What is Drumstick? Benefits, Uses, Nutrition, Recipes - 101 Guide

A drummer’s drumstick is a physical representation of their mind. Recalling the good old days when you used your wooden spoon to arrange the notes as you played music using your mother’s plates and pans scattered over the kitchen floor.

At times it was the various vegetables and fruits that became part of the orchestra, and one such is Drumsticks. “Drumstick” or “Drumstick Vegetable” refers to a plant with seedlings that are foot-long, slim, and shaped like drumsticks. It is also known as the wonder tree, the never die tree, the ben oil tree, and the miracle tree. Drumstick is also widely called the moringa tree.

The moringa tree is increasingly cultivated in Africa, Asia, South America, Jamaica, and other tropical regions. In tropical and subtropical regions, moringa can be cultivated all year long; in cooler climates, they can be planted just once a year. Drumstick plants’ leaves, flowers, seeds, and roots have long been utilized in herbal remedies.

The mystical tree moringa may cure any deficiencies in your body and prevent a myriad of diseases. So, let’s scroll down to see the Drumsticks’ marvels.

1. About the Drumsticks Tree and its various parts

This Wonder Tree is an evergreen plant that reaches a height of 6-10 meters. Its delicate leaves, sloping branches, and gorgeous pale yellow blooms make it a lovely shade tree for your garden. If you need a smaller tree or are growing an attractive fence, you can shorten it to 2-4 meters.

The moringa tree has lovely grey bark and can occasionally grow to heights of 30 feet. Its leaves, which have three pairs of paired leaves emerging from the main stem, have an oval shape, with each pair comprising a tiny, wide leaflet with a broad base.

Drumstick trees bear small, lovely, pea-sized clusters of flowers with a subtle aroma. There are five stamens on each side of the bloom. The plant also yields moringa fruit, resembling forks that are slightly slanted and have beans.

When the fruit is ripe, it will explode to release the seeds, growing up to 18 inches long. The moringa tree might require up to 8 months to completely mature after planting the seeds.

Yes, it is the Majestic Tree!

Often called the magic tree, but do you know why it is labeled so? It is primarily because the moringa tree is healthy for people and animals. Many different products, notably food, medicine, and water purification, can be made from leaves, roots, bark, seeds, and seed cake.

Almost every part of the moringa plant is nourishing, from the roots to the leaves and flowers to the enormous beans and seeds that grow from the branches.

Drumstick Leaves

The bitter leaves of moringa are frequently consumed as vegetables. The nutritional richness of the drumstick leaves is so high that it surpasses that of carrots, oranges, and even milk. Due to their adaptability and numerous uses in the diet, the leaves are widely used in Indian cuisine.

The most common modes to consume them are as veggies for stir-fries and as an addition to smoothies. The moringa leaves have no side effects when taken in their natural state. They can be used as a substitute for meat, fish, and eggs because they are so high in protein.

Diabetes, arthritis, malaria, and skin conditions have all been managed with moringa leaves.

Drumstick Flowers

Moringa flowers have a light, gently sweet flavour, and a pleasant, fresh, green aroma. The younger blooms are thought to have the best texture and flavour; when cooked, they take on a flavour similar to broccoli and mushrooms.

The vitamin A found in moringa flowers can help strengthen the immune system and safeguard general eye health. The blossoms also include potassium, iron, amino acids, calcium for stronger bones, vitamin C to lessen inflammation, and other nutrients.

Moringa flowers are brewed into teas and included in tonics in traditional remedies worldwide, particularly Ayurveda, to lessen cold symptoms and detox the body.

Drumstick Tree Bark

Extract from the bark of the moringa tree has been used to treat diabetes, anaemia, and gastrointestinal problems, among other diseases. According to studies, it might aid in the battle against microorganisms.

Drumstick Seeds

Protein, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin C, calcium, and potassium are all abundant in them. You can stew, crumble, or consume them raw. Also, moringa seeds can be processed into cooking oil.

Drumstick Roots

Moringa belongs to the family of broccoli, kale, and cabbage. The roots can be crushed to create a paste with a mustard flavor. Malaria, toothaches, and snakebites can all be healed using the paste. However, exercise caution as some animals may be poisoned by the roots and root extracts.

