Is It Safe To Drink Golden Milk During Pregnancy?

Golden Milk is a beverage based on the traditional Ayurvedic recipe that has been savored for centuries in many countries. Its origin is from India. Golden milk, also known as turmeric milk because it is a mixture of turmeric and dairy-free milk, along with a pinch of pepper, cinnamon, and maple syrup. It has powerful anti-inflammatory effects, and it is useful for autoimmune conditions. It is better to consume turmeric milk once in a few days, during pregnancy, but regular use may cause devastating effects. Milk is a major source of calcium and turmeric. Turmeric and calcium have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.^[1]

We can find out whether golden milk is safe or hazardous during pregnancy by comparing the pros and cons of golden milk during pregnancy.

Joint pains:

Weight gain in pregnancy causes a burden on joints causing joint pain. Due to strong anti-inflammatory properties of curcumin, golden milk can help relieve symptomatic joint pains and swollen legs.^[2]

Constipation:

Constipation is one of the major problems faced during pregnancy. Research has shown that golden milk can help relieve constipation caused by irritable bowel syndrome.

Cholesterol levels:

During pregnancy, cholesterol and triglyceride levels are increased because they are needed for the growth of the fetus. The abnormal increase can lead to medical complications, such as acute pancreatitis. Golden milk has a natural tendency to decrease cholesterol levels due to the presence of turmeric, which can prove a lifesaver.^[3]

Sore throat:

Golden milk has traditionally been used to get relief from cold, sore throat and chest congestion. People feel uncomfortable in having medicine during pregnancy, so turmeric milk is considered a wise choice in such situations.

Immunity:

Turmeric has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It contains many nutrients and bioactive substances. Golden milk helps in removing free radicals and boosting immunity, during pregnancy, by keeping away mild infections.

Blood purification:

In Ayurvedic medicine, turmeric milk has been recommended from ages for blood purification and to regulate and improve blood flow. Its antioxidant effect can help remove toxins and wastes from the body, that can prove fatal during pregnancy.

Possible side effects:

Golden milk, along with providing beneficial effects, also provide harmful effects during pregnancy.

Miscarriage:

It is believed that turmeric in golden milk can stimulate uterine contractions and cause bleeding, before full term. This can lead to miscarriage and preterm birth.

Birth defects:

The bioactive component curcumin found in turmeric has a lot of benefits, but it can lead to birth defects in pregnant women.

Bleeding disorders:

Turmeric an essential component of golden milk, is known to prevent aggregation and production of platelets. Decreased platelet count can lead to several bleeding disorders.^[4]

Other Benefits of Golden milk

Ayurvedic medicine has been recommended turmeric milk for its numerous benefits. Some of them will be discussed here:

Antioxidant Function:

Turmeric is the key ingredient in golden milk. The active component in turmeric is curcumin. Curcumin has strong antioxidant properties, so it has gained special importance in Ayurvedic medicine. The rich antioxidant function of golden milk helps to fight disease and infection, protect cells from damage, and contribute to the overall health of a person.

Help reduce inflammation and Joint pain:

The ingredients in golden milk mainly curcumin, cinnamon, and ginger, have potent anti-inflammatory properties. Studies say that curcumin, an active ingredient of turmeric, has anti-inflammatory effects similar to those of pharmaceutical drugs, with no side effects. Chronic inflammation plays a significant role in chronic diseases, like metabolic syndrome, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and heart disorders. People having diets rich in anti-inflammatory compounds experience reduced risk of these diseases.^[5]

Improve memory and brain function:

Curcumin, an active ingredient of turmeric, and the key component of golden milk help to raise the brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF). BDNF is essential for the brain to form new connections and to promote cell growth. Cinnamon helps to reduce the decline in brain function caused by Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.

Antidepressant:

Curcumin an active ingredient of turmeric, boosts BDNF. This property helps to reduce the symptoms of depression. Turmeric, when given in combination, enhances the benefits of antidepressants and also plays an important role in mood elevation.^[6]

Beneficial for heart diseases and diabetes:

All the main ingredients of golden milk, including turmeric, ginger, and cinnamon, benefit heart functions and protect against heart diseases. Whereas cinnamon and ginger help to reduce sugar level and increase insulin sensitivity.

Reduce the risk of cancer and improve digestion:

Curcumin was found to have the ability to kill isolated cancer cells and limit the formation of blood vessels around the tumor, to limit spread. Researches have proved that ginger speeds up stomach emptying. Turmeric helps to relieve symptoms of indigestion and promotes digestion by increasing bile production.^[7]

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