Drumstick (Sahjan): Nutritional Value, Health Benefits, Side Effects and More!

Are you a Sambhar lover?

Yes!!!

The blog is for you.

Do you know the vegetable that enhances and provides a unique taste to your favorite sambhar, drumsticks, or Sahjan? 

The drumstick, also known as Sahjan in India, is a versatile plant with surprising properties. The leaves, flowers, seeds, and even the bark of the drumstick tree all have potential health benefits. 

Almost every part of the drumstick is edible and rich in vitamins A, C, and K and minerals like iron, calcium, and magnesium. It also contains antioxidant properties. Drumstick's vitamin C content may boost immunity, while calcium strengthens bones. 

The pods and leaves have been used medicinally in ancient times. Did you know 100g of fresh drumstick pods can fulfill 157% of your vitamin C requirements?

Many studies suggest that drumsticks help regulate blood sugar and manage inflammation. With such a diverse range of potential benefits, drumsticks are a valuable addition to most diets. Whether you're a growing child needing strong bones, anyone who wants to manage blood sugar, or simply looking for a healthy and delicious way to boost your diet, drumsticks deserve a spot on your plate.

Let's explore the properties and health benefits of drumsticks in more detail. Let's get started.

Nutritional Value in Drumstick

Drumstick, also known as Moringa oleifera, is a native plant in the Indian subcontinent. It is also cultivated in many areas of Asia, Africa, and South America. It is also known as a "miracle tree" or "drumstick tree,". The table below summarizes the nutritional value of drumsticks per 100 grams- 

Nutrient	Value in 100 g
Energy	37 kcal
Protein	2.1 g
Fat	0.2 g
Carbohydrate	8.53 g
Iron	0.36 mg
Magnesium	45 mg
Phosphorus	50 mg
Sodium	42 mg
Potassium	461 mg

What properties make Drumstick a "Miracle Tree”?

Highly nutritious- Almost every drumstick is edible and packed with essential vitamins and minerals. The nickname "miracle tree" for drumstick is known for its following properties.

• Rich source of vitamins A, C, K, and B vitamins, iron, calcium, and magnesium.
• Helps to boost immunity with Vitamin C and antioxidants
• It helps to regulate blood sugar levels.
• Reduce inflammation.
• Improve bone health
• It may have anti-cancer properties
• Have antibacterial property
• Have antifungal properties
• Antipyretic agent
• Helps to manage asthma symptoms
• It may promote healthy skin and hair
• Anti-allergic properties
• Helps to manage high blood pressure
• It may help with cholesterol-lowering
• May act as a laxative and helps to manage constipation) 
• It may act as a diuretic and promote urine formation
• Certain components may have cancer-fighting properties
• Excellent source of plant-based protein
• Contains dietary fiber for gut health
• Used for medicinal purposes

7 Health benefits of Drumstick you must know 

The drumstick is more than just a tasty addition to dishes. Its versatile properties offer various health benefits. Let's explore more about the health benefits of eating drumstick:

• Helps to manage diabetes

The drumstick leaves contain antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that help to regulate blood sugar levels. 

• Improves liver health

Moringa leaves can benefit people suffering from liver diseases such as tuberculosis, fatty liver, etc. Containing numerous antioxidants, they protect the lungs against oxidative stress and damage. Their antioxidant properties also protect the liver from damage and aid detoxification. 

• Lowers the risk of cancer

Many studies show that drumsticks have anticancer properties that flower the growth of pancreatic cancer cells and help chemotherapy work better. 

• Regulates hypertension

The moringa leaves contain anti-inflammatory properties that help to lower high blood pressure. Its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties help to promote heart health. 

• Strengthens bones

Drumsticks are rich in calcium, iron, phosphorus, minerals, and essential nutrients that strengthen the bones. Consuming drumsticks regularly can restore bone density prevent osteoporosis, and also other bone-related diseases.

• Manage Asthma

The major cause of asthma attacks is inflammation in the lungs. The drumstick contains anti-inflammatory properties that help to relax airways, muscles, and bronchodilators, which prevent asthma attacks. Studies show that consuming 3 g of moringa twice daily for three weeks can reduce the severity of asthma symptoms and improve lung function.

• Boost immune system

Drumsticks are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants that help fight infections. Their anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties help reduce the symptoms of asthma, cough, wheezing, and other respiratory problems. Moreover, HIV-positive people must take drumsticks to boost their immune systems.

Are there any side effects of Drumsticks?

Over the years, people have been using drumsticks for its nutritional and medicinal properties. However, in a few cases, it may have some side effects in some people. Here are some possible side effects of eating drumsticks-

• Facial angioedema
• Irritation of skin in the lower limb 
• Excessive consumption may cause diarrhea.
• It contains high alkaloids that may lower blood pressure and slow heart rate.
• Some people might have allergic reactions. 

If you have any medical issues, consult your doctor before consuming large amounts of drumsticks. However, you can enjoy the moringa leaves moderately to reap their health benefits.

Different Ways to Add Drumsticks to Your Diet:

You can eat drumsticks in a variety of ways; here are some delicious drumstick recipe ideas you can try at home- 

1. Sambhar- Add a lot of vegetables and lentils with tamarind and spices 
2. Dal- Choose any lentil and add drumstick pieces for extra flavor and nutrients. 
3. Stir-fries- You can stir-fry drumsticks with onions, peppers, and spices. Enjoy them with rice or rotis.
4. Biryani-  You can add a drumstick to the biryani to give it extra flavor and texture. 
5. Omellette- Add a drumstick in Omellette for a healthy and protein-rich breakfast option. 
6. Soup- You can make a nutritious soup when simmered with vegetables and spices.

Takeaway:

Drumstick or sahjan offers various health benefits. From boosting the immune system to regulating blood sugar levels, reducing inflammation, and improving bone health, drumsticks are famous for their versatility. It contains essential vitamins A, C, K, and B complex and iron, calcium, and magnesium minerals. Moringa also acts as an antiseptic and prevents infections, thus promoting the healing of bruises, cuts, and even burns. Thus, it is true that drumsticks or moringa is a miracle tree. You can enjoy it steamed, boiled, stir-fried, or roasted. The leaves can be eaten fresh or cooked like spinach, and the flowers can be added to soups and stews. Even the seeds are edible and can be roasted and ground into a powder.