Moringa leaves: Moringa or Drumstick, also known as Sujana or Munra, actually Drumstick leaves or Moringa are a treasure of health. Moringa has botanical name Moringa Oleifera. Moringa has been called Amrit Sam in Ayurveda which means it is like nectar. In Ayurveda, Drumstick/Moringa is used as a medicine for more than 300 physical diseases.
Drumstick is mainly used in different recipes and in many other ways. Moringa is grown in countries like Philippines, Mexico, Malaysia, Sri Lanka and India. Especially in South India, it gives fruit throughout the year which is in the form of a pod, but in North India it bears fruit only once a year. Drumstick/Moringa plant can be grown in any type of soil. It requires very little care. Drumstick or Moringa plant can grow up to about 10 meters in height.
मोरिंगा के फायदे | Moringa Leaves in Hindi
Drumstick/Moringa is a storehouse of nutrients. Different parts of this plant can be used in different ways. This plant is also used extensively as a herb. Leaves, fruits, flowers, branches, bark of this plant are all used, hence Drumstick / Moringa is also called a miraculous plant.
Drumstick/Moringa leaves are especially used in cooking. Moringa leaves are also used to purify water and to clean hands. The oil extracted from drumstick seeds is also used extensively. Especially in South India, drumstick/moringa leaves are used in making vegetables and its pod (drumstick) is used in making sambar. Apart from this, it is also used along with potatoes in Sago which is served with the famous Set Dosa. Chutney is also made from drumstick/moringa leaves and it is also cooked with different pulses and vegetables.
Moringa Leaves Properties
Anti fungal, anti viral and anti inflammatory properties are found in Drumstick/Moringa. Nutrients like potassium, zinc, magnesium, iron, copper, phosphorus, calcium etc. are found in abundance in it. 90 types of multivitamins, 45 types of antioxidants, 35 types of pain relieving properties and 18 types of amino acids are found in drumstick. Due to these properties it is called a miraculous plant.
Benefits of Moringa
Moringa leaves contain a plethora of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids, including vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, potassium, iron, and protein. This makes them a valuable addition to the diet.
Moringa leaves are rich in antioxidants such as quercetin, chlorogenic acid, and beta-carotene. These antioxidants help to neutralize free radicals in the body, reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, and thus lowering the risk of chronic diseases.
Compounds found in moringa leaves have anti-inflammatory properties. This can help alleviate symptoms of inflammation-related conditions like arthritis and may contribute to overall joint health.
Moringa leaves may help regulate blood sugar levels by reducing glucose levels in the blood. This effect could be beneficial for individuals with diabetes or those at risk of developing the condition.
Moringa leaves may aid in maintaining healthy cholesterol levels. They can help reduce cholesterol levels, particularly LDL cholesterol, which is often referred to as “bad” cholesterol.
Moringa leaves are rich in fiber, which is essential for digestive health. Fiber helps promote regular bowel movements, prevent constipation, and support a healthy gut microbiome.
The high vitamin C content in moringa leaves can help strengthen the immune system, making the body more resistant to infections and illnesses.
Moringa leaves contain nutrients like vitamin E and zinc, which are beneficial for skin and hair health. They may help nourish the skin, promote collagen production, and support healthy hair growth.
Drumstick vegetable and soup is also used in the problem of stones / kidney stones. Drinking the decoction of its bark eliminates tooth decay.
Drumstick flowers also help in reducing weight. An antioxidant called chlorogenic acid is found inside these flowers which works to burn the extra fat present in the body.
Consuming drumstick flowers reduces hair fall to a great extent, promotes hair growth and also reduces the problem of dandruff.
The problem of urine infection is very common in women. To overcome it, making tea from drumstick flowers and consuming it provides relief.
Apart from above, Moringa leaves are also used for various home remedies.
Making pulp of drumstick leaves and cooking it in mustard oil and applying it on sprains provides quick relief.
Moringa / Drumstick seeds are also used as scrubbers and in making face masks.
Drumstick is a storehouse of qualities. If we compare it with milk or other vegetables, it is found that 7 times more amount of Vitamin C is found in Drumstick than in orange. It contains 4 times more Vitamin A than carrots. 4 times more calcium is found in drumstick than in milk. Drumstick contains 3 times more potassium than banana and 3 times more protein than curd.
Ask the Doctor
Because Drumstick is hot in nature, people who have heat problems like acidity, any skin problem, should avoid its use or should use it with caution. It is suggested that women should not use drumstick/moringa during periods. If you want to use Moringa in your diet then it is better to consult your doctor.
Moringa Powder
Drumstick / Moringa has become famous all over the world for the last few years and due to its medicinal properties, its demand has increased a lot in western countries. Moringa powder, which is available today in packets at medical stores or big supermarkets, is made by drying and grinding the leaves of this drumstick.
Moringa powder is also being made available in capsule form as medicine. There is a wealth of drumstick in India and especially in South India. We can use this mine of properties in the form of vegetables, in the form of soup, in the form of powder and in whatever way we want, we can easily use it and get rid of most of the diseases.
Moringa Recipes
Moringa / Drumstick leaves can be used in different ways in order to prepare various recipes.
Moringa Smoothie:
Moringa leaves can be used in smoothies. Whether it is powder form of moringa or the leaves, it can be used to make smoothie along with other fruits and vegetables. For that, Blend together banana, spinach, moringa leaves (2 – 3 sprigs) or powder ( 1 tablespoon), Greek yogurt, almond milk, and the sweetne of choice, honey, dates or maple syrup. You can also add other fruits like mango or pineapple for the choice of flavor.
Moringa Pesto:
Combining fresh moringa leaves or moringa powder along with basil, garlic, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a food processor. Blend until smooth and use as a topping for pasta, grilled chicken, or sandwiches.
Moringa Soup:
Moringa leaves or powder can be easily combined with the regular soups. Sauté onions, garlic in the oil of oil of choice. Add vegetable or chicken broth, carrots, and moringa leaves or powder. Simmer until the vegetables are tender. Season with salt, pepper, and herbs like fresh coriander, basil and mint.
Moringa Salad:
Toss fresh moringa leaves with mixed greens, chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, avocado, grilled chicken or chickpeas. Dress with a simple sauce made of from olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
Moringa Tea:
Steep dried moringa leaves in hot water for a few minutes to make a nutritious tea. You can add a squeeze of lemon and honey for flavor if desired.
Moringa Energy Balls or Laddoo
Blend together dates, almonds, moringa powder, coconut flakes, and a pinch of salt in a food processor until a sticky dough forms. Roll into small balls and refrigerate until firm. These make a healthy snack or dessert.
Moringa Omelette:
Whisk eggs with chopped moringa leaves, chopped tomatoes, onions, and grated cheese. Cook in a skillet until set and serve with whole-grain toast for a nutritious breakfast.
Moringa Curry:
Sauté onions, garlic, ginger, and curry spices in oil until fragrant. Add chopped vegetables like cauliflower, potatoes, and carrots and moringa leaves. Simmer until the vegetables are cooked through and serve with rice or chapati.
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