Drumstick seeds, or Moringa seeds, are seeds derived from the Drumstick tree, also known as Moringa tree. This tree is native to African and Asian parts of the world, particularly Northern India. The seeds are tender when they are still fresh and raw, but they get sturdy like small beans when they are dried. They appear greyish-white in colour with a structure resembling a wing. They can be prepared by steaming, boiling and roasting. (Read:Â Benefits and Uses of Drumstick Leaves )
A single serving of drumstick seeds (100 grams), contain 37 calories, 8.5 grams of carbohydrates, 2 grams of protein, 3 grams of fiber and 1 gram of fat. In one cup, it also contains 30 milligrams of calcium, 460 milligrams of potassium, 141 milligrams of vitamin C, and 74 international units of vitamin A. Each represent 3 percent of the daily calcium requirement, 13 percent daily intake for potassium, and 235 percent daily intake for vitamin C.
Drumstick seeds provide extensive health benefits, and here we provide the list health benefits of drumstick seeds:
- Promote sleep
If you are looking for a natural way to improve your sleep at night, it is recommended to infuse moringa leaves in hot water for a good 15 minutes and have a sip before dozing off. It will aid you to fall asleep breezily and get your full energy the next morning.
- Plentiful in fiber
Drumstick seeds contain rich fiber, and that is healthy for your digestive tract. The content of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and phytonutrients give important health benefits such as being a natural laxative and ease bowel movement. Consuming drumstick seeds regularly and moderately prevents constipation and other digestive problems like bloating and flatulence. Also read:Â Health Benefits of Quinoa for Breakfast
- Maintain normal blood sugar level
There are many health benefits of drumstick seeds. Consuming drumstick seeds regularly and moderately has also been believed to lower blood sugar level and control diabetes. This is due to the low glycemic index present in moringa seeds. Previous studies have confirmed that drumsticks seeds consumption lower the level of blood glucose, sugar and protein in urine of diabetic patients.
- Good source of iron
One hundred grams of drumstick seeds serving has triple the amount of iron found in spinach. Increasing high amount of iron will improve blood circulation and function to carry oxygen to your organs. Also read: Health Benefits of Iron
- Relieve joint pain and promote bone health
Drumstick seeds are amazing source of calcium and makes for a great reliever of joint pain for arthritis sufferers. The rich presence of antioxidants also contribute to the natural anti-inflammatory profile it exhibits. Also read: Benefits of Turmeric for Bones
Consumption of drumstick seeds is also profoundly beneficial for our bones, as it increases its strength and thus reduce the chance of developing osteoporosis, where the bones get weak and are prone to break. The high levels of calcium and potassium in drumstick seeds is the reason behind this beneficial effect.Â
- Natural Cancer Cell Killer
Moringa seeds are also well-recognized as a natural anti-carcinogenic. They have the potential to halt the growth and development of cancer cells.
- Rich source of antioxidant
Antioxidants are widely known to help get rid of toxic chemicals in our system, known as free radicals. The elimination of overwhelming free radicals will help prevent occurrence of chronic diseases. So far, the drumstick seeds is packed with at least 30 types of antioxidants.
- Improve skin health
Drumstick seeds are composed of antioxidants, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. A combination of this mix provides beneficial effect to the skin. The oil extracted from the seeds can be utilized as a moisturizer or treatment for skin rashes and sunburn. Also read: Benefits of Papaya Seed for Skin Whitening
- Treat edema
Drumstick seeds can be useful for treating swollen and inflamed areas of the body due to the antioxidant components. The oil can be extracted and applied to the swollen area and it is thought to be equally effective when compared to using pharmacological anti-inflammatory.
- Maintain liver function
The liver is a vital organ in our body that has an important job for detoxification, metabolism, protein making, regulating blood sugar and producing bile. Therefore, it is equally important to protect the organ from damage, and consuing drumstick seeds seems to an appropriate option for that. It is believed to have a hepatoprotective effect on the liver, especially in treating liver damage caused by tuberculosis drugs.Â
- Fight malnutrition
With all the beneficial nutrients packed in one single serving of drumstick seeds, it should not be surprising to know that it has the potential to combat malnutrition. The vitamins, minerals and amino acids it contains making it valuable to areas where malnutrition is still commonly encountered.
Thus, there are various health benefits of drumstick seeds.
Health Cautions
Eating too much of drumstick seeds may come with bad health consequences.
Consuming a load of fiber may be damaging to the stomach as it may interfere with the process of absorption of nutrients by the intestines. This may lead to a condition known as malabsorption. In addition, consuming excess fiber and at the same time not drinking enough water may actually lead to constipation (instead of preventing it).
Another health warning that you might have to be aware of, especially if you live with diabetes, is hypoglycemia. If you receive anti-diabetic medication as well as consume drumstick seeds more than you should be, your glucose level may fall to a low level to the point where your brain cannot receive any more glucose and this condition is life-threatening. Perhaps, in this case, it is better to consult with your doctor first before getting into the habit of eating drumstick seeds.
Moreover, drumstick seeds is not something that we usually consume in the urban setting, especially if you are living in a city. Therefore, it is important to know the risk of experiencing allergy to something you have never consumed before. Symptoms like wheezing, coughing, difficulty in breathing and chest tightening are signs of allergic reaction, and experiencing one of them requires immediate medical care.