
Drumstick (Moringa) – Benefits, Nutrition & Uses
Time to read 11 min
Time to read 11 min
Drumstick or moringa is a plant possessing surprising properties. Drumstick is also known as drumstick vegetable, moringa vegetable, ben oil tree, miracle tree, Sahjan, Murungai, Murungai Keerai, Nuggekayi, and moringa drumstick. The flowers, seeds, moringa oleifera leaves, and even the bark of the drumstick offer amazing health benefits. Each part of the drumstick is edible and packed with vitamins A, C, and K along with iron, calcium, and magnesium. The versatile plant is also rich in antioxidants. The vitamin C content of drumsticks boosts immunity and calcium strengthens bones.
So, in this blog, we are going to explore all about Moringa or Drumstick, its nutritional content, calcium content, benefits, and uses so stay tuned.
Anciently, the leaves and the pods of drumsticks have been used for medicinal purposes. If we talk bout the nutritional value of this wonderful plant, 100 grams of fresh moringa pods can fulfill 157% of your vitamin C requirement. Some studies show that moringa helps manage inflammation and regulate blood sugar levels.
Drumsticks are a significant addition to the diet due to their diverse range of benefits, offering various health benefits. Whether you are creating a healthy diet plan, looking for a delightful way to boost your diet, need to manage your blood sugar levels, or want to ensure strong bones in your growing child, drumsticks need a place on your plate.
Moringa oleifera or the Drumstick vegetable holds a cultural and culinary significance, especially in India and even some other parts of the world as it is highly nutritious and holds remedial properties. The vegetable is used in many different dishes because of its flavor, medicinal properties, and health benefits.
Let's explore the properties and health benefits of drumsticks in more detail. Let's get started.
The scientific name of the drumstick is Moringa oleifera and it is commonly used in cooking curries, soups, and powders. Moringa is quite a large tree natively belonging to North India. It has been used in medicines and traditional herbal remedies for several years.
The drumstick or moringa vegetable has edible leaves, flowers, and pods. The fast-growing tree comprises long pendulous pods, tripinnate leaves with delicate leaflets, and bisexual, yellowish-white color fragrant flowers. Almost every part of the moringa tree including pods, leaves, and bark is edible or used in traditional medicine.
Pods: Pods are the most identifiable part of the drumstick plant as these are long and hanging. New leaves are green and as they get mature they turn into brown leaves. As you peel the pods you get a seed surrounded by a fleshy layer, both the seed and flesh are eatable with a grassy and botanic flavor.
Leaves: The leaves are formed of smaller leaflets organized in a feather-like design. Leaves are usually dark green and leaflets are teardrop shaped. Young or new leaves can be cooked or even eaten raw.
Flowers: The yellowish-white color scented flowers with finely veined petals. Flowers grow in the form of clusters. These are bisexual flowers.
Tree: The drumstick tree is fast growing and reaches a height of 10-12 meters. Also known as a horseradish tree, has a corky bark and floppy branches.
Moringa leaves are packed with many vitamins, minerals, and antioxidant compounds. The dried moringa leaves are used as dietary supplements in capsule or powder form in Western countries. One cup of fresh moringa leaves contains:
Pods generally contain fewer vitamins and minerals than moringa leaves however these are extremely rich in vitamin C.
Drumstick is a native Indian plant however it is also cultivated in some regions of South America, Africa, and Asia. Check out the drumsticks (moringa) nutritional value per 100 grams as mentioned in the table below, as it highlights potential health benefits.
Nutrient |
Value in 100 gram |
Protein |
2.1 gram |
Fiber |
3.2 gram |
Energy |
37 kcal |
Carbohydrate |
8.53 gram |
Fat |
0.2 gram |
Iron |
0.36 mg |
Magnesium |
45 mg |
Phosphorus |
50 mg |
Sodium |
42 mg |
Potassium |
461 mg |
Drumstick leaves are an excellent source of essential nutrients. These are packed with vitamins A, B complex, and C and minerals (iron, magnesium, and calcium. On the other hand, drumstick pods be they fresh or dried are rich sources of vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin A, C, and potassium.
Vitamins: Vitamin A, B1, B2, B3, B6, C and folate
Minerals: Calcium, iron, zinc, magnesium and selenium
Other nutrients: Protein, dietary fiber, carbohydrates, and healthy fatty acids.
Vitamins: Vitamin A, B-complex, and C.
Minerals: Calcium, potassium, iron, and phosphorus.
Other Nutrients: Protein, dietary fiber, and carbohydrates.
Moringa or drumsticks offer a range of health benefits due to their various medicinal properties, rich nutrient profile, and significant antioxidant activity. Moringa is also called a miracle tree due to its ability to improve overall well-being. These are a rich source of iron, calcium, minerals, phosphorus, and other essential nutrients required for bone strength.
Antioxidants protect your body against free radical damage. High levels of free radicals are associated with oxidative stress that causes chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. Moringa leaves are rich in antioxidants such as flavonoids, carotenoids, phenolics, and ascorbic acid.
Drumsticks are believed to aid immune function as they are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. These nutrients strengthen the immune system, aid immune system activity, and defend against diseases and infections.
Moringa supports digestive function and promotes healthy digestion. Drumsticks are an excellent source of fiber that supports healthy digestion and prevents constipation. Moreover, the anti-inflammatory properties of moringa can help ease the symptoms of digestive conditions.
