Drumstick is scientifically called Moringa oleifera and the family Moringaceae is also known as Moringa, Munga, Sahjan, etc by different names in different parts of the country. Drumstick is a gift of nature given to man because every part of this tree like roots, leaves, fruits, and even flowers is rich in so many nutrients. Rather we can say this tree is a doctor's pharmacy and that is why people call a drumstick a superfood.
Nutrition scientists believe that a drumstick is beneficial in more than 300 minor and major diseases. It contains many nutrients like protein, calcium, iron, sodium, and potassium. Drumstick also contains multivitamins and many antioxidants. Eating a drumstick keeps away lifestyle diseases like diabetes and hypertension. This strengthens bones and also improves skin health.
In Ayurveda, every part of this tree is used for the treatment of some disease or the other. Drumsticks contain powerful antioxidants that eliminate free radicals from the body. As we know if free radicals increase in the body, oxidative stress can increase, which is the cause of diseases like heart disease, and type 2 diabetes. It contains an antioxidant called quercetin, which keeps blood sugar levels and blood pressure under control. Eating drumsticks rich in antioxidants reduces the risk of cancer.
There are many infinite benefits of health among then some of the important benefits are summarised below-
1. Bone health improvers: Drumstick is a great source of the three essential minerals calcium, iron, and phosphorus. If a drumstick is included in the diet of children, it helps in their growth and development. Apart from this, the density of bones increases i.e. bones become thick and strong. This reduces the risk of osteoporosis in old age.
2. Immune system enhancer: Drumstick is rich in Vitamin C and antioxidants. If it is included in food then immunity becomes stronger. Infections like the common cold and cough do not occur quickly. It also helps in fighting asthma, cough, or any kind of respiratory infection.
3. Gut health improvers: Drumstick contains essential vitamins like thiamine (vitamin B 1), riboflavin (vitamin B 2), niacin, and vitamin B 12, which help in stimulating the secretion of digestive juices. This helps in breaking down carbohydrates, proteins, and fats and converting them into digestible form. Being rich in fiber it is good for gut microflora. Eating this keeps the stomach clean.
4. Improves blood circulation: Bioactive compounds niaziminin and isothiocyanate are found in drumsticks. This keeps the arteries healthy and reduces the risk of hypertension. Being rich in antioxidants, blood circulation remains good.
5. Beneficial for kidneys: Antioxidants present in abundance in drumsticks help in clearing toxins from the kidneys. If a drumstick is regularly included in the diet, it helps in the treatment of kidney and bladder stones. Consumption of drumsticks also improves the overall health of the kidneys.
6. Reducing Cancer risk: Including drumsticks regularly in the diet provides rich antioxidants. Rich amounts of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, beta-carotene, and niazimicin prevent cancer cells from growing. These antioxidants protect cells from oxidative damage by reducing free radicals.
7. Drumsticks good for liver health: The liver is the most important organ of our body. It performs about 500 small and big functions in our body. The most important among these is to remove toxins from the body. Drumstick proves to be very helpful in this function of the liver. Drumstick helps in the production of glutathione.
Apart from this, it also protects the liver from possible damage caused by various medicines. It acts as a safety shield for the liver. You can make curry from drumstick beans, make powder of its leaves and roots, and consume it.
Stay healthy, stay safe...
