Thanks to Indian culinary explorers we get to taste different kinds of vegetables and fruits in our cities even when they are cultivated in other parts of the country. Some of them have a number of health benefits and are incorporated into regional dishes in many ways. One such vegetable that deserves our attention is drumstick or Moringa that derives its name from a Tamil word, murungai, meaning twisted pod. While Moringa has been proclaimed as one the more recent superfoods, the fact is that this vegetable has been used in Indian cooking, especially in South Indian dishes for centuries. Be it something as simple as a sambhar or avial or just about any meat curry, pieces of drumsticks are often used. It may not be used in many North Indian dishes, but Moringa is steadily making its way to other regions too . Apart from South Indian dishes, you can add these to soups, salads, pickles and different sauces for an added crunch.
Cultivated in many parts across India, drumstick is widely known to be therapeutic with a very high nutrition content. The drumstick tree, seeds, pods, fruits (which is known as drumstick) and flowers all have medicinal properties.
While drumstick may be responsible for adding a variety to your recipe book, it also offers a plethora of health benefits.
1. Regulates blood sugar levels
Drumsticks are a boon for diabetics as they are known to reduce spiked blood sugar levels significantly. It is also known to enhance the gall bladder function, which in turn is helpful in lowering blood glucose.
(Also Read: How to Use Drumsticks?)
2. Helps improve digestive health
Drumsticks are an excellent source of B vitamins like niacin, riboflavin and vitamin B12, which are known to play a vital role in improving your digestive health. B vitamins help breaking down the foods and make it easier to digest them smoothly. Moreover, drumsticks containdietary fiber that also aids the digestive process.
Benefits of drumsticks: B vitamins help breaking down the foods and make it easier to digest them smoothly3. Great for developing stronger bones
One of the most important health benefits of drumsticks is that it promotes a healthy bone structure due to the presence of high amount of calcium and iron that not only help build strong bones, but also prevents the loss of bone density, further increasing overall stamina and health.
(Also Read: 7 Nutrients To Maintain Healthy And Strong Bones)
Benefits of drumsticks: One of the most important health benefits of drumsticks is that it promotes a healthy bone structure4. Helps purifying blood
Drumsticks are believed to possess blood purifying properties and further acts as a potent antibiotic agent. Consuming drumsticks on a regular basis may help you streamline blood circulation well.
Benefits of drumsticks: Drumsticks are believed to possess blood purifying properties
5. Relieves respiratory disorders
Drumsticks have anti-inflammatory properties and generous amounts of vitamin C which helps in inhibiting the growth of allergies in the respiratory tract due to allergens and prevents them from developing into infections and congestion.
Benefits of drumsticks: Drumsticks have anti-inflammatory properties and generous amounts of vitamin C 6. Boosts immunity
The vitamin C content helps stave off various infections, boosting overall immunity system of the body. The anti-bacterial properties in it can keep you away from common cough and cold and other common illnesses, especially in this nippy weather.
Benefits of drumsticks: The vitamin C content helps stave off various infections, boosting overall immunitySo add more drumsticks to you diet and make the most of it! Here are some drumstick recipes that you must try at home, especially during winters.