2. Nutritional Profile of Drumsticks

The moringa plant is incredibly nutritious. The drumstick tree boasts astonishing amounts of 92 minerals, 46 native antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory substances. To give you an idea, one serving of the moringa tree has the following nutrients:

• Four times the amount of calcium in the same amount of milk
• Seven times more vitamin C than oranges
• Four times more vitamin A than carrots
• Twice as much protein as yogurt
• Three times the amount of potassium in a banana

Its high antioxidant content may aid in the battle against free radicals, thereby delaying the onset of old age and extending life. Due to the high concentrations of niacin and vitamins B3 and B10, it is believed to help decrease cholesterol levels and manage blood pressure. A serving of 100g of drumsticks gives:

3. Health Benefits of Drumsticks

1. Ahh… Eating Drumsticks is the Finest Skincare Routine

While growing older is not a cause for regret, moringa is a potent source of antioxidants, including flavonoids and phytonutrients that may prevent wrinkles from forming and maintain a youthful skin appearance. Its anti-aging skincare benefits are intriguing and its ingredients have strong anti-inflammatory effects.

Drumsticks are loaded with antifungal qualities, making them ideal for treating skin conditions. One of the main advantages is that it aids in the prevention and treatment of pimples, boils, and sores.

Likewise, you can use moringa leaves to create a homemade face mask that instantly purifies your skin. Also, they have vitamins A, B, and C, which promote anti-aging effects.

2. Does it Help in Inflammation?

Inflammation is a physiological reaction in the body to ward off infection and repair damaged bodily tissue. Anti-inflammatory components included in moringa include phytonutrients, antioxidants, and antibacterial substances.

Together, these potent substances combat oxidative stress, inflammation, and disease by specifically tackling free radicals (compounds that cause cell damage). They accomplish this by inhibiting particular hormones that give you a bloated feeling.

A diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods, such as drumsticks, is another key to having skin that is tight and radiant. People experiencing chronic pain due to inflammation can also benefit from these qualities.

3. Drumsticks Aid in Weight Loss

The high fiber content of moringa leaves helps with water absorption and prolongs your sensation of fullness. Your hunger and desires are naturally reduced as a result, which slows the digestion of meals and helps control blood sugar levels.

As you feel fuller for a longer time, you eat fewer calories. In moringa seeds, monounsaturated fatty acids account for 76.73% of the total fat content. These fatty acids shield the heart and regulate blood sugar.

Moringa seeds are, therefore, an excellent option for weight loss. Healthy eating for the win!

4. Can you Improve your Digestion with Drumsticks?

The fiber in moringa can assist you in maintaining regularity if you frequently experience digestive issues like constipation. Both soluble and insoluble fibers are present, which are pretty healthy, especially for metabolism.

While insoluble fiber bulks up the stool to make it simpler to transit through the digestive tract, and so lessens constipation, soluble fiber combines with water and converts to hydrogel, prolonging digestion and keeping you fuller for a long.

Further oiliness and blemishes can be linked to digestive problems, so one must not ignore one’s gut health.

Drumsticks improve the stomach’s mucus lining to avoid obesity caused by high fat intake. Likewise, the nutrition content of moringa includes substances that support the growth of good bacteria in the gut.

5. Drumsticks Promote Heart Health

Maintaining an active lifestyle requires a strong heart. When combined with a daily workout and a portion of nutrient-rich food, consistently consuming Drumsticks may help if you suffer from high blood pressure.

Due to flavonoids, moringa powder possesses anti-hypertensive effects. This antioxidant lessens excessive stress on the heart and aids in stabilizing the body’s blood pressure control mechanisms.

Plus, it reduces blood pressure, regulates cholesterol levels, and combats harmful radical damage, all of which can aid in fighting off heart problems.

6. Drumsticks Foster Brain Health

Considering its amino acid and vitamin makeup, moringa can improve brain function. Tryptophan, a precursor of serotonin, also known as the “happiness factor,” is present. This feel-good hormone promotes cognition, motor skills, and memory by acting on the brain’s reward regions.

Moringa contains vitamins C and E, potent antioxidants that aid in reducing oxidative brain damage, a significant factor in the emergence of several cognitive impairments.

You may already be aware of a number of meals that are particularly good for the brain, seafood as one of them. Drumsticks may be the brain-healthy substitute for vegetarians out there.

7. Drumsticks Detoxify Your Blood

Most of you know neem leaves’ capacity to cleanse the blood. It has long been utilized in Ayurveda to treat pigmentation and acne from the skin’s innermost layers. However, you might not be aware that drumsticks are just as effective in clearing toxins from your circulation.

They also combat germs and fungi, which lowers the risk of contracting specific ailments. Further, eating this plant helps to stabilize your blood sugar levels better.

Because of its chlorogenic acid, moringa is thought to help maintain healthy blood sugar circulation. Therefore, regularly eating moringa powder aids in the detoxification of your blood.

8. Drumsticks Make You Feel Energised

If you’re looking for an energy boost without caffeine, incorporating moringa into your daily routine may be a fantastic choice. It contains many vitamins and minerals, particularly iron and vitamins C and D, which are essential for metabolism and energy production.

