#BlogchatterA2Z2023

 Drumstick 'Superfood' Tree. 

The Drumstick or Moringa Oleifera is another vegetable packed with nutrition and extensively used to prepare a wide array of dishes in Indian cuisine. The tree is a drought-resistant tree that belongs to the Moringaceae family. India incidentally is the world's leading producer of drumsticks and Tamil Nadu is the largest producing state of Drumsticks. 

Nutrition:

Nutrition from the leaves: The leaves of the drumstick tree are imbued with huge quantities of minerals such as calcium, iron, zinc, manganese,, magnesium, protein, and dietary fibre. The leaves also happen to be loaded with quercetin and chlorogenic acid. 

Nutrition from the seeds: Edible oil, called Ben oil is extracted from the seeds. After the oil has been extracted, the seeds are turned into seed cake and used as manure for plants. The bark, sap, roots, flowers and seeds are also used in making medicine. 

Health benefits: 

• The fresh pods and seeds contain Oleic acid, a healthy fatty acid said to promote heart health. 
• The nutrient-dense drumstick is said to protect the liver from oxidation and damage from anti-tubercular drugs. 
• The leaves are useful in treating stomach disorders like constipation and colitis. 
• It is believed that the medicinal properties of the leaves may prevent certain cancers from developing and also help to treat them.
• The minerals, like calcium, phosphorus, and zinc present in the drumstick support bone health, especially as you age. 
• The anti-oxidants present in the drumstick help prevent cardiac complications.
• Drumstick balances blood glucose levels and is therefore a help to diabetic patients. 
• The drumstick supports respiratory health.
• Ongoing research indicates that regular consumption of drumsticks improves eye, and skin health besides benefiting anaemia patients. 

On your plate:

There's a drumstick in your dal, sambhar and rasam. 

You pickle it or dish out a tasty drumstick masala. 

The leaves are dried and ground to a powder that can be added to your morning glass of water or soup or stew. 

This post is part of the BlogchatterA2Z2023