Drum stick Tree (moringa) or horseradish tree is a tall slender plant. Grown for its greens, flowers and nutritious pods. It is a used vegetable in Indian households. The leaves are the most nutritious part of the plant.
Drumstick is very effective in regulating blood sugar. Eating drumsticks regularly can help you maintain your blood sugar levels and prevent complications like gestational diabetes.
Fights pimple
It is a blood purifier which helps in flushing out all the impurities present in your blood.
Keeps your heart healthy
If you are someone who is having an elevated blood pressure level then a regular intake of this super-powerful vegetable can help in keeping heart diseases at bay.
Stronger bones
Consumption of drumsticks has also proven results in improving bone health due to the presence of an adequate amount of calcium iron. and minerals that help in the formation of strong bones and in maintaining good bone health.
Moringa leaves are rich sources of calcium and phosphorus. Moringa oleifera also fights against osteoporosis and keeps bones and teeth strong
Drumstick (moringa) leaves increase fat burning in the body. They slim down the person without depleting energy reserves. This keeps the person feeling buoyant and nourished. They reduce cravings for food and boost metabolism. They also lower cholesterol.
Morning Sickness
Eating drumsticks during pregnancy can help with the symptoms of morning sickness. It can help combat fatigue and lower nausea and dizziness caused by morning sickness. Regular consumption of drumsticks can make a pregnant woman feel active and refreshed.
Prevent Infections
Drumstick has powerful antimicrobial properties and it helps thwart infections and strengthen the immune system of a pregnant woman.
Help in Childbirth
Drumstick can improve uterine contractions and lower labour pain, thus helping in childbirth and reducing pre-and-post-delivery complications.
A bowl of warm drumstick leaves soup can help clear congestion and soothe a sore throat and cough. Respiratory problems like bronchitis and asthma.
Side Effects
The bark and roots of drumsticks contain toxic chemicals that can lead to a miscarriage. The roots contain a chemical that can even cause paralysis.
- The moringa flowers are also not safe for consumption by pregnant women and breastfeeding moms as they can contain toxic chemicals.
Hence, one must wash all the vegetables thoroughly before consuming them during pregnancy or otherwise
How to add Drumstick to your Pregnancy Diet
If you want to include a drumstick in your pregnancy diet, here are some ways you can try. But make sure you speak to your doctor and nutritionist before including drumsticks in your diet –
- You can use the leaves in soup.
- Drumstick seed pods are us. Added to sambhar along with other vegetables.
- You can cook the leaves of a drumstick just like spinach leaves to make a tasty side dish.
Tips to Buy the Right Drumstick
- The seed pods should be tender, bright green, and should bend slightly.
- The leaves should be fresh and dark green in colour.
- Pick a drumstick bundle that has smooth skin. Rough skin means that it is old and may taste bitter.
Drumsticks should be stored in the fridge and wrapped in cling film. It is best to consume them within 2 to 3 days of purchase.
Drumstick Leaves – High in Nutrients
The Drumstick (moringa) leaves nutritionally very rich, leaving behind carrots, oranges and even milk in terms of nutritional value.
One cup of Drumstick leaves will contain 2 grams of protein, magnesium (8 per cent of the RDA), Vitamin B6 (19 per cent of the RDA), Iron (11 per cent of the RDA), Riboflavin (11 per cent of the RDA) and Vitamin A (9 per cent of the RDA).
Amino Acids
Drumstick leaves are rich in amino acids, the building blocks of proteins. 18 types of amino acids. Found in them and each of them makes an important contribution towards our wellbeing.
Fight Inflammation
Inflammation is how a body naturally responds to pain and injury. Moringa leaves are anti-inflammatory in nature due to the presence of isothiocyanate. When we suffer an injury or infection, the body suffers increased inflammation.
Basically, it is a protective mechanism against trauma but because of a wrong lifestyle and an unhealthy diet, inflammation can increase in the body. Long-term inflammation leads to chronic health issues. Eating moringa leaves helps to reduce inflammation.
Antioxidants
Moringa leaves have anti-oxidative properties and protect against the damaging effects of free radicals present in the environment. The damage caused by free radicals is responsible for many chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes, heart problems and Alzheimer’s.
Another antioxidant that is present in moringa leaves is Chlorogenic acid which helps to stabilize blood sugar levels post meals.
A study in women showed that taking 1.5 teaspoons of moringa leaf powder regularly for three months had shown a significant increase in blood antioxidant levels.
Cholesterol
Apart from oats, flaxseeds, and almonds, moringa leaves are a dependable remedy against high cholesterol. Cholesterol is the main reason. Why do people suffer from heart disease and eat moringa leaves? Against high cholesterol levels. moringa oleifera can lower these levels and protect against the risk of heart disease.
Protects the Liver
Those who have tuberculosis can benefit greatly from moringa leaves as they reduce the negative effects of anti-tubercular drugs.
The liver is the site of blood detoxification, fat metabolism and nutrient absorption and it can function properly only if the liver enzymes are normal. Moringa leaves stabilize these liver enzymes.
Good for the Stomach
Drumstick has medicinal properties that can help soothe or cure stomach upsets in expectant women. . The symptoms of dysentery, cholera, diarrhoea, etc.
Drumstick (Moringa) leaves are beneficial against digestive disorders. Those who suffer from constipation, bloating, gas, gastritis and ulcerative colitis should add Moringa leaves to their diet.
The leaves have antibiotic and antimicrobial properties which make them an ideal remedy against digestive disorders. Even the high amount of B vitamins in the leaves helps in improving digestion.
Most women complain of constipation during pregnancy. Drumstick contains high amounts of dietary fibre that helps soften the stools and thus relieve constipation.
Good for Skin and Hair
Due to an abundance of antioxidants and nutrients, moringa leaves improve the health and appearance of skin and hair. They add suppleness to the skin and shine to the hair. The antioxidants present in moringa leaves reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles on the skin. They have about 30 antioxidants present. Not just this, a paste of moringa leaves when applied to the scalp and the hair reduces dandruff and adds life and bounce to dull, lifeless hair. The leaves also strengthen the hair follicles. They are also good for acne-prone skin. This is why moringa leaves are part of many cosmetics. They improve skin tone and add a glow due to their purifying nature and therapeutic properties. It is rich in vitamin B, vitamin A, folic acid and other essential nutrients which will help you in achieving flawless skin and lustrous hair.
Good for the Nervous System
They support brain health and work as neuro-enhancers. The high concentration of vitamins E and C combat neural degeneration and help improve brain function. Those who have a migraine or suffer from recurring headaches must eat moringa leaves regularly. These leaves also work as mood balancers as they stabilize the production of neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and noradrenaline which are important for memory, mood and for stimulus-response.
Good for Detoxification
Moringa leaves are natural cleansers and help to detoxify the system. This helps to keep the body and increases immunity against various infections. They also increase the energy levels in the body.