Drumstick: A superfood that can change your life for the better.
Drumstick, also known as moringa oleifera, is a vegetable that is widely used in Indian cuisine, especially in dishes like sambar, avail and soups. Drumstick has many health benefits, such as:
- It regulates blood sugar levels, making it beneficial for people with diabetes .
- It improves digestive health, as it is a source of B vitamins and dietary fibre .
- It purifies blood and boosts immunity, as it has blood purifying and antibiotic properties .
- It strengthens bones, as it is rich in calcium and iron .
In this article, we will explore these benefits in more detail and also provide some recipes that use drumstick as an ingredient.
Regulates Blood Sugar Levels
Drumstick helps to regulate blood sugar levels by enhancing the function of the gall bladder, which secretes bile that helps in the digestion of fats. By improving fat metabolism, drumstick prevents the accumulation of excess glucose in the blood stream. Drumstick also contains antioxidants that protect the pancreatic cells from oxidative stress and damage.
Some studies have shown that drumstick leaves can lower blood sugar levels in both normal and diabetic rats. The leaves also improved the lipid profile and reduced the levels of glycosylated hemoglobin, which is an indicator of long-term blood sugar control.
To use drumstick for diabetes, you can consume its leaves as a vegetable or make a tea by boiling them in water. You can also add drumstick pods to your dishes or soups.
Improves Digestive Health
Drumstick improves digestive health by providing B vitamins and dietary fibre. B vitamins are essential for the breakdown of food and the absorption of nutrients. They also help to maintain the health of the intestinal lining and prevent inflammation. Dietary fibre adds bulk to the stool and facilitates its movement through the colon. It also prevents constipation, diarrhea and other digestive disorders.
Drumstick also has anti-ulcer and anti-spasmodic effects. It can protect the stomach from ulcers caused by stress, alcohol or drugs. It can also relieve abdominal pain and cramps caused by intestinal spasms.
To use drumstick for digestion, you can eat its leaves raw or cooked, or drink its juice. You can also make a soup by boiling drumstick pods with salt, pepper and other spices.
Purifies Blood And Boosts Immunity
Drumstick purifies blood and boosts immunity by having blood purifying and antibiotic properties. It can remove toxins and impurities from the blood and improve its circulation. It can also fight against various infections caused by bacteria, fungi or viruses. Drumstick contains vitamin C, which is a powerful antioxidant that strengthens the immune system and prevents scurvy. It also contains beta-carotene, which is a precursor of vitamin A, which is essential for vision and skin health .
Drumstick also has anti-inflammatory and anti-pyretic effects. It can reduce inflammation and swelling in various parts of the body. It can also lower the body temperature in fever and induce sweating to expel the heat.
To use drumstick for blood purification and immunity, you can consume its leaves, pods or flowers as a vegetable or make a tea by boiling them in water. You can also apply its oil or paste on the affected areas of the skin.
Strengthens Bones
Drumstick strengthens bones by providing calcium and iron. Calcium is the main mineral that forms the bone matrix and gives it strength and density. Iron is required for the production of hemoglobin, which carries oxygen to the bone cells and tissues. Drumstick also contains phosphorus, magnesium and zinc, which are important for bone health .
Drumstick also has anti-osteoporotic effects. It can prevent the loss of bone mass and density that occurs with aging or hormonal changes. It can also stimulate bone formation and increase bone mineralization.
To use drumstick for bone health, you can eat its leaves, pods or flowers as a vegetable or make a tea by boiling them in water. You can also take its powder or capsules as a supplement.
Recipes Using Drumstick
Here are some recipes that use drumstick as an ingredient:
- Drumstick Sambar: A spicy lentil stew with drumstick pods, tamarind, tomatoes and spices.
- Drumstick Avial: A coconut-based curry with drumstick pods, mixed vegetables and yogurt.
- Drumstick Soup: A simple soup with drumstick pods, onion, garlic, salt and pepper.
- Drumstick Salad: A fresh salad with drumstick leaves, cucumber, tomato, onion, lemon juice and salt.
- Drumstick Pakora: A crispy snack with drumstick flowers, gram flour, rice flour, spices and oil.
Conclusion
Drumstick is a vegetable that has many health benefits, such as regulating blood sugar levels, improving digestive health, purifying blood and boosting immunity, and strengthening bones. It can be consumed in various forms, such as leaves, pods, flowers, oil or powder. It can also be used to make various dishes, such as sambar, avail, soup, salad and pakora. Drumstick is a superfood that can change your life for the better.