High blood sugar is associated with serious health conditions including heart disease and diabetes. Studies found that moringa helps lower blood sugar aiding better management of diabetes. It may be because of various plant compounds including chlorogenic acid, kaempferol, isothiocyanate, and quercetin.
Drumstick leaves are a significant addition to the diet, especially for patients with liver diseases, fatty liver, and tuberculosis. The antioxidant properties of drumsticks protect the lungs against damage from free radicals, prevent oxidative stress, and aid detoxification.
Drumsticks are packed with calcium, phosphorus, iron, minerals, and all essential nutrients required for strong bones. Eating drumsticks regularly can help reinstate bone density, and prevent osteoporosis and other bone-related conditions.
Drumsticks are rich in antioxidants and vitamin C that fight against infections and improve immune function.
Asthma is caused due to inflammation in the lungs. Moringa possesses anti-inflammatory properties that ease airways and bronchodilators presenting asthma attacks.
Moringa or drumstick tree is believed to have several medical properties thus numerous scientific studies have been discovering the potential medical benefits of this magical tree. Various scientific studies discovered a range of potential benefits including antidiabetic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hepatoprotective effects. Moreover, the research found that drumsticks may possess wound healing, anti-microbial, and even anti-cancer properties among others.
The bioactive compounds found in moringa such as isothiocyanates and glucosinolates have shown strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory action in clinical trials. Studies show that moringa can reduce inflammation, a major cause of the development of obesity, diabetes, and cancer. Drumsticks have been found to improve insulin signaling and glucose tolerance in animal studies.
Many studies signified that the leaves of drumstick trees can help manage blood glucose levels and can help cure diabetes. Moringa possesses the ability to restrict pro-inflammatory mediators and boost antioxidant levels that are associated with antidiabetic effects.
Research shows that drumstick leaves possess hepatoprotective activity and can prevent liver damage. Some studies demonstrate the anticancer potential and some inhibition of cancer cell growth. Moreover, moringa is also explored for its antimicrobial, wound healing, and many other medicinal properties.
Drumsticks have been used in traditional medicines in various cultures. It has been used to treat various ailments such as infections, skin problems, and digestive issues. Several scientific studies have demonstrated a broad range of medicinal effects of moringa making it a highlight for research and development in functional foods.
Moringa leaves come with many health benefits as they are rich in nutrients and bioactive compounds. These are packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals and are also known to have anti-diabetic, anti-cancer, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Drumstick or moringa is a nutrient-rich vegetable offering many health benefits such as increased energy levels, better heart health, and improved sperm quality. The miracle tree also promotes bone health, muscle growth, and digestive well-being.
Moringa or drumstick is a nutritious vegetable widely consumed in many parts of India to make sambhar, curry, and pulusu. Even the leaves are used in cooking such as to cook dal and stir-fried food items. Drumsticks can be used in cooking in a variety of ways such as Drumstick soup, curry etc.
Generally, moringa is considered safe when consumed in moderation. However pregnant women and patients taking certain medications should take necessary precautions as suggested by their healthcare provider. Too much consumption may cause digestive issues and certain plant compounds may interact with certain medications so you should be careful.
Some people who are allergic to certain plant compounds may experience an allergic reaction such as swelling or skin irritation. Moringa lowers blood pressure thus people with low blood pressure need to consume it with caution after consulting their healthcare provider.
Moringa vegetable is considered a superfood due to their remarkably high nutrient content such as Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin B complex, iron, calcium, and other minerals. Other superfoods such as kale and spirulina offer significant health benefits, drumstick or moringa presents a complete nutrient profile making it a potent superfood for diverse health requirements.
If you compare moringa with other superfoods for instance kale, both are excellently packed with vitamins and minerals however moringa comprises higher nutrient levels. Coming to spirulina and wheatgrass, moringa contains superior nutrient diversity and bioavailable forms.
What makes drumstick superior to other superfoods is its rich nutrient density, bioavailability, versatility, and overall wellness benefits as its remarkable nutritional profile supports several health aspects.
Moringa drumstick presents considerable health benefits such as strengthening immune function, managing blood sugar levels, improving bone health, reduce inflammation. The delicious vegetable is known for its versatile properties. It is rich in vitamins A, B, C, and K, iron, magnesium, calcium, and other minerals. Drumstick moringa also possesses antiseptic, wound healing, and anti-inflammatory effects. Due to its wide-ranging properties, it is also known as a miracle tree.
You can consume it boiled, stir-fried, steamed, or roasted. Moringa leaves can be consumed fresh, dried, and cooked and flowers can be added to stews, soups, and curries. Even the moringa seeds can be roasted and ground to make a powder that can be consumed.
Moringa or drumsticks are nutritious vegetables rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, and pregnant women can generally eat them.
Moringa may support weight management due to its low-calorie content, nutritional value, and ability to boost metabolism and appetite regulation. However to understand its weight loss effects more research is required.
Drumstick moringa is categorized as a superfood due to its remarkable nutritional value and its compelling health benefits.
Consuming moringa drumstick every day in moderation (maximum 70 mg per day) is safe and is not associated with any adverse effects. However excessive intake for a long period may build up toxins.
Pregnant women and people who are taking certain medications for high blood pressure, diabetes, and thyroid conditions should consult their healthcare provider before consuming moringa.
***Medical Disclaimer - The following information is for educational purposes only. No information provided on this website, including text, graphics, and images, is intended as a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult with your doctor about specific medical advice about your condition(s).