Dill is a herb that is commonly used for cooking and medicinal purposes. Although the herb is flavorful and contains different nutrients beneficial for health, you may be concerned about the consumption of dill during pregnancy. Dill can be consumed in small quantities during pregnancy. However, if taken in excess, it may have adverse effects on the growth of the fetus. Read this post to know how much dill you can consume during pregnancy and learn about its benefits and side effects.
What Is Dill?
Dill is a perennial herb belonging to the family of Apiaceae. You usually use the herb for your culinary and medicinal requirements. Dill possesses tangy, appetizing taste and flavor and flavonoids, amino acidsiXA group of organic compounds that join together to form proteins. , minerals, and chemical compounds popular as MonoterpenesiXMain constituents of essential oils; a class of organic compounds (terpenes) with ten carbon backbone. that are beneficial for your health (1).
Is It Safe To Use Dill During Pregnancy?
Yes, you can use dill during pregnancy only for your culinary purposes in small quantities. You can have a dash of dill pickle during pregnancy. However, avoid using concentrated dill oil during pregnancy as it may prove harmful to your health or fetus. Also, avoid using an excess of dill in pregnancy as it can promote menstruation and put your pregnancy at risk. Dill seeds and leaves offer you several medicinal effects, however, avoid therapeutic doses while expecting.
8 Health Benefits Of Eating Dill During Pregnancy
Using dill for culinary purposes during pregnancy can help you have many health benefits.
1. Protects from bacterial infection
The use of dill while pregnant safeguards you from harmful bacterial infection. The anti-bacterial effects of the herb prevent the growth and expansion of bacteria and related ailments resulting due to it.
2. Prevents free-radical activity
Dill possesses powerful antioxidant properties that help safeguard your body from the harmful effects of free-radicals. The herb neutralizes free radicals, thus preventing oxidative stress during pregnancy.
3. Promotes bone health
Dill is rich in calcium, which is a vital mineral that safeguards you from the loss of bone mineral density. The herb safeguards you from the risk of osteoporosisiXA condition where the bones become weak and easily breakable. during pregnancy, and ensures appropriate bone growth and development in the fetus, reparation of injured bones, and promotes your bone health.
4. Regulates cholesterol
The use of dill in your culinary activities during pregnancy aids in regulating your blood cholesterol levels and blood glucose levels to a great extent.
5. Treats anemia
Dill leaves are a rich source of mineral iron. So, adding the leaves of the herb to your regular diet aids in boosting your iron levels and hemoglobin count substantially. Thus, dill helps treat anemia and its symptoms, such as fatigue, effectively during pregnancy.
6. Detoxifies your body
Dill possesses good amounts of mineral magnesium that aids in detoxifyingiXThe physiological or medicinal removal of toxic or harmful substances from the body. your body safely during pregnancy. The mineral is also beneficial for your bones. The powerful antioxidant properties of the herb help you have healthy, glowing skin while expecting.
7. Cures dysentery
Dysentery results due to fungal infections. Adding dill to your diet helps treat the health troubles resulting due to dysenteryiXAn intestinal infection characterized by severe diarrhea accompanied by the passage of blood and mucus. during pregnancy. The herb acts as a disinfectant and inhibits the fungal infections effectively.
8. Aids fetal growth
Dill is also a good source of mineral zinc. Zinc is a vital nutrient that aids rapid cell growth and promotes fetal growth and development. Consuming dill during pregnancy prevents the risk of zinc deficiency and aids appropriate growth and development of your unborn baby.
Side Effects Of Dill During Pregnancy
Even though there are numerous health benefits of eating dill during pregnancy, an excess of the use of this herb can prove harmful. Common side effects of eating dill during pregnancy are:
Stimulate menstruation as dill acts as an emmenagogueiXA substance that stimulates or promotes menstrual discharge.
Miscarriage
Skin irritation
So, ensure you avoid excess consumption of the herb during pregnancy to avoid its side effects.
