Can You Have Tamarind-Based Food During The First Trimester?

If you are craving for some tamarind-based food during the first trimester of your pregnancy, you are not alone. It is normal to have cravings for sour food items when pregnant. But the question is – is it safe?

While tamarind contains all the necessary amino acids except tryptophan. It also contains magnesium which is good for bone health and phytochemicals like beta-carotene, which provides 10% of iron, phosphorus, magnesium, vitamin b1, vitamin b3 and potassium, how safe is it to have tamarind or tamarind based food during the first trimester?  

Here’s all that you need to know about consuming tamarind during pregnancy.

Benefits Of Eating Tamarind

Goodness of Iron

Tamarind contains iron which helps support the increased volume of blood during pregnancy. Additionally, having the right amount of iron during pregnancy brings down the chances of premature birth. The chances of low birth weight of the baby also reduces. 

Nausea and Morning Sickness 

Sucking a piece of tamarind with some salt and black pepper can be an effective treatment for nausea and morning sickness. The fruit also has compounds which help the stomach settle down. Additionally, during the first trimester, it can ease the vomiting sensation. However, consult with your doctor if you can consume tamarind as a treatment for your morning sickness.

Rich in Minerals

The micronutrients present in tamarinds such as iron, calcium, protein, magnesium and zinc have a variety of benefits such as improving the immunity system functioning and supporting the teeth and bone health. Furthermore, it also helps regulate blood pressure. 

Eases Constipation

Tamarind is rich in dietary fibre which helps to prevent constipation. Additionally, the fibre in it also prevents gaining excessive weight and keeps you feeling full hence preventing you to munch on unhealthy snacks.

Can I Eat Tamarind during All my Trimesters?

During the early stage of pregnancy which is the first trimester, craving for sour tamarind is common. This fruit is rich in fibre and is safe to eat during all stages of pregnancy. Speaking to Baby Chakra, Paediatric Nutritionist Dr Pooja Marathe says, “The vitamin C content in tamarind is extremely high, which is why you can’t overindulge in it while pregnant. Consuming too much tamarind can suppress progesterone production which can cause miscarriage or preterm birth to occur.

While a lot of people feel that the consumption of tamarind during this period can be dangerous, research and experts feel that moderate consumption of tamarind is actually good for the mother and foetus too in the growing days of pregnancy.”

When Should you Be Careful about Consuming Tamarind?

For women who have diabetes or gestational diabetes, they will need to be careful of the portion size consumed. This is because the fruit is high in carbohydrates so you will have to check for the daily consumption limit of carbohydrates recommended by your doctor.

Can Tamarind Affect Fertility?

Until date, there hasn’t been any link on tamarind affecting fertility. This antioxidant-rich food is a great source of fibre and also helps meet your daily iron, magnesium, vitamin b1 and potassium needs. Hence it can be consumed at any stage of pregnancy including the first trimester. 

If you are a mum-to-be, do not worry about having tamarind-based food during the first trimester or the other stages of pregnancy too. You can use tamarind especially in Indian cooking in countless ways, from chutneys to curries, rice, tamarind based beverages or simply suck on a fresh piece of tamarind fruit. 

What you need to keep in mind, is to have it in moderation and not overindulge. Since the vitamin C content in tamarind is very high, consuming too much tamarind can  suppress progesterone production causing preterm birth or even miscarriage.

DISCLAIMER: We have taken steps to check the accuracy of the information & practices shared above; however, it is not a replacement for a doctor’s opinion. Please check with either your doctor, or an expert, before trying any suggestion, practice, or medication mentioned here.