Moringa oleifera or Drumstick tree is called “miracle tree” because every part of the tree is useful and edible. Leaves, fruit, roots, seeds, and flowers of the tree are all edible and used for food. Bark, roots, leaves, flowers, fruit, sap, and oil have medicinal properties and used for folk medicine. Moringa tree is also called the Horseradish tree or Ben tree in some parts of the world. This herb gets its superfood status because of its rich nutrition profile containing nutrients such as vitamins, protein, iron, and minerals.
The moringa leaves are nutritionally very rich, beating carrots, oranges, and even milk in terms of nutrition value. The leaves find many uses in Sri Lankan cuisine as they are versatile and can be incorporated in the diet in many ways. Adding them to juices, salads, and using them as a stir-fry vegetable are the most common ways in which they are eaten. Moringa leaves have no side effects when consumed in their natural form.
Drumstick leaves nutrition
Here is the rich nutrition profile of Drumstick leaves – one of the most nutrient-dense, antioxidant-laden, medicinal foods on our planet. In fact, it is difficult to find another food richer than Moringa.
In terms of concentration and variation, it comes in extremely close to being a perfect food.
Rich in Nutrients
Moringa leaves are bountiful in vitamins A, C, B1 (thiamin), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), and B6. They are further rich in nutrients such as folate, protein, magnesium, iron, calcium, phosphorus, and zinc.
Besides the vitamins, the rich density of amino acids makes moringa leaves one of the wealthiest sources of plant-based nutrition. Moringa leaves contain 18 types of amino acids which are the building blocks of proteins. Each of them makes a significant contribution to maintain the health and wellness of the human body.
Rich in Antioxidants
Moringa leaves have anti-oxidative effects and protect against the harmful effects of free radicals present in the environment. The damage evoked by free radicals is at fault for many chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes, heart problems, and Alzheimer’s.
Moringa leaves have a rich abundance of vitamin C and beta-carotene that combat through free radicals.
They have Quercetin, which is an antioxidant that helps to lower blood pressure. Another antioxidant that is commonly found in moringa leaves is Chlorogenic acid, which aids in balancing blood sugar levels after meals.
In a study conducted on women showed that taking 1.5 teaspoons of moringa leaf powder daily for three months had shown a symbolic increase in blood antioxidant levels.
Health Benefits
Here are some prominent health benefits of drumstick leaves.
Fight Inflammation
Moringa leaves are anti-inflammatory in nature because of the existence of isothiocyanates. They have niazimicin that is known to inhibit the development of cancer cells. Inflammation acts as the root cause of many diseases like cancer, arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and many autoimmune diseases.
When we go through an injury or infection, the body endures increased inflammation. Inflammation is how the body generally responds to pain and injury. Mostly, it is a defensive mechanism against trauma, but because of the erratic lifestyle and an unhealthy diet, inflammation can surge inside the body. Constant inflammation is a cause of persistent health issues. Eating moringa leaves helps to reduce inflammation.
Lowers Cholesterol
Apart from oats, flaxseeds, and almonds, moringa leaves are a dependable remedy against high cholesterol. Cholesterol is the major reason why people suffer from heart diseases and eating moringa leaves has known to show considerable improvement against high cholesterol levels. Moringa oleifera can lower those levels and protect against the risk of heart disease.
Protects the Liver
Those who have tuberculosis can benefit greatly from moringa leaves as they reduce the negative effects of anti-tubercular drugs. The leaves accelerate the repair of the liver cells. The leaves have a high concentration of polyphenols that protect against oxidative damage to the liver and may even reduce it. They increase the protein levels in the liver.
The liver is the site of blood detoxification, fat metabolism and for nutrient absorption and it can function properly only if the liver enzymes are normal. Moringa leaves stabilize these liver enzymes.
Good for the Stomach
Moringa leaves are beneficial against digestive disorders. Those who suffer from constipation, bloating, gas, gastritis and ulcerative colitis should add Moringa leaves to their diet.
The leaves have antibiotic and antimicrobial properties which make them an ideal remedy against digestive disorders. Even the high amount of B vitamins in the leaves helps in improving digestion.
An Antiseptic
Moringa leaves are antiseptic and fight off many bacterial infections. They are even beneficial towards wound healing and help to heal bruises, minor cuts, and burns quickly as they reduce the clotting time.
Helps in Weight Management
Moringa leaves increase fat burning in the body. They slim down the person without depleting energy reserves. This keeps the person feeling buoyant and nourished. They reduce cravings for food and boost metabolism. They also lower cholesterol.
Good for Detoxification
Moringa leaves are natural cleansers and help to detoxify the system. This helps to keep the body and increases immunity against various infections. They also increase the energy levels in the body.
Good for Nervous System
Many nervous disorders have been known to show positive results against the use of moringa leaves. They support brain health and work as neuro-enhancers. The high concentration of vitamins E and C combat neural degeneration and helps improve brain function. Those who have a migraine or suffer from recurring headaches must eat moringa leaves regularly. These leaves also work as mood balancers as they stabilize the production of neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and noradrenaline which are important for memory, mood and for stimulus-response.
Conclusion
Moringa leaves provide a powerful punch of nutrition and have an anti-inflammatory nature. Their antioxidative properties combined with their cellular-health protective properties make them a new ‘superfood’. They suppress the production of inflammatory enzymes and lower sugar levels. Make these a regular part of your diet to reap rich health benefits.
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