Similarly, the vitamin B found in moringa contributes to protracted energy maintenance and optimal metabolic functions. The good news is that you won’t experience the typical adverse effects of caffeine intake, such as energy dips, jitters, or restless thoughts.

9. Drumsticks Nourish Liver

According to one study, moringa aids in the restoration of liver enzymes in a damaged liver. The liver’s enzymes assist in carrying tasks like the cleansing of blood, the creation of bile, the breakdown of fat, and the entire assimilation of nutrients.

The enzymes can frequently be reduced in a liver overworked or exhausted, rendering it significantly less effective. Moreover, Moringa aids in reactivating those enzymes.

10. Drumsticks Reduce Cholesterol

The key to preventing heart disease is maintaining appropriate cholesterol levels.

The best part is that moringa can lower cholesterol levels. In one study, moringa was found to have hypocholesterolemic (limiting lipids) and antiatherescotic (preventing plaque accumulation in artery walls) properties that promote a healthier heart.

Drumstick has a decent quantity of fiber. Fiber removes extra cholesterol from the body, lowering harmful cholesterol. As a result, they may help reduce cardiac conditions like stroke and attacks.

4. Here Are Some Ways to Include Drumsticks in Your Regular Diet

Because of its adaptability, moringa can be used in a wide range of recipes for meals, snacks, and drinks. Green tea and moringa have comparable flavours. It’s hard to explain, although some have said it has an earthy, leafy, or emerald flavour.

While some people like the taste of moringa, others want to pair it with richer and sweeter flavours so that it plays a more supporting role.

So, providing easy-to-make recipes to satisfy your taste buds while keeping you fit and fabulous!

Drumsticks Soup

Try this straightforward dish with drumsticks. Simply make a curry out of your drumsticks if you have a bunch on hand and are unsure what to do with it.

Drumsticks Lentil

Sambhar comes to mind when we speak of drumsticks and lentils. However, there are various methods for preparing drumsticks with common dals that would produce a delicious meal.

Drumsticks and two different kinds of lentils are used to make one of the traditional South Indian dishes called murungakai poricha kuzhambu.

Veggie and Drumsticks

Vegetables blend nicely with one another, providing a plate with a rich texture and aroma while preserving its distinct taste. Because of this, a preparation using mixed vegetables can never go awry.

Try using baby potatoes, onion, and beans in a savory mixed vegetable recipe with drumsticks.

Sambhar

Drumsticks must be used for making sambhar, without a doubt. However, in addition to drumsticks, you may include other veggies in your sambhar.

Some Ways to Incorporate Moringa Leaves into Daily Diet

• Include with the morning smoothie
• Garnish in appetizer
• Include them with cilantro or your preferred dip.
• Include in salads and curries
• Incorporate into a pesto or spaghetti sauce.
• Bake into pastries and desserts
• To prepare tea, boil the leaves in water with your preferred sweetener.
• Suitable for incorporation into any liquid cuisine, particularly soups such as chicken soup, plain soup, and numerous others

6. Some Ways to Incorporate Moringa Flowers into Daily Diet

• Petals can be crushed into sauces, mixed into drinks or soups, or sprinkled on salads.
• Add to rice and noodle meals after being stir-fried.
• Garnish over top of stews, soups, and curries.
• Fry and consume as a snack.
• In India, moringa blossoms are typically sautéed into thoran, a side dish that flavours the flowers with a paste made of green chillies, spices, and onions.
• You may brew a healthy tea by steeping dried moringa blossoms in hot water.
• Moringa blossoms go well with various foods, including coconut, red pepper, green beans, meat, chicken, and fish. They also go well with flavourings like ginger, garlic, and onion.

7. Potential Negative Effects and Safety Measures of Drumsticks:

Even though UNESCO describes the moringa tree as a “non-toxic, easily digestible source of nutrients,” it does have specific unfavorable side effects. The following are some typical adverse effects and warnings:

• Avoid eating the roots of the moringa tree even though the majority of its components are healthful and edible. It includes possible neuro-paralytic toxins that might result in paralysis and death.
• The leaves of the drumstick plant are laxative. Excessive consumption of these might cause diarrhea, heartburn, gastric distension, and stomach distress.
• Drumsticks are always preferable when cooked. However, eating them raw or straight with water may give you heartburn.
• Additionally, eating too many drumsticks can make you feel sick. Therefore, it is best only to use it in moderation.
• A few compounds can cause uterine contractions in pregnant women in tree bark, blooms, and roots. Therefore, it can make a miscarriage more likely. Therefore, before including it in your diet, you should always check with your doctor. Likewise, before using it during breastfeeding, talk to your doctor.
• When using blood-thinning drugs, please avoid drumsticks as they increase the likelihood of bleeding.

FAQs