The drumstick, also known as the horseradish tree or by its scientific name “moringa oleifera” is a tree of exceptional nutritional value. Apart from the various culinary applications, parts of this tree find use as traditional medicines and to clean dirty water.The uses of drumstick are many. Apart from the various culinary uses, the plant also serves as a tonic, digestive, diuretic, aphrodisiac, and anti-inflammatory.“Moringa Oleifera”, popularly known as the drumstick tree, ben tree, or the horseradish tree is a wonder plant on account of its multifarious benefits. The plant is rich in Vitamin A, B1, B2, B3, C, and minerals like calcium, iron, phosphorus, magnesium.The health benefits of drumstick plant stem from its juice, leaves, and seeds.
The juice of the drumstick plant has great nutritional value. An ounce of drumstick juice contains calcium equivalent to that contained in four glasses of milk, Vitamin C equivalent to that contained in seven oranges, and potassium equivalent to that contained in seven bananas. Drumstick juice also has three times more iron than an equivalent quantity of spinach.Milk toned with drumstick juice is a good energy drink that strengthens children’s bones and purifies the blood from impurities. Daily consumption of a glass of milk toned with drumstick juice provides pregnant women with all her daily requirement of Protein and Vitamin A, half the daily requirement of iron and over a third of her daily need of calcium and potassium.
Drumstick Leaves
The leaves of the drumstick plant have great nutritional value. It contains 38 percent protein with all amino acids, making it a richer source of proteins compared to other vegetables. The drumstick tree in fact has the highest protein ratio of any plant on earth, with calcium content of the leaves being 297mg per 100g of leaves, making it a valuable source of protein for vegetarians.100 grams of freshly cooked drumstick leaves provide for 75 percent of iron and 50 percent of proteins required by a growing child. Evidence from sub-Saharan African countries indicates that incorporation of two tablespoons of crushed drumstick leaves in the daily diet help overcome malnutrition.The nutritional benefits of dried and crushed drumstick leaves apart, the powder also finds use as a flavoring agent, with the flavor similar to peas with a mild mustard taste. Sliced and young green pods also find use as a savory in meat dishes.
Drumstick Seeds
Drumstick seeds find traditional use as a folk remedy for the cure of various ailments such as diabetes, asthma, bronchitis, tuberculosis, dysentery, diarrhea, colitis, jaundice, urinary infection, impotence, hemorrhoids, cramps, headaches, sore gums, and many other infections. Drumstick seed uses extend to clear throat inflections and aiding the respiratory system. Inhaling a steam of water mixed with crushed drumstick seeds help alleviate asthma and other lung problems. Oil from the drumstick seed, called Oil of Ben is an effective cure for earache and many skin diseases.Research over the years indicate that drumstick seeds strengthen the eyes, sharpens the brain, strengthens the digestive system, boosts the immune system, and cleanses the blood.Research conducted by the University of Leicester, U.K. indicates that drumstick seeds can be put to good use as a low cost solution to making available clean and potable water. A powder of dried and crushed drumstick seeds when added to water binds itself to dirt particles and bacteria and sinks to the bottom. Two teaspoons of crushed seeds would effectively clear 99 percent of all the bacteria and muck in a bucket of water.
Drumstick Oil
Drumstick seed oil is equivalent to olive oil in health benefits. The oil is rich in mono-unsaturated fatty acids such as oleic acid. Research indicates that oleic acid lowers cholesterol levels and prevents cancer.Drumstick oil has an added advantage over most vegetable oils in that it is odorless, stable and does not turn rancid. These properties explain its widespread use in the manufacture of soaps, perfumes and even as lubricants in watch making. These properties also enable extend drumstick oil uses to ayurvedic massages.
Note:The drumstick tree can be said to be a truly a miracle tree that can make the world a better place.The information in this article should not be considered medical or dietary advice. This article is not meant to treat, diagnose, prescribe or cure any ailment.Always consult your doctor before you start, stop or change anything that has been previously prescribed. Certain herbs and holistic remedies are unsuitable to take if you are pregnant, nursing, or suffer from any ailments, and must always be cleared by your doctor before use.
Reference: Various article
0 comments