Can You Eat Drumstick During Pregnancy?

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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.

In This Article

What Is A Drumstick?

Drumstick, also widely popular as moringa oleifera, is a tropical plant belonging to Moringaceae family, which originates 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).

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Studies show that moringa leaves, whether used fresh or dried and stored at room temperature for months, do not lose their nutritional value (7).

Is It Safe To Eat Drumstick During Pregnancy?

You can safely include drumstick in your pregnancy diet
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Yes! You can safely include drumsticks in your pregnancy diet. In fact, it can prove to be quite healthy for your 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 offers you several health benefits to stay fit during pregnancy. Here, we list some common health benefits of eating the vegetable while you are expecting.

1. Treats morning sickness:

Drumsticks help you overcome the sluggishness, and make you feel fresh and active while expecting. The vegetable may minimize nausea, and other symptoms of morning sickness effectively.

2. Makes bones healthy:

The high calcium, iron, magnesium, and vitamin content in drumsticks promotes healthy and strong bones during pregnancy. Crush the leaves of the drumstick and add it to your milk for better bone health and other health benefits.

3. Prevents harmful infections:

Drumstick helps prevent fungal skin infections
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Drumsticks possess powerful antibacterial properties that may prevent the risk of the harmful throat, skin, and chest infections during pregnancy. You can use the vegetable to prevent fungal skin infections. Also, you can add leaves and flowers of the vegetable in your soups as they serve as an excellent antibiotic.

4. Cure stomach disorders:

The medicinal properties of the leaves of drumsticks help cure stomach disorders while expecting and improves digestive health. Have drumstick-leaf with tender coconut water and honey to treat stomach disorders, such as constipation, indigestion and diarrhea.

5. Regulates 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. Leaves of drumstick may help in blood sugar regulation during pregnancy. So, you can add the vegetable to your diet and keep your diabetes in check. Also, taking drumstick leaves during pregnancy improves the functioning of your gallbladder.

6. Boosts immunity:

Drumstick leaves are not only a great source of vitamins A, C, and E, but they also offer immune system support. Just 100 grams of fresh leaves of the drumstick provide you with about 252% of your daily recommended intake of the nutrient. Also, Vitamin A is an effective fat-soluble antioxidant that prevents cell and tissue damage, repairs the mucous membrane, and improves vision, skin quality, and immunity while you are expecting.

7. Improves hemoglobin count:

Drumstick during pregnancy helps boost your hemoglobin count
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Drumstick is one of the iron-rich foods. The iron content in the drumstick helps boost your hemoglobin count. Consuming the vegetable also helps in anemia prevention and its adverse effects, such as fatigue, while expecting.

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Studies on rats show that moringa seed extract has an anti-fibrotic effect on liver fibrosis (7).

Frequently 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 (2), which may result in rebound constipation, including trapped gas (3).

2. Can drumstick leaves cause a miscarriage?

Yes. Drumstick leaves and seeds contain a sterol compound, β-sitosterol (4) (5), which may cause miscarriage due to inappropriate uterine motility in early pregnancy (6).

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 (7) (8). 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 (4), which can interfere with folliculariXRelated to the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle, before ovulation, when the maturation of the follicle containing the egg occurs. or periovulatory phases (6).

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.

ways to include drumsticks in your pregnancy diet (infographic)

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team

Get the high-quality PDF version of this infographic.

Download Infographic in PDF version

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.

References

MomJunction's articles are written after analyzing the research works of expert authors and institutions. Our references consist of resources established by authorities in their respective fields. You can learn more about the authenticity of the information we present in our editorial policy.
  1. AESA based IPM – Drumstick.
    https://niphm.gov.in/IPMPackages/Drumstick.pdf
  2. 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/
  3. Laxative Use: What to Know.
    https://health.cornell.edu/sites/health/files/pdf-library/LaxativeUse.pdf
  4. Rajanandh MG and 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
  5. M.M.Özcan; (2020); Moringa spp: Composition and bioactive properties.
    https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0254629918312651
  6. 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
  7. Ahmad Faizal Abdull Razis et al.; (2014); Heath Benefits of Morings oleifera.
    https://journal.waocp.org/article_29959_144683da90d0087df5c7b5ec76da5b57.pdf
  8. 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
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