Drumstick pods: the fitness secret behind Narendra Modi's diet at 76
Drumstick pods, rich in calcium, iron and vitamin B12, are credited as part of the diet behind Prime Minister Narendra Modi's fitness at 76.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, 76, remains known for staying fit and healthy, with admirers of his fitness regimen not just in India but around the world. Modi includes drumstick pods in his diet, along with a sattvic diet overall.
Drumstick pods are considered highly beneficial for the body. As people age, calcium in the bones starts to decline, along with falling levels of vitamin B12 and iron. These changes affect overall health. Low vitamin B12 increases nerve pain and worsens health. Drumstick leaves contain far more iron than the pods themselves.
Doctors always advise including a variety of foods in the diet to boost nutrients that have declined in the body. For this reason, drumstick pods should be eaten two to three times a week, whether as a vegetable, in soup, or in other dishes made from it. Drumstick pods are considered a boon for the body. They are rich in amino acids, low calories, healthy fats, fibre, and minerals such as calcium, potassium, phosphorus, iron, copper and magnesium, along with vitamins A, E, C and antioxidants. For this reason, drumstick pods should be part of the diet to stay healthy even in old age.
As people age, calcium and other essential elements in the bones start to decrease. The body needs more vitamin D for bones to properly absorb calcium. Drumstick pods contain natural vitamin D, so no supplements or pills are needed. Vitamin B12 deficiency is more common among vegetarians, leading to muscle fatigue and weakness. Including drumstick pods in the diet can help prevent this problem.
Drumstick leaves contain antioxidants such as quercetin and chlorogenic acid. For relief from arthritis, knee pain and joint pain, drumstick soup should be consumed once or twice a week. The beneficial compounds in it help improve blood circulation. Excess body weight, worsening joint pain and poor sitting posture increase the risk of health problems.
The body needs vitamin C along with vitamin B. For this reason, lemon juice should be added to drumstick soup before drinking it. Different lentils are also consumed as part of meals, and adding lemon juice to lentils enhances both taste and vitamin C intake. Foods such as amla, guava, capsicum, drumstick smoothies and drumstick-lemon tea should also be included in the diet. This information is for general awareness only; consult your doctor before trying any remedy.
