Drumstick During Pregnancy: Benefits & Side Effects

During pregnancy, women are extra conscious about their diet and the food they consume. They often wonder what foods are safe and what foods should be avoided during this crucial period. While some foods are a strict no-no, others are recommended for their nutritional benefits. One such food is drumstick, a nutrient-dense superfood that has been used for centuries in traditional medicine due to its numerous health benefits. However, despite its benefits, pregnant women are often confused about whether or not they should consume drumstick during pregnancy.

Read this article to know about the benefits of consuming drumstick in pregnancy, its side effects, how it helps your baby develop, how to incorporate it into your diet.

What is drumstick?

Drumstick is a part of the Moringa Oleifera tree and is native to North India. The tree is also known as the horseradish tree or ben oil tree. Drumstick has been used in traditional Indian medicine for centuries and has a variety of health benefits.

The drumstick tree grows to a height of 20-40 feet and has white flowers and long, hanging pods. The pods are what contain the drumsticks, which are the thin, woody stems inside. Drumsticks are rich in nutrients like vitamins A, C, and E, as well as calcium, potassium, and iron.

Is it safe to eat drumsticks during pregnancy?

It's normal to wonder is drumstick good for pregnancy. Well, it is safe to eat drumsticks during pregnancy. Drumsticks, or moringa oleifera, offer several health benefits that are particularly important during pregnancy, such as treating morning sickness, preventing harmful infections, making bones healthy, and boosting immunity.

However, pregnant women should be cautious and wash the vegetable thoroughly before consumption to avoid complications during pregnancy. Additionally, consuming drumsticks in excess may cause gas due to its laxative properties, and drumstick leaves and seeds contain a sterol compound that may cause miscarriage. It is crucial to consume drumsticks in moderation, like any other nutritive food.

Drumstick nutritional value

The nutritional value of drumstick during pregnancy per 100 gms serving is:

Calories – 41
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

The above nutritional values show that a drumstick during pregnancy is an excellent source of Vitamin A which helps in the development of the fetus’s organs, including the brain and eyesight. It also contains Vitamin C which helps in the absorption of iron and prevents infection.

Benefits of drumstick during pregnancy

Consuming drumstick in pregnancy can provide the following benefits to the mom-to-be and her baby:

1. Increases hemoglobin count

Drumstick leaves' juice is an excellent source of iron, which helps to improve hemoglobin levels, ensures better absorption of iron and prevent iron deficiency and anemia during pregnancy.

2. Boosts immunity

Drumsticks are rich in vitamin C and antibacterial properties, which can help boost immunity and keep seasonal infections like cold and flu and even harmful infections at bay during pregnancy.

3. Maintains blood sugar levels

Drumsticks are a great option for women with high blood sugar levels in pregnancy or with gestational diabetes as they help boost the functioning of gall bladder, which helps to maintain the blood sugar levels of the body.

4. Improve bone density

Drumsticks are rich in calcium, iron, and vitamins, which help to improve bone density and promote healthy and strong bones. They can also help promote healthy bone growth and development in the fetus.

5. Promotes healthy digestion

Drumsticks are rich in fiber, a vital nutrient that promotes healthy bowel movements. Additionally, they contain several B vitamins such as niacin, riboflavin, and vitamin B12, which play a crucial role in preventing gastric issues during pregnancy.

6. Alleviate morning sickness

Drumsticks can help treat morning sickness, alleviate nausea and dizziness and even reduce the fatigue and tiredness that comes with it.

Side effects of drumsticks during pregnancy

Drumsticks are generally safe to eat during pregnancy as long as they are cooked properly and consumed in moderation. However, it is important to be aware of potential side effects such as constipation, heartburn, and headaches.

Consuming drumstick leaves and seeds in excess may cause gas due to their laxative properties, and they should be consumed in moderation as they contain a sterol compound that may cause miscarriage. The bark and roots of drumstick contain toxic chemicals that can lead to a miscarriage and should not be consumed. As with all vegetables, it is important to wash drumsticks thoroughly before consumption.

How to consume drumsticks during pregnancy?

Some women prefer to cook drumstick before consuming it, as this helps to make it more digestible. Drumstick can be boiled, steamed, stir-fried, or even baked. There are many different recipes available online that show you how to cook drumsticks in a variety of different ways.

Tips for including drumstick in your pregnancy diet

Including Drumstick during pregnancy's second trimester can help you get the nutrients you need. Here are some tips for including drumsticks in your diet:

1. Add cooked drumsticks to soups or stews.
2. Use cooked, mashed drumstick as a replacement for chicken or turkey in recipes.
3. Mix cooked drumsticks with other vegetables and grains to create a balanced meal.
4. Include raw, sliced drumsticks in salads or as a healthy snack.
5. Drink drumstick juice regularly to boost your intake of vitamins and minerals

How to purchase the correct drumstick?

While choosing drumsticks, look for smooth and greenish pods. Most drumsticks have slight bumps which indicate where the seeds are so, make sure to avoid the ones with pronounced bumps. The reason being, these drumsticks have aged and might possess a strong or bitter taste. Additionally, the seeds will be hard and dry instead of being crunchy and tender.

How to store drumsticks correctly?

To store drumsticks, you can wrap them in a paper or plastic bag and keep them in the crisp drawer of the refrigerator. You can store them this way for at least a day or two. Although, the sooner you consume, the fresher will the drumsticks be.

Conclusion

In conclusion, drumsticks are a nutritious vegetable that can offer several benefits during pregnancy. They are a rich source of essential vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that can help support fetal development and boost maternal health. However, excess consumption may lead to certain side effects such as gastrointestinal discomfort and hypotension. Therefore, it is recommended to consume drumstick during pregnancy in moderation and under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

FAQs

1. Does eating drumstick leaves result in miscarriage?

Eating drumstick leaves during pregnancy is generally considered safe. However, there is some evidence that eating large amounts of these leaves may result in miscarriage. If you're pregnant, it's probably best to limit your intake of drumstick leaves to avoid any potential risks.

2. Does consuming drumsticks while pregnant result in gas?

There is no scientific evidence to support that consuming drumstick during pregnancy causes gas. Gas is a normal part of pregnancy and is caused by the growing uterus pressing on the stomach and intestines. This can make it difficult to digest food and can cause bloating and flatulence.

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.