Drumstick vs Drumstick Leaves – Which Is Healthier? A Complete Guide

Probably, if you were raised in an Indian family, you have encountered the drumstick pods in the sambhar or the drumstick leaves prepared as a poriyal or dal curry. But have you ever questioned which of the lot is healthier, the drumstick pods or the drumstick leaves?

It is a highly asked question especially today when the drumstick pods as well as the leaves of the moringa have been dubbed as super foods all over the globe. In my very home, my grandmother always used to say, Drumstick leaves are medicine, but the pods are to taste! And she was correct--but we will learn more about it.

This is a full simulation guide, we will look at:

Nutritional comparison of drumstick vs drumstick leaves
Health benefits of each
Best ways to cook and use them
Which is better to eat more than the other.

What Is Drumstick?

Drumstick is an Indian backyard Moringa tree long green pod commonly grown in India. It is Tamil is Murungakkai, Hindi Sahjan, Telugu Munagakaya and Malayalam Muringakka.

It is a slender pod reaching 1-2 feet long and has a faint flavor that blends away in sambhar, kootu, avial or even a simple drumstick curry. It is popular due to the true flavour it gives and also possesses numerous health benefits.

What Are Drumstick Leaves?

Moringa tree, called in Tamil, Murungai Keerai, contains tiny dark green leaves that are round and small in size. Their eating is considered as one of the healthiest leafy greens on the planet. Indeed, the leaves of drumsticks are currently being sold in the powder form in the supermarkets around the world under the name Moringa Powder.

Mama and Papa always told us-- when you take a bunch of drumstick leaves you will never get a cold. That’s how powerful they are.

Nutritional Comparison: Drumstick Pods vs Drumstick Leaves:

The nutritional comparison of 100 grams of drumstick pods and leaves will be done.
Protein 2 g 9 g
Carbohydrates 8 g 8 g
Fiber 3 g 2 g
Vitamin C 145 mg 51 mg
Vitamin A 74 µg 7564 µg
Calcium 30 mg 185 mg
Iron 0.6 mg 4 mg
Potassium 259 mg 337 mg
👉 From this table, it is clear:
Vitamin C and fibre are abundant in drumstick pods (the vegetable).
Drumstick leaves contain a potent source of protein, Vitamin A, calcium and iron.

Health Benefits of Drumstick Pods:

Drumstick pods do not only taste good but are also medicinal. The following are some of their major advantages:
Enhances Immunity- The pods contain Vitamin C in large amounts which prevents cold, flu, and infections.
Enhances Intestinal Health - The fibre is very good at the digestive system and avoiding constipations.
Good for Diabetics -Helps normalize blood sugar.
Favors Joint Health - Traditional medicine Exploits drumstick soup as a remedy against joint pain and arthritis.
Assists in the Detoxification -Washes out the stomach and cleanses the liver.

Health Benefits of Drumstick Leaves:

Now we will see what the leaves are--the miracle food, as they are commonly called.
High in Iron and Calcium – Great for women, especially during pregnancy and after delivery
Averts Anaemia - Irons content assists in enhancing haemoglobin.
High in Protein- This is a good source of vegetarian protein, used by vegetarians and vegans.
Eye Health- Vitamin A helps sharpen the eyes.
Energizes the Body in a Natural Way- Unlike coffee or energy drink, moringa leaves provide unvarying energy without any side effects.
Manage Blood Pressure - Potassium helps to equalize the sodium and healthy blood pressure.
Anti-Inflammatory -Swelling, joint and arthritis.

Which Is Healthier- Pods or Leaves?

When we compare them, there is a clear victory of drumstick leaves in relation to nutrition. They contain more protein, Vitamin A, calcium and iron. This is what makes moringa leaves sold in the entire world as a superfood.

Yet that will not render drumstick pods of less value. The pods are very digestively beneficial, immunity-enhancing and do not sit heavily on the stomach like the leaves.

👉 Best choice? Eat both whenever possible. Use in curries and sambhar, and in stir-fries, dal, or soups use leaves.

Drumstick pods are used in cooking in the following way:

Drumstick Sambhar -the most famous dish in South India.
Drumstick Curry – Cook with onion, tomato, and spices.
Drumstick Soup -A healing experience against cough and cold.
Avial – Mixed vegetable curry with coconut.
💡 Tip: When you are eating the drumstick pods, you should chew the pulp but disband the fibrous outer covering.

The Drumstick Leaves, How to cook them:

Drumstick Leaves Poriyal (Stir Fry) -Made with onion, garlic and coconut.
Drumstick Leaves Dal - Add to toor dal or moong dal to make a protein rich meal.
Drumstick Leaves Adai / Dosa – Mix in batter for extra nutrition.
Drumstick Leaves Soup -A healthy soup that is delicious to the children and the elderly.
Moringa Powder, Dry the leaves then powder them and add them to smoothies or buttermilk.
💡Hint: It is better to have the leaves rinsed and the leaves cooked to make them palatable.

Home Remedies with Drumstick:

Drumstick pods and leaves were the natural medicine used by our grandparents. These are some of the easy solutions:
For Cold & Cough – Drink warm drumstick soup with pepper.
In the case of Anaemia - Eat drumstick leaves poriyal 3 times a week.
For Joint Pain – Apply warm drumstick leaf paste on the affected area.
For Skin Glow – Mix drumstick leaf powder with honey as a face pack.
In the case of Breastfeeding Mothers, it is said that Drumstick leaves curry increases milk production.

Personal Experience:

Drumstick leaves are a requirement in my own family on a weekly basis. My mother prepares a plain murungai keerai poriyal with garlic and frankly speaking, though the flavor is a bit bitter, the energy it provides is astounding. On exam days she would say, - Eat this, you will not be tired. And it worked!

The pods on the other hand were very popular in sambhar. Any South Indian boy will recall the delight of whitening out the mushy pulp. These little traditions make us remember that it is not only about taste when we speak about food, but it is about health, too.

Final Verdict – Which Should You Choose?

When you need immunity and support in digestion → drink drumstick pods.
In case you need iron, calcium, protein and general nutrition → Turn to drumstick leaves.
For best results → Combine both in your weekly diet.
By this means you taste the pods and the strength of the leaves.

Conclusion

Drumstick pods as well as drumstick leaves are healthy, but the leaves are healthier. Nonetheless, it is most appropriate to consume them in a balanced diet.

Next time you are making sambhar, do not only leave the pods but also include some drumstick leaves in your menu. Your body will thank you!

Drumstick vs Drumstick Leaves – Which Is Healthier? A Complete Guide