If you are wondering what a Moringa tree is, it is nothing but your favourite drumstick tree! A common sight in almost every Indian household, Moringa is one of nature’s best gifts to mankind. Along with the Moringa sticks, which are added in Sambar, Moringa leaves are also fit for consumption. They are scientifically known as Moringa Oleifera leaves and are used for cooking and medicinal purposes. Moringa leaves are rich in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, making them the best superfoods. In this article, we shall discuss more about the amazing benefits of Moringa tree leaves in detail.
What Are Moringa Leaves?
Moringa leaves are the leaves of the Moringa tree, which is widely grown in India and African countries. They are slightly bitter in taste when taken in raw form, but are packed with flavour. Dried Moringa leaves are used in the preparation of Moringa tea and are available in the form of powder or tablets. They are also called “MunagaAaku” in Telugu and “SahjanKePatthe” in Hindi.
Importance Of Moringa Leaves:
Our ancient Indian have long recognized the importance of Moringa leaves to good health. These highly nutritious leaves offer many advantages to our body including the prevention of diabetes, reducing inflammation and even dealing with vitamin deficiencies. This good old home remedy has proven to lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
How To Consume Moringa Leaves?
There are numerous ways to incorporate Moringa leaves in your diet. Fresh Moringa leaves can be used in making dals, curries and even in curry powders. Dry Moringa leaves, on the other hand, are used in making herbal teas. The powdered form of these leaves is made into capsule form to be consumed for treating many ailments.
How Many Moringa Leaves Should I Eat?
To enjoy maximum health benefits, you can take 1 or 2 servings of fresh Moringa leaves twice or thrice a week. If you are taking Moringa powder or tablets, you can take about 1 tbsp, twice a day. Consuming these leaves beyond the recommended dosage might lead to stomach disorders like indigestion and nausea.
Nutritional Value Of Moringa Leaves:
Check out the nutritional breakup of 1 cup of fresh Moringa leaves (Serving Size: 100 gms)
- Total Calories: 64
- Total Fat: 1.4 gm
- Sodium: 9 mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 8.3 gm
- Dietary Fiber: 2 gm
- Protein: 9.4 gm
- Vitamin A: 151 %
- Vitamin C: 86 %
- Calcium: 18 %
- Iron: 22 %
Amazing Health Benefits Of Moringa Leaves:
There are loads of vitamins and minerals in moringa leaves and they can be cooked in different ways each day for proper consumption in the meals. Moringa leaves juice can also be prepared. Check this guide below to know about Moringa Leaves benefits that you can have in your bag with the Moringa leaves usage.
1. Provides Essential Amino Acids:
There are loads of amino acids present in moringa leaves that can be really useful for the body. There are about 18 important amino acids in the leaves that help in the building of proteins and proper functioning of the body. It is definitely one of the best uses of moringa leaves that you should look forward to.
2. For Lactating Women:
There are a lot of ayurvedic properties in moringa leaves. To increase the lactation and the production of milk in lactating women, this is given as a natural medicine on a regular basis. Overall, this means it is beneficial for breastfeeding women.
3. Anti-Inflammatory Agents:
There are iron and antiseptic as well as anti-inflammatory agents present in moringa leaves. This helps in quick healing of the injuries as well as the cuts and burns. It also helps in reducing joint pain and swelling. The iron levels are good for anaemia treatment as well.
See More: Moringa Oleifera Uses
4. Strengthens Nervous System:
All kinds of nervous disorders can be treated with just a simple modification in the diet by adding moringa leaves. It also treats other issues like migraine, irritation as well as headaches. Moringa leaf tablets can also be used along with fresh Moringa leaves to strengthen your nervous system.
5. For Reducing Cholesterol:
There are some slimming and fat burning benefits that moringa leaves have. It helps in reduction of the hunger pangs as well. This helps in boosting the energy levels and giving an active lifestyle. By achieving low levels of cholesterol, you also safeguard the body from heart diseases.
6. Helps In Digestion:
Moringa leaves not only itself is a food that is easily digested but it also aids in the digestion of other food products. This makes the body absorb more nutrients and work towards the good health of the person. This is one of the best health benefits of Moringa tree leaves!
7. Provides Energy:
Along with a well being and good health, Moringa leaves are known to add energy to the body. It provides energy with consumption of each portion and that too minus the sugar. This ensures that you are fit and have good concentration all day. Consuming fresh leaves or even dried moringa leaves benefits in boosting your energy levels.
8. Detoxification of the Body:
The antioxidants and vitamins in the moringa leave along with good levels of dietary fibre help in cleansing the entire system not only from fat cells but also from toxins and dangerous fluids. Moringa leaf tea helps in complete and natural detoxification of the body. It promotes good health and keeps the body free from any damage.
See More: Moringa Powder Benefits
9. Promote Hair Health:
The hair and scalp can be kept healthy with the use of Moringa leaves. This is because of the high levels of vitamins and minerals. It helps in cleansing the scalp and treatment of dandruff along with proper prevention of hair damage. It also treats dry hair problems. The blood circulation also helps activation of hair follicles. This gives strength to the hair and makes it healthy.
10. Rich In Anti-Oxidants:
Moringa leaves are rich in antioxidants like Vitamin C, Quercetin, Chlorogenic Acid, which can fight against cell damage caused by free radicals. Also, these agents were proven to be effective in lowering blood pressure and regulating blood sugar levels. Moringa leaves are also used in meat preservation for its high anti-oxidation properties.
11. Reduce Diabetes:
Moringa Oleifera leaves health benefits are numerous and is one of the excellent remedies to keep blood sugar levels in check. Especially, an anti-oxidant called Chlorogenic acid is shown to work on curbing high sugar levels. This is why Moringa leaves for Diabetes patients are suggested to keep their blood sugar levels in control.
12. Cure Acne:
If you are suffering from acne, try Moringa leaf mask to attain flawless skin! The oils in Moringa leaves can penetrate deep into the skin and reduce inflammation. They also fight infection-causing bacteria and purify the pores. You can make a paste our of Moringa leaves and water and leave it on your face for 15 mins. This not only treats acne but also clears your skin of any blemishes.
Moringa Tree Leaves Side Effects:
Although Moringa leaf is generally considered safe, there could be possible health complication that arises from excess consumption. Following are some of the Moringa leaf side effects:
- Indigestion
- Stomach Pain
- Nausea
- Interference with diabetes medication- Can lower blood sugar levels drastically.
- Interference with BP medication- Can lead to lowered blood pressure levels.
See More: Moringa Tea Benefits
That’s not all! Moringa leaves are known to cure more than 300 different types of diseases, unknown to modern medicine. With a wide spectrum of nutrients, Moringa leaves are indispensable to good health. No wonder why our grandmothers ensured the leaves are well utilized along with the sticks in their diet. It’s time we recognize Mother nature’s incredible wonders and get back to our roots for a disease-free, medicine-free life!