What is Drumstick (Moringa)? Know its Importance and Benefits in Ayurveda

2022-03-17 11:33:54

Drumstick is a kind of seasonal legume, which belongs to the Moringaceae family. It is commonly used as a vegetable whose botanical name is Moringa Oleifera. Drumstick tree grows rapidly, apart from its beans, its flowers and leaves are also used in food. It is rich in phytonutrients which has an impressive effect on overall health that is why even in Ayurveda, drumsticks are considered great for treatment.

Importance of Drumstick in Ayurveda

According to Ayurveda, drumsticks is rich in anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and tissue-protective properties. It is an excellent source of vitamins, minerals and amino acids. Vitamin A, C and Vitamin E, calcium, potassium and a good amount of protein are found in it. All these properties are beneficial in increasing the body's immunity, reducing weight, treating joint pain and arthritis. It has the ability to maintain the balance of all the three doshas of the body i.e. Vata (air disease), Pitta and Kapha (mucus) and prevent all kinds of diseases caused by its outbreak. The nutrients present in it cure all skin problems. It improves digestion power by increasing the immunity of the body. Apart from this, drumsticks also help in stabilizing heart pressure, blood pressure, cholesterol etc.

Benefits of Drumstick

Helpful in reducing weight-

Consumption of drumstick pods or leaves helps in controlling the increasing weight because drumstick contains chlorogenic acid, which exhibits anti-obesity properties. It affects the process of liver gluconeogenesis and insulin release in the body which is effective for the treatment of obesity.

Beneficial for cancer-

The medicinal properties present in drumstick work to prevent or protect against dangerous diseases like cancer. Drumstick bark and leaves have anti-cancer and anti-tumour properties. Apart from this, polyphenols and polyflavonoids properties are present in drumstick leaves which exhibit anticancer, antioxidant properties. In this way, all these elements are helpful in preventing cancer.

Helpful in increasing immunity-

Vitamin C and other properties present in drumsticks play an important role in reducing the growth of various pathogenic microorganisms and diseases. It mainly contains an immunomodulatory agent which helps in improving the body's immune system.

Helpful in improving energy level-

Drumstick is high in lipid fat which works to increase energy by going to the body. Lipids are considered a good source of energy. Apart from this, there are fatty acids like fat-soluble vitamins and bioactive present in drumsticks which help in improving the working capacity of the body. In this way, drumsticks help in increasing the energy levels in the body.

For diabetes-

Drumstick flowers, leaves, bark and pods have anti-diabetic properties, which help in reducing the level of glucose present in the blood. Therefore, regular consumption of drumstick bean vegetables or tablets made from it in their diet is beneficial for diabetic patients.

Effective for blood pressure-

Problems related to blood pressure are treated with the use of drumsticks. In fact, the fresh leaves and pods of Moringa have antioxidant properties like flavonoids which reduce the rate of high blood pressure by reducing the number of free radicals in the body.

Helpful in reducing cholesterol-

Drumstick contains beta-sitosterol which acts as an anti-inflammatory by slowing down the chemical process that produces bad cholesterol in the body. Apart from this, it contains Camp Ferrol in which improve metabolism and cell function. In this way, the consumption of drumsticks helps in reducing the bad cholesterol ie LDL levels in the body.

Helps in strengthening bones-

Drumstick i.e, Moringa is known to keep bones healthy and strengthen them. In fact, Moringa contains a good amount of calcium, potassium, magnesium, silicon and protein, which is very important for the development of bones. On this basis, it is believed that the consumption of Moringa is beneficial for providing nutrition and strength to the bones.

For joint pain-

Drumstick has anti-inflammatory properties, which work to relieve joint pain and swelling. It also has anti-arthritic and anti-osteoporotic properties. These properties help in reducing the risks of bone disease.

Beneficial for liver-

Wrong eating habits and lifestyles have a direct effect on the liver. In such a situation, it is necessary to change your diet and routine from time to time. For this, adding drumstick pods or their leaves along with other foods in your diet is very beneficial for the liver. Actually, it contains a flavanol called Quercetin, which acts as a hepatoprotective. It protects the liver from any kind of damage. Therefore, include drumstick flowers, leaves and buds in your diet.

For brain health-

Drumstick consumption is good for brain health. It is believed to be beneficial for warding off Alzheimer's (amnesia), Parkinson's (disorder associated with the central nervous system). The nutrients present in it are known to promote brain health. Along with this, it is also helpful in sharpening or improving memory.

For anaemia-

Drumstick bark or its leaves are used to prevent anaemia i.e. deficiency of red blood cells because ethanolic extract properties are found in its leaves. It contains anti anaemia properties and continuous consumption improves the level of haemoglobin and also helps in the production of red blood cells.

Beneficial for skin-

Oleic acid is found in drumsticks which helps to moisturize dry skin as a cleansing agent. It contains Vitamin-A, Vitamin-E and antibacterial properties which makes the dull and dry skin soft. In addition, drumstick has antiepileptic, antihypertensive and antifungal properties that take complete care of the skin. In this way, the skin is made healthy by consuming drumsticks or its leaves.

For anti-ageing-

Drumstick pods or their leaves contain a sufficient amount of vitamin E which works to protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals and to give glowing skin by improving the collagen formation of the skin.

Uses of Drumstick

• Drumstick or its leaves are eaten as a vegetable.
• Drumstick is cut and used for making soup.
• Drumstick pods or leaves are used in tablets or capsules.
• Its leaves or flowers can be dried and consumed by making powder.

Precautions and Side effects of Drumstick

• Women should avoid its consumption during periods, as it increases pitta.
• Avoid its consumption during bleeding disorder.
• This can cause an increase in irritation. Therefore, do not consume it if there is a problem of gastritis or acidity.
• Drumstick leaves work to reduce high blood pressure. Therefore, people suffering from low blood pressure should avoid its consumption.
• Its consumption provides relief in diabetes. Therefore, excessive consumption of it can also cause a decrease in the level of glucose more than necessary. Drumstick pods can be used during pregnancy but do not consume their bark, leaves and flowers during this time or consume it only as per the advice of the doctor.