10 Incredible Benefits of Drumsticks

Drumstick is a drought-resistant tree whose leaves, flowers, stems, and seeds are widely consumed. This super plant finds its roots in Ayurveda too. The fast-growing plant is abundantly found in South Asia, with India being the largest producer of it. Usually, a drumstick tree begins flowering within 6 months of plantation and can flower multiple times in a climate with good rainfall.

Drumstick pods, seeds, and leaves are packed with several essential nutrients. Drumstick leaves benefits include minerals like zinc, iron, calcium, and magnesium. In addition, fresh drumstick pods and seeds contain oleic acid, a healthy fatty acid great for your heart. The top 10 drumstick health benefits include:

1. Strengthens immune system:** Benefits of eating drumsticks include getting a rich supply of vitamins, like vitamins A, C, and E. The vitamins and minerals present in drumsticks give a boost to your immune system. The antioxidants in drumsticks help fight flu, colds, and common infections. It has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, which protect you against asthma, wheezing, and other respiratory diseases. Drumstick soup is a great recipe to have when you have a bad cold or cough.

2. Boosts digestive health: Have drumsticks for the ample amount of fibre in them. The fibre regulates your digestion and helps treat constipation. Essential B vitamins, like thiamine and niacin, and vitamin B12 present in drumsticks increase the secretion of digestive juices, further boosting digestion. The drumstick plant leaves contain pectin, an enzyme great for your gut health.

3. Improves heart health: Drumsticks contain potassium, a mineral that helps regulate blood pressure and keep the heart healthy. Potassium regulates blood pressure by countering the effect of sodium, which is known to increase blood pressure. Additionally, the bioactive compounds like niaziminin and isothiocyanate found in drumsticks also help regulate your blood pressure by circumventing the thickening of arteries. The antioxidants in drumsticks promote blood circulation in the body to regulate hypertension.

4. Regulate blood sugar level: Drumsticks are low in calories and packed with nutrients that help reduce blood sugar spikes. An insulin-like substance found in drumstick leaves can help maintain blood sugar levels for people with diabetes. The isothiocyanate present in drumsticks helps reduce weight and increase glucose tolerance, further helping people with diabetes.

5. Augments liver health: Now that you know that drumsticks can do wonders for your heart, you would be surprised to know that this humble vegetable can improve your liver’s health too. Drumsticks protect your precious liver from harmful toxins through their hepatoprotective function. They also boost the production of the antioxidant glutathione, which reduces free radicals that stress on the liver. If a person has been on anti-tubercular drugs, consuming drumsticks can protect their liver against the drugs’ damaging effects and speed up healing.

6. Fights infections: Drumsticks contain antifungal, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties that shield you against the harmful effects of fungi and bacteria like E.coli, Rhizopus, and Salmonella. Drumsticks are also used to treat skin fungal infections.

7. Promotes good vision: Drumstick benefits your eyes too. They contain vitamins A and C, which promote good eyesight. The antioxidants found in this vegetable help treat cataract and dry eyes. The vitamin A in it actively keeps night blindness at bay and keeps the retina healthy. Zeaxanthin, a carotenoid present in drumsticks, also helps maintain healthy eyes.

8. Accelerates weight loss: If you have been trying to shed weight, consider adding drumsticks to your diet. The vegetable is delicious and low in calories, and you can be guilt-free when adding it to your curries and soups. The fibre in drumsticks keeps you full for longer while keeping your calorie count relatively low.

9. Improves bone strength: Drumstick is rich in calcium, iron, and potassium, which strengthen the bone, especially in growing kids. Older people can make this wonder vegetable a regular part of their diet to increase bone density and reduce the symptoms of osteoporosis. Drumsticks also support arthritis treatment and the healing of minor bone fractures.

10. Promotes healthy skin: The vitamins in drumsticks help you get healthy and glowing skin. While vitamin A keeps your skin hydrated, vitamin C supports collagen production that keeps your skin elastic. Consume drumsticks regularly to slow down the signs of ageing and wrinkles.

Pregnant women and lactating mothers can safely consume drumsticks. It contains folic acid that prevents birth congenital disabilities in the unborn child and promotes good health for the mother and the baby. In addition, drumstick leaves contain iron, which prevents anaemia in pregnant women. If you suffer from morning sickness and feel low on energy during your pregnancy, drumsticks can help combat them. Lactating women can have a mixture of drumstick leaves juice with ghee as it promotes the secretion of breast milk.

Although drumstick leaves, seeds, and pods are safe for consumption, there can be a few side effects. It is not advisable to consume drumstick roots and root extracts orally as they contain spirochin, a toxic substance. Since drumsticks may lower blood pressure significantly, people with a problem of low blood pressure should restrict the quantity of vegetables in their diet. Moreover, eating the bark of a drumstick may cause uterine contractions. Finally, since drumsticks can reduce blood sugar levels, they may cause hypoglycemia if consumed in large quantities.

Drumsticks are loaded with benefits that promote good health and help treat various ailments and conditions. Regular consumption of drumsticks gives numerous health benefits and strengthens your liver, heart, bones, eyes, and more.

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