This is no fictitious tree. It grows across our country and people have been consuming it traditionally for hundrends of years.This tree was referred to as “miracle tree” and recognised by the National Institutes of Health as the “Botanical of the Year” in 2007, 2011 and 2012.
Are you curious? I am talking about Moringa oleifera OR Drumstick commonly.It is a fast-growing, deciduous tree that is native to India and is widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical areas all over Asia, Africa, and South America. It is widely known by many other names, including Horseradish tree and Ben oil tree. India is a top exporter of moringa producing about 80% of total produce.Today, the moringa market globally is estimated at more than Rs 27,000 crore, which is expected to cross Rs 47, 250 crore by 2020, growing at a rate of nine per cent per year.The powder of the leaves are exported to US and UK where it is in high demand.
Nutrition Facts:
Moringa leaves and pods are a nutritional powerhouse that provides a great range and amount of essential proteins, vitamins, and minerals. It is a rich source of essential amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins. It also contains a significant amount of vitamins such as vitamin A, vitamin B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B6, folate, and ascorbic acid (vitamin C). Its mineral wealth includes calcium, potassium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, and zinc.
Moringa leaves compared to common foods
(values per 100g of edible portion)
Nutrient | Moringa | Other Foods | ||
| Vitamin A | 6780 mcg | Carrots: 1890 mcg | ||
| Vitamin C | 220 mg | Oranges: 30 mg | ||
| Calcium | 440 mg | Cow’s milk: 120 mg | ||
| Potassium | 259 mg | Bananas: 88 mg | ||
| Protein | 6.7 gm | Cow’s milk: 3.2 gm |
| From Nutritive Value of Indian Foods, by C. Gopalan, et al. |
Health Benefits:
Regular consumption of moringa has many health benefits.
Treats Stomach Ailments:
The isothiocyanates present in moringa are effective in the treatment of abdominal disorders such as constipation, gastritis, and ulcerative colitis. It contains [20]antibiotic and antibacterial properties and exerts inhibitory effects on the growth of various pathogens. This includes helicobacter pylori bacteria and coliform bacteria, which can trigger diarrhea.
Potent Anti-inflammatory agent:
It provides a rare combination of zeatin (a potent antioxidant), quercetin (a flavonoid known for its ability to neutralize free radicals and relieve inflammation), beta-sitosterol (a nutrient superstar that blocks cholesterol formation or build-up and is an anti-inflammatory agent for the body), caffeoylquinic acid (another powerful anti-inflammatory compound), and kaempferol (a key nutrient that promotes healthy body cellular function). All in all, enzymatically active and bioavailable Moringa oleifera provides 36 natural anti-inflammatory agents. Hence this is a superstar in fighting cancer.
Regulates Blood glucose levels:
Studies have demonstrated that treatment with moringa works positively towards the reduction of blood glucose, urine sugar, and urine proteins in diabetic test subjects. According to the studies, it has also shown a remarkable improvement in the hemoglobin levels.
Increases Immunity:
Moringa oleifera has been shown to be anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-viral and antibiotic, which will certainly lighten the load on the immune system. In addition, it demonstrates the ability to be a potent detoxifying agent.
Improves Hypertension:
Moringa is effective in maintaining optimal levels of blood pressure and cholesterol levels in the body. Bioactive components such as isothiocyanate and niaziminin present in it prevent the thickening of arteries and reduce the development of pulmonary hypertension. Studies have confirmed the hypocholesterolemic effects of moringa that help in reducing a high-fat rise in the liver, kidney, and serum cholesterol levels.
Skin and Hair tonic:
The hydrating and detoxifying effects of moringa extracts help in neutralizing the effects of harmful pollutants, prevent wrinkles and slowdowns aging. The high protein content of drumstick aids in protecting the dermal cells from damage caused by heavy metals such as mercury and cadmium. For the same reason, it is used in the production of cosmetics and skin care products as well.
Liver detoxifier:
Liver protective effect is attributed to the presence of phytochemicals such as catechin, epicatechin, ferulic acid, and vitamin C found in drumstick.studies have validated the effectiveness of its leaves against the liver damage caused by anti-tubercular drugs as well as its stimulating effects in speeding up the recovery process. It helps to restore the levels of glutathione content in the body and prevents radiation-induced hepatic lipid peroxidation.
How to use?
Tender leaves of Moringa can be cooked as a vegetable.
Fruit is also used as a vegetable.
Dry powdered leaves can be made into tea or add to smoothies as I do.
They are also available in capsule form.
Why should we be bothered?
I find it very disturbing that, a Superfood which grows so easily with miraculous health benefits is hardly popular. Its high time we looked at our own backyard for answers.