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Pregnant women may have some unique cravings – chewing on some yummy drumsticks and enjoying a bowl of piping hot drumstick soup also make it to the list. But how safe is it to consume drumsticks during pregnancy? While it is known that drumstick is a healthy vegetable to include in one’s diet, it is important to confirm their safety for expecting mothers. Continue reading this post for detailed information on the nutritional significance, safety, and health benefits of drumsticks for pregnant women.
What Is A Drumstick?
Drumstick, also widely popular as moringa oleifera, is a tropical plant belonging to the Moringaceae family. It is commonly found in the sub-Himalayan forests of India.
A drumstick plant is around 1.5 to 2 meters tall and bears dark green long, slender, three-sided edible seed pods. Each pod is about six to eighteen inches in length with a drumstick-like appearance and tapering ends. Each pod contains fleshy pulp and round pea-sized seeds (1).
Did you know?Nutritional Value Of Drumstick
Drumstick is a nutritious food that has four times more fiber than oats (2). Additionally, it is rich in various phytochemicals that can promote overall health in the long run. Here’s the nutritional composition of 100 grams of raw drumstick pods (3):
| Nutrients | Amount |
|---|---|
| Water | 88.2g |
| Protein | 2.1g |
| Fiber | 3.2g |
| Calcium | 30mg |
| Magnesium | 45mg |
| Phosphorus | 50mg |
| Potassium | 461mg |
| Sodium | 42mg |
| Vitamin C | 141mg |
| Folate | 44µg |
| Vitamin A | 4µg |
Source: US Department of Agriculture
Is It Safe To Eat Drumstick During Pregnancy?
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Yes, you can safely include moderate amounts of drumsticks in your late pregnancy diet. It can prove to be quite healthy for expectant mothers. Drumsticks are commonly added to curries or prepared with lentils as part of a healthy Indian diet during pregnancy. However, as with all other veggies, you need to wash the drumsticks thoroughly before you consume them. The unwashed vegetable may contain harmful parasites, bacteria, and traces of pesticides that could complicate your pregnancy. So, remember to eat drumsticks in moderation while you are expecting.
Health Benefits Of Eating Drumsticks During Pregnancy
Drumsticks are a nutritious food option that can offer you several health benefits (17). Here, we list some common health benefits of eating this vegetable while you are pregnant.
1. Make bones healthy
Drumstick leaves and pods have high amounts of calcium, iron, and magnesium that can support bone health during pregnancy. They also contain good amounts of vitamin C that aid in calcium absorption, which also helps maintain healthy bones (4) (5).
2. Prevent harmful infections
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Drumsticks possess powerful antibacterial properties that may help lower the risk of bacterial infections during pregnancy. Additionally, drumstick leaves have antifungal and antibiotic effects that can help strengthen immunity when pregnant (6).
3. Promote digestion
Drumstick pods and leaves contain dietary fiber, minerals, and vitamins that can aid digestion and promote overall gut health. They are also believed to have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that may help treat or manage digestive issues, such as constipation and indigestion (7).
4. Regulate diabetes
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the incidence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) among US women increased by 30% from 2016 to 2020. This rise in GDM highlights the need for effective management strategies during pregnancy. Some studies show that drumstick leaves and pods contain dietary fiber and certain bioactive compounds that may help regulate blood sugar levels (8). However, more clinical studies are warranted to confirm this potential benefit.
5. Promote Healthy Vision And Skin
Drumstick leaves and pods are a great source of vitamins A, C, and E that help strengthen the immune system. These nutrients also possess antioxidant effects that can help improve vision and skin quality in the long run (6).
6. Improve hemoglobin level
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Drumsticks contain high amounts of iron. Besides, they are rich in vitamin C, which can help increase the bioavailability of iron in the body. Hence, consuming drumsticks as a part of a well-balanced diet can help maintain optimal hemoglobin levels during pregnancy, which is essential to prevent anemia and its adverse effects, such as fatigue and dizziness (9).
Research findsFrequently Asked Questions
1. Does eating drumsticks during pregnancy cause gas?
Drumsticks can be safely consumed during pregnancy in moderation. However, they may cause gas if consumed in excess because drumsticks have laxative properties (10), which may result in rebound constipation, including trapped gas (11).
2. Can drumstick leaves cause a miscarriage?
Yes, drumstick leaves and seeds contain a sterol compound, β-sitosterol (12) (13), which may cause miscarriage due to inappropriate uterine motility in early pregnancy (14).
3. Can moringa leaves benefit pregnancy?
Yes, moringa leaf extract can positively affect maternal health and fetal development and growth if consumed in moderation. It is a rich source of several antioxidants and micro- and macronutrients and has anti-inflammatory, anticarcinogenic, antiproliferative, and antiviral properties (15) (16). However, avoid consuming moringa in excess, especially during early pregnancy.
