Is It Safe To Consume Drumstick During Pregnancy?

Drumsticks have an incredible nutritional value that will leave you speechless! It also poses many medicinal properties. But when it comes to pregnancy we have to double-check the safety of the food we consume, no matter how nutritious it is.

What is a Drumstick?

Drumstick, a vegetable scientifically called ‘Moringa coleifera’ has a high nutritional content and therapeutic values. Every part of the plant – right from its stem, leaves, and seeds is found to have curative properties.

Nutritional Value of Drumstick

Here is a chart to show the nutritional value of drumsticks.

Nutrients	Value
Vitamin C	22% daily value
Potassium	41% daily value
Magnesium	61% daily value
Iron	71% daily value
Calcium	125% daily value
Vitamin A	272% daily value
Nutrients	92
Antioxidants	46
Anti-Inflammatory	36
Amino Acids	18
Essential Amino Acids	9

Is Drumstick Good to Eat During Pregnancy?

Yes! It is absolutely good to include drumsticks in your pregnancy diet. In fact, drumsticks are considered to be quite healthy during pregnancy.

But certain precautions need to be taken when using drumsticks. Like in the case of all other vegetables, it is imperative to wash the drumsticks thoroughly before you consume them.

This is because the unwashed drumsticks may contain certain bacteria, parasites, or some kind of pesticides that can create unnecessary complications in your pregnancy. So like all other things, remember to eat drumsticks in moderation during pregnancy.

13 Incredible Health Benefits of Drumsticks During Pregnancy

Here are 13 incredible health benefits of consuming drumstick during pregnancy:

1. Anti-Bacterial Qualities

Due to its anti-bacterial qualities, it helps to fight against any kind of infections that occur in the throat, chest or the skin during pregnancy.

2. Rich in Vitamins

As it is rich in Vitamin C it helps to fight against sore throat. A soup prepared out of the vegetable can give sore throat a run for its money.

3. Building Bones

Regular consumption of drumstick pulp mixed with milk provides large quantities of calcium, iron, and vitamins that are very essential for the growth of the baby. This helps in building healthy and strong bones, and blood purification.

4. Antidote for Digestive Problems

Mix a small quantity of juice extracted from drumstick leaves with a teaspoon of honey and a glass of coconut water. Consume it at least two-three times a day. This acts as an antidote for stomach disorders like dysentery, diarrhea, and jaundice.

5. Cures Various Lung Associated Problems

Various lung problems like asthma and difficulties in breathing can be cured by adding drumsticks to your diet.

6. Iron Supplements

The juice that is extracted from drumstick leaves is an excellent source of iron that acts as an energy booster for pregnant women and lactating mothers. The iron content in drumsticks, which is 25 times more than spinach, helps increase the body’s hemoglobin count during pregnancy.

7. Smooth and Blemish Free Skin

Drumstick pulp mixed with a small quantity of lemon juice helps in preventing acne, blackheads, pimples and other skin diseases that can trouble a pregnant woman. The mixture is a skin tonic that adds an extra glow to the skin and keeps it smooth.

8. Cures Urinary Infections

Urinary tract infections are common during pregnancy. A few drumstick leaves mixed with a glass of cucumber and carrot juice acts as an excellent remedy for burning in the urethra due to urine acidity, scanty urination, etc.

9. Clears Vision

Including drumsticks during pregnancy will help in enhancing the vision and to also get rid of any toxin which is present in the eye.

10. Regulates Blood Sugar

Drumstick leaves are known to regulate blood sugar levels. So consuming drumsticks leaves during pregnancy, helps to keep gestational diabetes at bay.

It also helps in the strengthening of the gall bladder and enhances its proper functioning.

11. Eases Morning Sickness

The first trimester of pregnancy comes with morning sickness that results in giddiness and nausea. Drumstick eases the symptoms that occur during this time and minimizes their occurrences.

12. Smooth and Easy Delivery

Drumstick aids in making delivery easier. Making the vegetable a regular part of your diet prevents the risks like severe blood loss and also the complications that arise after the baby is born.

13. Ideal for New Moms

When drumstick leaves are cooked with pepper powder, salt, turmeric powder and consumed it boosts the supply of breast milk to the lactating mother. This antidote also helps in easing constipation.

Mothers who are lactose intolerant can also make use of the drumstick leaves as they have an abundant supply of calcium in them and they are lactose-free which makes it very safe for the lactating mother to consume.

[Read : Bitter Gourd During Pregnancy]

6 Side Effects of Consuming Drumstick During Pregnancy

Though there are many advantages of consuming drumsticks, let us also see their side effects during pregnancy:

During pregnancy, drumstick leaves can relieve constipation. However, extreme caution should be taken with the dose consumed per day. These leaves are natural laxatives and over-consumption may lead to loose stools or other stomach problems.
Drumstick leaves directly consumed with water can make the pregnant woman have acidic heartburn. So it is advisable to boil or cook the leaves prior to consumption.
During pregnancy, the taste of drumstick may not be liked when consumed for the first time and may cause nausea.
The root of the drumstick tree is highly toxic as it contains a substance called alkaloid spirochin which can lead to serious conditions of paralysis or even death.
Drumstick, if consumed on a large scale, can lead to the contraction of the uterus during pregnancy that can lead to miscarriage.
Various disorders relating to the blood like the decrease in white blood cells count or a low platelet count can occur if drumstick is consumed in large quantities.

Drumstick Buying Tips

Whilst purchasing drumsticks on the market, you need to bear in mind the following tips:

The drumsticks have got little lumps because of the pods within. It is best to avoid buying the ones with bigger bumps as this indicates that the drumstick is old and may even taste bitter.
Try to pick drumsticks with greenish and smooth skin.
If you pick and buy the right drumstick, you could get crunchier as well as tastier ones to munch on.

How to Store Drumsticks?

Drumsticks are usually stored by wrapping them in plastic cling film or even paper to ensure that they are safe and dry. They are stored in the refrigerator for longer shelf life. However, it is recommended to consume them faster while they are still fresh to get the best taste.

How to Include Drumsticks in Your Pregnancy Diet?

Here are some of the interesting and popular ways of using this highly nutritious vegetable in your pregnancy diet:

Add drumstick to your soup for a typical Asian flavor dish called “sambhar” in south India. Add it to your curries, kormas, dals, etc.
Cut them lengthwise and make gravy or vegetables out of them by adding coconut milk for a yummy side dish.
Chop drumsticks in tiny pieces and use them as a garnish.

It is always advisable to consult your doctor before consuming anything during pregnancy and drumsticks are no exception to this. Check with your doctor if you are still not sure about including this vegetable in your pregnancy diet.

Did you consume drumsticks during your pregnancy? How did you include it in your pregnancy diet? What benefits did you derive from it? Share it in the comments section below.

[Read : Is It Safe To Eat Potatoes During Pregnancy?]

FAQ’s

1. Can Eating Drumsticks During Pregnancy Have Any ill Effect on My Baby?

No, on the contrary it can be very good for your unborn child. Drumsticks are rich in nutrients. It can help.

2. Can I Have Moringa Powder While Pregnant?

Having fresh drumsticks or its leaves is healthier. Moringa powder made from its bark can reduce your blood pressure. It can even lead to uterine contractions.

3. Can Drumstick Leaves Soup Help During Pregnancy?

Yes it can be very beneficial. It can help keep your gestational diabetes under control. Its antioxidant properties can boost your immunity.

4. Can Eating Drumsticks During Pregnancy Help my Baby?

Yes it can. It is rich in anti oxidants and other nutrients. This can help in building a good immune system and bones for your baby.