Drumstick During Pregnancy: The Ultimate Guide to Benefits & Side Effects

Pregnancy brings a slew of questions into a woman’s life, like what foods are safe, which foods should I avoid, which foods are best for the baby, and so on. While some foods are strictly prohibited, some may be recommended for their nutritional benefits. One such superfood that’s packed with health benefits is drumstick. Despite its numerous benefits, women are often confused whether or not to consume drumstick during pregnancy.

In this article, we will explore the benefits of consuming drumstick in pregnancy, its side effects, how it helps your baby’s development and how to include it in your diet.

What is drumstick?

A part of the Moringa Oleifera tree, drumstick is commonly found in North India. The drumstick tree grows up to a height of 20 to 40 feet with white flowers and long, hanging pods. The pods contain drumsticks, which appear like thin, woody stems. They have been used in traditional medicine for centuries in India and are rich in vitamins A, C and E and calcium, potassium and iron.

Drumstick nutritional value

Here is the nutritional value of drumsticks per 100 gms:

Calories – 41 kcal

Protein – 2 g

Fat – 0 g

Carbohydrate – 9 g

Fibre – 1 g

Sugar – 4 g

Vitamin A – 664 IU

Vitamin C – 16 mg

Calcium - 40 mg

Iron - 0.4 mg

Is drumstick good for pregnancy?

It’s common for pregnant women to wonder can I eat drumstick during pregnancy or is drumstick safe during pregnancy. Well, you’ll be delighted to know that it is safe to consume drumsticks during pregnancy. In fact, they can offer several benefits for pregnant moms like relief from morning sickness, protection against harmful infections etc.

However, you should be cautious while consuming it and wash the vegetable thoroughly to avoid any complications during pregnancy. Additionally, excessive consumption of drumsticks or moringa during pregnancy can cause digestive troubles. Moreover, drumstick leaves and seeds contain a sterol compound which may cause miscarriage. So, as with any other food, it’s recommended to eat drumsticks in moderation.

Benefits of drumstick during pregnancy

You and your baby can enjoy the following benefits of drumsticks during pregnancy:

1. Increases hemoglobin count

The juice extracted from moringa leaves is a great source of iron, which helps to improve hemoglobin levels and prevent iron deficiency or anemia during pregnancy.

2. Boosts immunity

Drumsticks are also packed with vitamin C and antibacterial properties, which helps to boost your immunity and keep seasonal infections like cold and flu at bay during pregnancy

3. Maintains blood sugar levels

Women with high blood sugar levels in pregnancy or gestational diabetes can also benefit from drumsticks as they help to improve the gall bladder function, thereby keeping the body’s blood sugar levels in check.

4. Improve bone density

A great source of calcium, iron and vitamins, drumsticks also help to improve bone density and may even promote healthy bone growth and development in the baby.

5. Promotes healthy digestion

Gastric issues are common during pregnancy. Drumsticks contain several B vitamins such as niacin, riboflavin and vitamin B12 and fibre that help promote healthy bowel movements and preven gastric issues during pregnancy.

6. Alleviate morning sickness

It’s common to experience morning sickness during pregnancy. Drumsticks can help provide relief from nausea and the dizziness and fatigue that often comes with it.

Side effects of drumstick in pregnancy

As long as you wash and cook them properly and eat them in moderation, drumsticks are deemed safe to eat during pregnancy. However, it doesn’t hurt to know the potential side effects of moringa during pregnancy. Some common side effects include constipation, gas, heartburn and headaches. Additionally, consuming drumstick leaves during pregnancy or their seeds, bark and root in excess may even cause miscarriage as they can be toxic. So, make sure to wash them thoroughly before eating and consume in moderation.

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How can I eat drumstick during pregnancy?

While some women prefer to cook drumsticks before consuming them, they can be steamed, boiled, stir-fried or even baked. There are numerous recipes on how to cook moringa during pregnancy to help you reap the benefits of drumstick during pregnancy.

Tips for including drumstick in your pregnancy diet

Consuming drumstick during pregnancy 3rd trimester can offer you and your baby a variety of nutrients that are essential during this time. Here are some tips you can follow to include drumsticks in your diet:

1. Cook drumsticks and add them to soups or stews.

2. You can replace chicken or turkey with cooked or mashed drumsticks in some recipes.

3. You can mix cooked drumsticks with other vegetables like potatoes, onions etc. and grains to create a balanced meal.

4. You can add raw or sliced drumsticks (after washing them thoroughly) to salads or snacks.

5. You can drink juice from drumsticks’ leaves to boost your nutritional intake.

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Here are a few recipes for cooking drumsticks and enjoying them during pregnancy:

1. Drumstick potato subzi

Chop some onions and garlic and sauté them in a pan. Then, add chopped drumstick and potatoes along with turmeric, chili powder and some salt. Cover the pan with a lid and cook until the vegetables are tender. Then garnish with cilantro. You can serve this drumstick and potato subzi with rice or chapatti.

2. Drumstick curry

Heat some oil in a pan and sauté ginger, garlic and onions in it. Now, add some chopped tomatoes and spices like chili powder, turmeric and coriander powder. Then, add drumstick pieces along with water and simmer until the drumsticks are cooked properly. Finish the curry with coconut milk and serve the drumstick curry with rice or chapatti.

How to purchase the correct drumstick?

The next time you want to purchase drumsticks, don’t just buy any drumsticks. Look for smooth, greenish pods which indicate the drumsticks are fresh. Additionally, avoid the ones with pronounced bumps as they’re likely to carry bigger seeds. They might also be aged and have a bitter or strong taste. Moreover, their seeds will be dry and hard instead of being crunchy and tender.

How to store drumsticks correctly?

In order to store drumsticks properly, wrap them in a plastic or paper bag and keep them in the crisp drawer of the refrigerator. This way they will last for at least a day or two. It is recommended to consume them fresh so, don’t keep them in the fridge for too long.

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FAQs

1. Does eating drumstick leaves result in miscarriage?

If you consume them in moderation, it is safe to consume drumsticks or moringa leaves during pregnancy. Eating them in large amounts or drinking their juice in large quantities may lead to miscarriage. So, either consume them in a limited amount or avoid them during the first trimester to minimize any potential risks.

2. Does consuming drumsticks while pregnant result in gas?

Consuming drumstick in pregnancy in excessive amounts may lead to gas due to its laxative properties. However, gas is a common occurrence during pregnancy and is caused by the increased pressure of the growing uterus on the intestines. This is what makes it harder to digest food and results in bloating and flatulence.

Conclusion

Drumsticks are a nutritious vegetable, packed with essential vitamins and minerals that improve maternal health and promote fetal development. While they can provide several benefits during pregnancy, excessive consumption may cause side effects like gas or hypotension. So, it is recommended to consume drumstick during pregnancy in moderation and consult your gynecologist or dietician in case of any doubts.

References

1. Kashyap P, Kumar S, Riar CS, Jindal N, Baniwal P, Guiné RPF, Correia PMR, Mehra R, Kumar H. (2022). Recent Advances in Drumstick (Moringa oleifera) Leaves Bioactive Compounds: Composition, Health Benefits, Bioaccessibility, and Dietary Applications. NCBI

2. Basri H, Hadju V, Zulkifli A, Syam A, Indriasari R. (2021). Effect of Moringa oleifera supplementation during pregnancy on the prevention of stunted growth in children between the ages of 36 to 42 months. J Public Health Res.

Tags

Drumstick During Pregnancy in Hindi, Drumstick During Pregnancy in Tamil, Drumstick During Pregnancy in Telugu