the baby’s visual apparatus, stimulates the production of hemoglobin, also necessary for pregnant anemia. It also contributes to the active breakdown of lipids and carbohydrates, preventing excessive weight gain during pregnancy. B5 is responsible for the production of hormones by the adrenal glands, and also has the property of lowering the level of bad "cholesterol", thereby cleaning the vessels of the expectant mother. B6 affects the synthesis of neurotransmitters, amino acids, provides energy metabolism, supports the heart muscle with an increasing load at 8-16 weeks (formation of the placental circle).

Cinnamon also contains a significant amount of trace elements, without which the laying and development of the internal organs of the child does not occur. Manganese provides the development of the skeleton of the baby and facilitates the absorption of calcium. The latter, in turn, lays the bone and cartilage of the fetus, supports the strength of the teeth of the future mother. Both manganese and calcium are involved in the process of hematopoiesis and ensure its effective coagulation.Iron in cinnamon stimulates the production of hemoglobin and inhibits the development of anemia. Zinc regulates the level of glucose in the blood plasma, protecting the mother from gestational diabetes. Potassium stimulates the brain and heart, promotes gestation and even eliminates edema - the scourge of pregnant women in the later stages. Magnesium provides a good mood for the expectant mother, prevents the development of pre- and postpartum depression, normalizes sleep, and reduces nervousness and anxiety. Sodium is necessary for the regulation of water metabolism.

Why cinnamon is good for a future mother

Fragrant spice has a number of properties that are useful for a pregnant woman and her baby.

1. Cleanses the body. The spice is characterized by light diuretic, choleretic and laxative properties, due to which the kidneys, gall bladder, stomach and intestines are cleaned of toxins. Also, a natural diuretic removes excess fluid from the body through urine and sweating, thereby reducing the swelling of internal organs and tissues. The laxative effect of cinnamon helps to overcome the chronic constipation characteristic of pregnancy.
2. It relieves pain. It is known that it is undesirable for a future mother to take chemicals to relieve spasms. Cinnamon helps to dull pain, renal and hepatic colic, intestinal cramps, well removes head and muscle pain.
3. Produces disease prevention. Antioxidants, organic acids, esters and vitamin C - all these components act to protect the body, providing the antiseptic properties of cinnamon.
4. Lowers sugar levels. Cinnamon is often prescribed for pregnant women with type 2 diabetes, as well as with the risk of developing gestational diabetes.
5. Cleanses and strengthens blood vessels. Spice dissolves cholesterol plaques, providing a normal flow of blood to the child. She also tones blood vessels, reduces their fragility, protecting the expectant mother from blood loss during childbirth.
6. Normalizes digestion. First, the spice stimulates the release of insulin, which increases appetite even during toxicosis and general malaise. Secondly, it gently irritates the receptors of the stomach, contributing to the secretion of hydrochloric acid. As a result, the assimilation of products and the splitting into components occurs without problems. Thirdly, it participates in metabolism, due to which fats are qualitatively broken down and not deposited on the figure, carbohydrates release the necessary energy, and proteins are sent to the growth of the child. Fourth, it stimulates peristalsis and digestion, relieving both constipation and diarrhea.
7. Improves mood. Many doctors believe that the use of spices can reduce irritability and anxiety, improve mood, get rid of obsessive thoughts and apathy.

Restrictions and harm

In order for cinnamon to bring exclusively benefits to the body, it is necessary to follow the recommendations of nutritionists and gastroenterologists.

1. The optimal dosage for pregnant women is half a teaspoon per day.
2. Spice must be added to food and drinks, but in no case should be consumed in its pure form (powder or stick).
3. It is forbidden to carry out cinnamon aromatherapy during pregnancy. Volatile esters can cause anxiety and active fetal movement, increase uterine tone, and even in rare cases provoke abortion or premature birth.
4. If cinnamon is taken to stimulate uterine contractions before childbirth or to enhance lactation, then treatment should be done with the permission and under the supervision of the attending physician.
5. The spice must be chosen correctly, since under the guise of cinnamon they can sell cheaper and less useful cassia, which is externally difficult to distinguish. Avoid ground condiment in sachets.Cinnamon sticks will bring the greatest benefit - so you know for sure that this is the plant you need. Prefer spices from India or Brazil, avoiding the Vietnamese and Chinese options (the latter contain coumarin, which can cause liver problems, as well as migraines).

Gynecologists indicate strict contraindications to the use of spices in case of:

• increased acidity of the stomach, gastritis, enterocolitis or a history of ulcer;
• increased blood coagulation;
• heart disease
• uterine hypertonicity;
• uterine or vaginal bleeding;
• pregnancy problems;
• individual sensitivity to the composition of the spice, including allergies to other spices, citruses.

With a reasonable restriction and following the doctor's recommendations, cinnamon will become an aromatic medicine on your shelf. Using spice during pregnancy, you will get rid of a headache, establish an appetite, restore a healthy sleep and strengthen your immune system.

Video: the beneficial properties and harms of cinnamon