Drumsticks, or Moringa, are a popular vegetable that add a unique flavour to Indian and international dishes such as sambar, curries, soups, and pickles. Besides being a flavourful veggie, drumsticks are particularly nutrient rich. They contain vitamins, minerals, dietary fibre, and phosphorus. Drumsticks contain antioxidants and can help boost general health. In this article, we take a detailed look at some of the health benefits of drumsticks.
What are the different benefits of drumsticks?
Drumstick is a drought-resistant plant native to the tropics of South Asia and India. Drumstick pods and leaves are rich in essential nutrients, especially calcium, iron, zinc, and protein. These nutrient-packed veggies not only assist in diabetes management and infection resistance but also provide a shield against inflammatory issues like arthritis and heart diseases. Listed below are the main benefits of drumsticks:
1. Regulates blood glucose levels
Drumsticks, packed with essential minerals, vitamins, and fibre, can be beneficial for individuals with diabetes. Isothiocyanates (small molecules) present in them contribute to weight reduction, improved glucose tolerance, and regulated blood sugar levels. Including drumsticks in your diet supports gallbladder function, aiding in blood sugar maintenance. An increased concentration of blood glucose can lead to type 2 diabetes, therefore, increasing the risk of heart-related diseases. Regular drumstick consumption is linked to lower blood glucose levels, attributed to plant compounds like isothiocyanates. Maintaining normal blood glucose is crucial for overall health and diabetes prevention.
2. Immune booster
Drumsticks contain minerals, fibre, and vitamins, which are particularly beneficial to diabetics. Drumsticks are rich in isothiocyanates that can help in lowering fat deposits and increasing insulin utilization as well as maintaining normal levels of blood sugar. Excessive blood sugar may lead to type 2 diabetes and bring with it a series of heart-related diseases. Dietary evidence suggests that eating drumsticks over a long period is associated with normal blood sugar levels. For all people, this vegetable can be helpful in preventing diabetes by keeping one’s blood sugar levels within the range.
3. Improves bone health
The seeds and leaves of this drumsticks are packed with essential minerals like calcium, phosphorus, and iron. Incorporating drumsticks into one's diet can yield remarkable enhancements in bone density among older adults. Moreover, the consumption of these delectable veggies effectively aids in the management of fragile bones and arthritis while concurrently fortifying skeletal structures during childhood development. Given their abundant reserves of calcium and iron, pregnant women can also gain significantly from including drumsticks in their daily nutrition regimen.
4. Promotes gut health
Drumsticks offer an array of essential B vitamins, such as thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, and B12. These nutrients are vital for promoting the well-being of the gastrointestinal system. They possess a remarkable capacity to stimulate the production of digestive fluids. This stimulation aids in effectively breaking down carbohydrates, proteins and fats within the body. Additionally, drumsticks contain a significant amount of dietary fibre, promoting regular bowel movements and maintaining optimal gut health.
5. Reduces inflammation
In the event of infections or injuries, our body initiates an innate response by inducing inflammation. However, extended periods of inflammation may contribute to the development of various health conditions, including cancer. Fortunately, drumsticks offer a remarkable defence mechanism against chronic inflammation owing to their abundant antioxidants. The presence of isothiocyanates in drumsticks further enhances their potency as anti-inflammatory agents, augmenting their protective benefits for your well-being.
6. Promotes good vision
One of the main benefits of drumsticks is that it helps improve vision by tackling problems such as cataracts and dry eyes. The beneficial nutrients in drumsticks prevent the thickening of capillary membranes and hinder retinal dysfunction, thus enhancing eyesight. Due to their elevated content of vitamin A and antioxidants, drumsticks are effective in promoting overall eye health and prove particularly advantageous for addressing conditions like cataracts. Extensive research highlights the preventive properties of drumsticks against age-related macular degeneration and vision loss.
7. Promotes health in expecting mothers and newborns
The nutritional profile of drumsticks makes them particularly advantageous for expectant mothers due to their abundant supply of dietary fibre and protein. Drumsticks can be added to meals to help manage morning sickness, increase energy levels, and relieve constipation. Folate in drumsticks can help prevent congenital disabilities, thus reducing the risk of conditions like spina bifida in newborns.