Moringa oleifera is a fast growing, drought resistant tree of the family Moringaceae, native to the Indian subcontinent. Common names include drumstick or moringa.
Almost all parts of the tree are eaten or used as ingredients in traditional herbal medicines, both by Indian and Africans.
This especially applies to the leaves, pod ( drumstick vegetable ) and now the dried leaves are being commercially sold as a powder and as capsules.
Nutritional content: 100 grams of fresh chopped leaves contain 6.7 grams of protein, 1.7 grams of fat, 12.5 grams of carbohydrate and 0.9 grams of fibre. Also 0.06 mg of Vitamin B1, 0.05 mg of Vitamin B2, O.8 mg Vitamin B3, 220 mg Vitamin C, 448 mg.Calcium, 42 mg. Magnesium, 70 mg.Phosphorous, 259 mg.Potassium, 0.07 mg.Iron. It is said that Moringa Oliefera contains 92 nutrients and 46 antioxidants so well deserves it’s elevation to a superfood.
Lowers inflammation and oxidative stress: Moringa is packed with nutrients and antioxidants, which together can combat harmful free radicals that undoubtedly attack your body on a daily basis. Moringa contains isothiocyanates, which is helpful in combating inflammation.
Lowers blood sugar: Moringa helps to reduce the amount of glucose in the blood as well as sugar and protein in the urine. It is seen that by adding 7 grams of Moringa leaf powder every day for three months reduced fasting blood sugar levels by 13.5 percent on average. This again is due to the content of the content of isothiocyanates and chlorogenic acid.
Rich in antioxidants: Moringa contains 46 antioxidants, and are rich in Vitamin C and beta – carotene. These help in protecting against the damaging effects of free radicals which can cause many chronic diseases like heart issues and Alzheimer’s.
Stomach issues: The high amount of B vitamins in the leaves helps in improving digestion. Moringa has antimicrobial and antibiotic properties which are useful for digestive disorders. Adding moringa to the diet helps in constipation, bloating, gas, gastritis and ulcerative colitis.
Treating cancer: Moringa extracts contain niazimicin, which can suppress the development of cancer cells.
Liver: Moringa helps restore liver enzymes. When the liver is run down or overused, the enzymes can often be depleted and moringa helps in getting these enzymes up and running.
Anaemia: Anaemia is a condition in which there is a deficiency of red cells in the blood. Moringa is rich in iron and folic acid so is excellent for Anaemia.
Dementia: Due to its role in memory enhancement, moringa leaves extract may serve as a potential medicinal food against dementia and age- related memory loss. Moringa enhances memory by altering enzyme activity in the hippocampus of the brain.
It is also helpful for depression, anxiety and fatigue
Healthy bones: Due to its high calcium and phosphorus content, moringa keeps bones healthy and strong.
Skin and hair: Moringa oil is loaded with essential fatty acids, the most abundant one being oleic acid. Oleic acid is not only an essential building block for a strong skin barrier, assuring that moisture is kept locked in and impurities out, but is also known to promote hair growth, and keep your scalp clean and healthy.
Caution: Moringa can interact with diabetes, blood pressure and thyroid medication. So please check with your doctor and monitor your intake of Moringa if you are taking these medications.
All the best and happy healing from Naturally Dimpi!!