Among the several nourishing vegetables utilised routinely in Indian cuisine, drumstick easily features among the top-most healthy bounty, conferring immense merits for wellbeing, such as fortifying bones, bolstering immunity and promoting digestion. Not only are drumsticks and moringa leaves routinely incorporated into the regular desi diet, as soups, sambar, avial, curries and flavour-enhancing condiments, but they are also used in preparing traditional medicines in Ayurveda – the ancient Indian practice of medicine.

The Drumstick Tree:

The scientific name of drumstick is Moringa oleifera and the tall trees, which can withstand severe growth conditions of drought, belong to the botanical family of Moringaceae. The plants develop rapidly in tropical and subtropical South and South-East Asian countries of India, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, with the deciduous trees reaching massive heights of 10 – 12 meters (32 – 40 feet). The leaves are bright green, with numerous divisions in the tripinnate formation and the plant bears aromatic, five-petaled flowers with pale yellow and white hues. Upon sprouting, the fruits appear as three-sided brown casings which house dark brown, spherical seeds. All parts of the drumstick crop are edible – the leaves, flowers, immature seed pods or drumsticks, seeds and even roots, with every single one of them abounding in vital nutrients, to uplift overall health.

Drumstick Nutrition Values:

A treasure trove of essential nutrients are present in both drumstick pods and leaves. An excellent source of plant proteins, moringa leaves are heaped with essential amino acids, as well as healthy unsaturated fats and dietary fibers. This natural produce is blessed with ample amounts of vitamin C, vitamin A, aside from the B complex vitamins. Additionally, drumstick pods and leaves comprise profuse quantities of crucial minerals – magnesium, calcium, zinc, iron, phosphorus, besides potassium and sodium which regulate electrolyte balance in the body. Laden with the whole array of key nutritional components, plus potent antioxidants and phytonutrients, drumsticks are indeed a superfood, that supply umpteen advantages for wellness.

Drumstick Health Benefits:

Augments Immune Functions

Imbued with generous levels of vitamin C, apart from anti-inflammatory compounds, drumstick works wonders in elevating defence mechanisms in the body. This assists in shielding the system from a host of seasonal and chronic illnesses like the common cold, flu, diabetes, fevers and respiratory ailments like asthma, wheezing, bronchitis.

Provides Tough Bones

Drumsticks are a storehouse of the bone-strengthening minerals, namely calcium, magnesium and phosphorus. These amplify bone mineral density, make the joints more robust and flexible and also significantly lower the chances of acquiring severe debilitating disorders like arthritis, osteoporosis and aid in quick healing of fractures and injuries.

Eases Digestion Processes

Dietary fibers and the trio of B vitamins – vitamin B1 – thiamine, vitamin B2- riboflavin and vitamin B3 – niacin, are found in substantial concentrations in drumstick pods and moringa leaves. These preserve unhindered metabolism – the breakdown of carbs, fats, proteins in food and their conversion to energy, in addition to inducing stomach acid secretions for smooth digestion.

Improves Skin Texture

Moringa contains a wealth of bioactive components, antibacterial and antifungal properties, which make it a superb organic remedy for mending myriad skin concerns of acne, dark spots, wrinkles, fine lines, dryness, eczema and signs of ageing. Also, plentiful volumes of vitamins C, A possess antioxidant characteristics, to combat harmful free radicals, detoxifying and cleansing skin.

Prevents Pregnancy Complications

The goodness of vitamins A, C, minerals calcium, potassium, phosphorus, sodium, along with proteins, fibers, and healthy fats in drumsticks bestows optimal physical fitness and mental strength to pregnant women. Furthermore, moringa is rich in vitamin B9 or folate and iron, to boost blood flow, avert serious pregnancy consequences, like neural tube defects, thus supporting gestational wellbeing.

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