4. Is eating moringa safe while trying to conceive?
No, consuming moringa while trying to conceive is unsafe because of the presence of β-sitosterol (12), which can interfere with folliculariRelated to the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle, before ovulation, when the maturation of the follicle containing the egg occurs. periovulatory phases (14).
5. What are some ways to include drumsticks in your pregnancy diet?
You can include drumsticks into your diet in various ways. It can be added to soups or stews, included in curry dishes, or steamed as a side dish. For a quick meal, stir-fry drumsticks with mixed vegetables. Keep portions moderate and ensure they’re thoroughly cooked before eating.
You may hardly come across any advice against consuming vegetables during your pregnancy. So if you are wondering about the safety of drumsticks during pregnancy, go ahead and include them in your pregnancy diet. Adequate prenatal nutrition is crucial for the growth and development of the fetus, and drumsticks can provide important nutrients. However, ensure that you give them a thorough wash and consume them in moderation to avoid any adverse reactions. If you are still concerned, consult your OB/GYN to learn about how this vegetable should be added to your diet and in what quantity.
Infographic: Tasty And Nutritious Drumstick Recipes For Expecting Moms
Drumsticks are a nutritious option for pregnant women, as they are rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals. This infographic offers a selection of recipes with drumsticks as the main ingredient. So whether you’re looking for a new meal idea or want to ensure you’re getting the essential nutrients you need during pregnancy, give these recipes a try.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
Key Pointers
- Women can safely consume drumsticks during pregnancy.
- It is known to help alleviate symptoms of morning sickness, strengthen bones, boost immunity, and prevent infections.
- Consumption of drumstick leaves is also known to improve the gallbladder’s functioning and control blood sugar levels.
- It is, however, advisable to consult a doctor before including new items in your pregnancy diet.
Illustration: Can You Eat Drumstick During Pregnancy?
Image: Dall·E/MomJunction Design Team
References
- AESA based IPM – Drumstick.
https://niphm.gov.in/IPMPackages/Drumstick.pdf - Chaudhary, Anjali, et al.; (2023); Nutritional Evaluation and Value Addition of Drumstick Leaves.International Journal of Environment and Climate Change.
https://journalijecc.com/index.php/IJECC/article/view/1881/3731 - Drumstick pods, raw.
https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/170483/nutrients - Rotella, Rosita, et al.; (2023); The Impact of Moringa Oleifera Supplementation on Anemia and Other Variables During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: A Narrative Review.
https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/15/12/2674 - Nutrition During Pregnancy.
https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/nutrition-during-pregnancy - Kashyap, Piyush, et al.; (2022); Recent Advances in Drumstick (Moringa Oleifera) Leaves Bioactive Compounds: Composition, Health Benefits, Bioaccessibility, and Dietary Applications.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8869219/#:~:text=oleifera%20%5B24%5D.,vitamin%20A%20and%20C%20levels - Health Benefits of Drumstick Plant.
https://sageuniversity.edu.in/blogs/health-benefits-of-drumstick-plant#:~:text=The%20botanical%20name%20of%20drumstick,be%20as%20beneficial%20as%20nectar - Zarina, Ab Waheed Wani, et. al.; (2024); Medicinal utilization and nutritional properties of drumstick (Moringa oleifera)—A comprehensive review.
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/fsn3.4139 - Dietary Iron.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK540969/ - Diana Meireles et al.; (2020); A review of properties, nutritional and pharmaceutical applications of Moringa oleifera: integrative approach on conventional and traditional Asian medicine.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7430547/ - Laxative Use: What to Know.
https://health.cornell.edu/sites/health/files/pdf-library/LaxativeUse.pdf - Rajanandh MG and Kavitha J; (2010); Quantitative Estimation of β-Sitosterol, TotalPhenolic and Flavonoid Compounds in the Leaves ofMoringa oleifera.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/237844717_Quantitative_estimation_of_b-Sitosterol_total_phenolic_and_flavonoid_compounds_in_the_leaves_of_Moringa_oleifera - M.M.Özcan; (2020); Moringa spp: Composition and bioactive properties.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0254629918312651 - Cristina Occhiuto et al.; (2018); Effects of beta-sitosterol on isolated human non-pregnant uterus in comparison to prostaglandin E2.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/326005533_Effects_of_beta-sitosterol_on_isolated_human_non-pregnant_uterus_in_comparison_to_prostaglandin_E_2 - Basri, Hasan, et al.; (2021); Effect of Moringa Oleifera Supplementation During Pregnancy on the Prevention of Stunted Growth in Children Between the Ages of 36 to 42 Months.
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1155/2021/6627265 - Rocío Peñalver et al.; (2022); Nutritional and Antioxidant Properties of Moringa oleifera Leaves in Functional Foods.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9030530/#:~:text=The%20results%20showed%20that%20Moringa,carotenoids%20%5B76%2C77%5D - Ahmad Faizal Abdull Razis et al.; (2014); Health Benefits of Moringa oleifera.
https://journal.waocp.org/article_29959_144683da90d0087df5c7b5ec76da5b57.pdf
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