During pregnancy, experts recommend women to take plenty of nutrients. For this they are asked to include green vegetables in the diet. In such a situation, it is bound to have a state of confusion in the mind of a pregnant woman regarding some vegetables. Drumstick is also one of these vegetables. Drumstick is a green vegetable, but many pregnant women are skeptical about including it in the diet. we are sharing information related to consumption of drumstick during pregnancy. Along with this, we will also tell you the benefits and precautions of eating drumstick during pregnancy.
Let us first discuss whether drumstick is safe to consume during pregnancy or not.
Is It Safe To Eat Drumstick During Pregnancy?
Yes, consuming drumstick pods or leaves during pregnancy can be beneficial. This is mentioned in the dietary advisory issued by the Government of India for pregnant women ( 1 ). In addition, according to research published on the website of NCBI (National Center for Biotechnology Information), consuming nutrient-rich drumstick during pregnancy can reduce the risk of anemia. Apart from this, its positive effects have also been seen in reducing stress and controlling weight in pregnant women ( 2 ).
At the same time, another research states that consumption of drumstick bark may increase the risk of miscarriage ( 3 ). In such a situation, it can be said that pregnant women can consume drumstick beans and leaves in a balanced quantity.
Further in the article, we will learn about the nutrients present in drumstick and their quantity.
Drumstick Nutrients
Drumstick beans contain many nutrients. Here we know which nutrients are present in drumstick in what quantity.
- Per 100 grams of drumstick contains 88.2 grams of water, 37 kcal of energy, 2.1 grams of protein, 8.53 grams of carbohydrate and 3.2 grams of fiber.
- 100 grams of drumstick or moringa contains 30 milligrams of calcium, 0.36 milligrams of iron, 45 milligrams of magnesium, 50 milligrams of phosphorus, and 461 milligrams of potassium.
- Drumstick is rich in 42 mg sodium, 0.45 mg zinc, 0.084 mg copper, 0.259 mg manganese and 0.7 microgram selenium.
- Talking about vitamins, 100 grams of drumstick contains 141 milligrams of vitamin-C, 0.12 milligrams of vitamin B-6, 4 micrograms of vitamin-A and 44 micrograms of folate.
Next, you will learn about the benefits of eating drumstick during pregnancy.
Health Benefits Of Eating Drumstick During Pregnancy.
There can be many benefits of eating drumstick during pregnancy, about which we are giving detailed information below. Just note that if a woman is allergic to drumstick, then refrain from consuming it.
- To prevent preeclampsia: Calcium deficiency during pregnancy can increase the risk of preeclampsia ie sudden high blood pressure problem ( 5 ). At the same time, drumstick is considered a good source of calcium ( 4 ). In such a situation, it can be believed that consumption of drumstick beans during pregnancy can prevent preeclampsia .
- For better development of the baby in the womb: A research available on the NCBI website clearly states that consumption of drumstick during pregnancy can prove to be helpful in better development of the fetus ( 6 ).
- For bones and teeth: Calcium is needed for the development of bones and teeth of the fetus during pregnancy ( 5 ). At the same time, it has already been told in the article that drumstick is an excellent source of calcium. In such a situation, consumption of drumstick beans during pregnancy can strengthen the bones and teeth of the foetus.
- Boost Immunity: There are many changes in the immune system of a woman during pregnancy, due to which pregnant women may be more prone to many diseases and infections. In such a situation, drumstick rich in antioxidants can play an important role in making the pregnant body capable of fighting many infections and diseases ( 7 ).
- Prevention of anemia: Iron deficiency in pregnancy can cause the risk of anemia ( 8 ). Apart from this, iron has also been considered important for the mental and physical development of the fetus ( 5 ). In the article, we have already given information about the nutrients found in drumstick, which includes iron ( 4 ). In such a situation, consumption of drumstick can prove beneficial for pregnant women.
- Relief from constipation: The problem of constipation is very common in pregnant women ( 9 ). At the same time, drumstick leaves can be beneficial in preventing it. In fact, a study conducted on rats confirms that drumstick leaves have a laxative effect, which can be helpful in cleaning the stomach by softening the stool ( 10 ) .
- Protection against gestational diabetes: Pregnant women are at a higher risk of developing diabetes, which is known as gestational diabetes ( 11 ). Talk about drumstick, it has anti-diabetic effect, which can reduce the level of diabetes ( 12 ).
Let us have a look at the disadvantages of eating drumstick during pregnancy further in the article.
Side Effects Of Eating Drumstick During Pregnancy
There are many benefits of eating drumstick during pregnancy, but it can also have some side effects. Read below the side effects of drumstick, which are as follows.
- Consuming moringa may help lower blood sugar levels ( 13 ). If a pregnant woman is already taking diabetes medications, consuming high amounts of drumstick can cause blood sugar levels to drop excessively.
- Consuming drumstick bark may increase the risk of miscarriage ( 3 ).
- It helps in controlling high blood pressure ( 14 ). In such a situation, pregnant women who have complaints of low blood pressure , their blood pressure may be more low.
Let us also know the tips of buying and storing drumstick.
Tips For Buying And Storing Drumstick
Here we will know what are the things to be kept in mind while buying drumstick during pregnancy.
- Always buy fresh and green drumstick. If the color of the pods has turned yellow, do not buy.
- There should be no spots on the pods.
- Avoid buying dried drumstick beans.
- Chopped drumstick beans are also available in the market. Don’t make the mistake of buying them.
- To store drumstick, it should be tightly tied in a plastic bag and kept in the fridge.
- Do not store it for long. Try to eat fresh or use within a week.
Know further how to include drumstick in the diet during pregnancy.
How To Include Drumstick In Diet During Pregnancy?
Sharing below are some options to include drumstick in the diet during pregnancy.
- Drumstick curry can be made.
- Drumstick can be made by adding it to any curry vegetable.
- Drumstick can also be used to make soup.
- Drumstick can also be used in vegetables while making sambar.
- Drumstick leaves can be consumed by making paratha.
- People also drink the juice of drumstick leaves with rice.
After reading the article, you must have become well aware of the fact that consumption of drumstick during pregnancy is safe. If you want to reap the health benefits of drumstick during pregnancy, feel free to make it a part of your diet. For this it can be used in sambar to soup. Just keep in mind that drumstick should be consumed in limited quantity during pregnancy.
