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Garlic during pregnancy: what you need to know

Pregnancy
 (Photo: Shutterstock)

Garlic is known for its very distinctive and delicious taste. We mostly use it in food for flavour but many people don’t know that it contains medicinal benefits. If you’ve been eating garlic, you’re in luck because you’ve been getting added benefits and nutrients without even realizing it.

There are also great health benefits that come with using garlic during pregnancy. There are a few concerns including consumption safety during pregnancy and some of the benefits and risks you should know about it.

Is garlic safe? Garlic is safe for consumption during pregnancy. There are rarely any complications or malformations that occur as a result. Many pregnant women are able to experience the medicinal benefits that come with it and have healthy deliveries. 

What are the benefits?

Boosts immunity

Garlic has properties that prevent colds and flus, as well as reducing the sick days in case you fall sick. The allicin gives it its immune boosting properties which means you’ll feel healthier throughout the pregnancy. However, garlic shouldn’t be used as a treatment for Covid. This is something entirely different that needs urgent medical treatment.

 Garlic has both sulfur and allicin which actively eliminates toxins from organs like the liver (Photo: Shutterstock)

It’s good for the heart

?A healthy heart is vital during a pregnancy. Its working hard to pump blood and so it needs to be in top shape. Garlic can help with that because it prevents heart disease, strokes and other complications.

It lowers blood pressure

Preeclampsia is a condition that’s becoming more common in pregnant women. It can slow down the baby’s development and affect the mother-to-be as well. Garlic is able to stabilize blood pressure if you’re a mom who has had pre-existing high blood pressure and if you’re dealing with gestational high blood pressure.

Blood cleansing properties

Garlic has both sulfur and allicin which actively eliminates toxins from organs like the liver. It reduces the presence of heavy metals like lead which are known to cause pregnancy complications such as miscarriages. Consuming garlic will help cleanse the blood and improve blood flow.

 It’s also great for treating hair loss when applied topically (Photo: Shutterstock)

Good for skin and hair

Garlic won’t forget about your skin care and hair care needs. It has antibacterial and antifungal properties that prevent acne and skin infections and it’s also great for treating hair loss when applied topically. In this case, you can research garlic recipes for skin and hair then do a patch test to make sure it’s safe for you.

Regulates blood sugar levels

Diabetes is another menace that affects many pregnant women. Garlic is very helpful because it also regulates your glucose and insulin levels in case you have preexisting diabetes or gestational diabetes.

As much as we know all these benefits, garlic has to be consumed in moderation. Eating too much of it can cause excessive bleeding during delivery, complications during C-section, low blood pressure, and heartburn.

And if you have conditions like diabetes, thyroid disorder or any other condition that could be risky, you should consult your doctor first to get the proper directives on how safe it is use for you and what amount is suitable.

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