Drumstick (Murungakkai) – The Ultimate Guide to Nutrition, Health, and Recipes

             Drumstick (Murungakkai) – The Ultimate Guide to                                         Nutrition, Health, and Recipes

Introduction:

And one vegetable that nearly every Indian family has loved is drumstick (known as Murungakkai in Tamil, Sahjan ki phalli in Hindi, Muringakka in Malayalam, Munaga in Telugu). Not only is this long green pod a delicious addition to curries and sambar but also a potent superfood with numerous health-promoting properties, taken off the Moringa oleifera tree.

Drumstick is becoming known as Moringa-The Miracle Tree to the world today. But it has been in use by our forefathers centuries ago in food, in medicine and even in Ayurveda. We will discuss all that there is left to be known about drumstick in this guide, such as nutritional value, top health advantages, traditional uses, recipes, diet tips, precautions, etc.

We shall go into the entire 3000-word article of why drumstick is a must-have in your kitchen.

Drumstick :

• It is extremely common and called in India:
• Murungakkai (Tamil)
• Sahjan ki phalli (Hindi)
• Muringakka (Malayalam)
• Munaga (Telugu)The tree, including pods, leaves, seeds, flowers, even bark are useful in some way. That is why it is referred to as a Miracle Tree.
• Pods – This is the long green vegetable which is used in curries, rasam and sambar.
• Leaves - good sources of protein, calcium and iron. Dried and powdered to be used as supplements.
• Seeds - These are used in the purification of water and in the production of medicinal oils.
• Flowers - Eaten in a variety of village preparations and believed to be effective as a stimulant to lactating women.
• Nutritionally, medicinally, drumstick is a whole package.
• From a nutritional standpoint, Drumstick has the following nutritional value.
• The pods and leaves of the drumstick are also loaded with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.

Nutrition 100g Drumstick Pods:

• Calories: 37
• Protein: 2 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Vitamin C: 141 mg
• Potassium: 461 mg
• Calcium: 30 mg
• In 100g Drumstick Leaves:
• Calories: 64
• Protein: 9 g
• Vitamin A: 7564 IU
• Vitamin C: 51 mg
• Iron: 4 mg
• Obviously, the leaves of a drumstick are richer than pods. But pods are more commonly cooked with due to their distinctive flavor.

Discovered the top health benefits of Drumstick:

1. Boosts Immunity

• Drumstick is a natural immunity boosting food with a high vitamin C content which helps to protect against cold, cough and infection.

2. Improves Digestion

• Its fiber enhances bowel movement as well as prevents constipation. This is the reason drumstick rasam is commonly eaten in cases of stomach upsets.

3. Controls Blood Sugar

• Research indicates that the leaves of the drumsticks help in lowering the spikes of blood sugar levels in people who are diabetic.

4. Strengthens Bones & Teeth

• Calcium, magnesium and iron are found in Drumstick and make children, women and the elderly have stronger bones.

5. Supports Heart Health

• Potassium controls the blood pressure whereas the antioxidants reduce the risks of cholesterol.

6. Enhances Reproductive Health.

• Drumstick is traditionally used as a tool of fertility in men and reproductive health in women.

7. Reduces Fatigue & Anaemia

• Leaves rich in iron combat anaemia and fatigue, which is why they are ideal among women.

8. Aids in Weight Loss

• Drumstick is low in calories, is high in fiber and helps you stay fuller and helps lose fat.

9. Protects Liver Function

• The extracts of drumsticks have been shown to prevent toxins on the liver.

10. Improves Eye Health

• Vitamin A helps in providing good vision and prevents night blindness.

11. Anti-Inflammatory Properties

• Naturally relieves arthritis, joint pain and inflammation in the body.

12. Supports Lactating Mothers

• New mothers are given the leaves and flowers of the drumstick to enhance milk production.

13. Natural Detoxifier

• The seeds also clean up water and the leaves clean up the toxins in the body.

Drumstick Leaves vs Pods which is the best?

• Both are healthy, however, they have a slightly different purpose:
• Pods- sweet, sambar, curries, rasam. Best for digestion.
• Leaves - Boudoin, good in protein, calcium and iron.
• 👉 Eat both of them together to get the best results.

Drumstick in Ayurveda Ayurveda and Traditional medicine:

• The drumstick is referred to as Shobhanjana in Ayurveda and widely regarded as a medicinal tool.
• Leaves – These are used in the treatment of ulcers, anaemia, and malnutrition.
• Pods- Natural refresher and digestive remedy.
• Flowers - Enhance lactation among the mother.
• Seeds - Wash water and heals the skin.
• Drumstick is a very holistic food as recommended by Ayurvedic doctors as tridosha (Vata, Pitta, Kapha).

🍲 Popular Drumstick Recipes:

• Drumstick has been used in Indian kitchens to make some tasty recipes. Here are some must-try dishes:
• Drumstick Sambar - A classic of the South Indian.
• Drumstick Rasam- Spicy, energy giving soup.
• Drumstick Curry with Coconut- Kerala style.
• Murungai Keerai Poriyal - Stir-fried leaves in Coconut.
• Drumstick Soup- Ideal with cold and flu.
• Drumstick Flower Pakoda Village snack.
• Drumstick Chutney- Hot and savory rice or dosa side.
• Drumstick Leaf Adais (Protein dosa) South Indian special.
• Drumstick Pickle- Unique, tangy and long lasting.

Tips to include Drumstick in Your Diet:

• Addal, curries or sambar.
• Add mix leaves to chapati flour.
• Powdered drumstick leaves can be used in smoothies or buttermilk.
• Make plain drumstick soup as a way of staying healthy.
• Stir-fry or add flowers in pakodas.

⚠️ Side Effects & Precautions:

• Too much blood sugar can be caused by excess leaves.
• The pregnant women should not consume drumstick root and bark.
• When on BP or sugar medicines, ask a doctor first before taking supplements.

✅ Conclusion:

Drumstick (Murungakkai) is not a vegetable, it is a super food which is blessed by nature. You may need to increase your immunity, fight anaemia, improve digestion, or get better skin and hair health - drumstick is your natural remedy.

Eat the pods and the leaves at least once a week. Either use old recipes or even new smoothies. Drumstick is easy, cheap, and can be found nearly everywhere, and is an actual Miracle Vegetable.