11 Miraculous Health Benefits Of Moringa
Nature has given us plants with countless medicinal properties, one of which is a wonderful plant – Moringa. Which has also been considered a ‘superfood’ by the World Health Organization (WHO). In India it is also commonly called Sahajan, Sahajan ki Fali or Drumstick tree. Its scientific name is Moringa oleifera. It is found especially in India, Nepal, Pakistan and parts of Africa. Now it is becoming increasingly popular all over the world.
Moringa has been used in Ayurveda, Unani and traditional medicine for thousands of years. It is called a “miracle tree” because its leaves, beans, seeds, roots and bark are all full of medicinal properties.
In this article, we will learn in detail about the benefits of Moringa, its nutrients, methods of use and precautions.
🌿 What is Moringa?
Moringa is a perennial plant that grows mainly in hot and dry climates. Its height can be up to 10-12 meters. Its leaves are small and green in color and the pod is long and thin which we eat as a vegetable. The most medicinal utility of Moringa is in its leaves.
Nutrients found in Moringa:
• Protein
• Vitamin A, C, E, B1, B2, B3, B6
• Calcium
• Magnesium
• Potassium
• Iron
• Zinc
• Antioxidants
🌿 Health Benefits of Moringa
1. Increases Immunity:
Moringa is rich in vitamins C, A, and E which help in increasing your body’s immunity i.e. the ability to fight diseases. It gives you the strength to fight cold, fever and other infections.
2. Controls Diabetes:
Moringa leaves help control blood sugar levels. Because it contains elements that act like insulin and balance the amount of glucose in the body. Which makes it extremely beneficial for patients with type 2 diabetes.
3. Beneficial for blood pressure and heart health:
Moringa contains potassium and magnesium which regulates your blood flow. Which reduces your high blood pressure. It helps in reducing your cholesterol which reduces the risk of heart diseases.
4. Ability To Fight Cancer:
Moringa contains anti-cancer elements like niazimycin which help in preventing the growth of cancer cells. Its consumption is considered especially beneficial in breast and colon cancer.
5. Strengthens Bones:
Moringa leaves are rich in calcium and phosphorus which strengthen your bones. It protects you from diseases like osteoporosis.
6. Improves Digestion:
Moringa contains a good amount of fiber. Its use gives you relief from problems like constipation, gas and indigestion. It helps in keeping your digestive system healthy.
7. Beneficial For Hair And Skin:
Moringa contains zinc, vitamin A, E which increases your hair growth and prevents hair fall. It also moisturizes your skin. Oil made from Moringa seeds nourishes the skin and reduces your wrinkles, blemishes and spots.
8. Helps In Weight Loss:
Moringa speeds up your metabolism and helps you burn fat faster. It also controls your appetite making it a natural aid for weight loss.
9 Beneficial In Anemia:
Moringa contains a lot of iron which increases your hemoglobin count. Which helps you fight anemia (lack of blood).
10. Useful For Mental Health:
The amino acid tryptophan present in Moringa increases the serotonin hormone. Which improves your mood and reduces stress, anxiety and depression.
11. Powerful Antioxidant Source:
The antioxidants found in it like quercetin, chlorophyll, and beta-carotene destroy free radicals in your body. This slows down your aging and keeps your skin healthy.
🌿 Ways To Use Moringa
Leaves – As vegetable, soup, tea or powder
Pods – As sambar, curry, boiled vegetable
Seeds – As roasted, in tea or as oil
Moringa powder – As milk, water, dal, smoothie or juice
🌿 How to make Moringa Powder ?
🌿 Moringa Soup Recipe 🥣
Ingredients:
4-5 drumsticks
1 medium onion
1 tomato
5-6 garlic cloves
1 inch piece of ginger
1/2 teaspoon black pepper powder
1/2 teaspoon cumin powder
Salt to taste
1 teaspoon ghee or oil
Juice of 1 lemon
Some coriander leaves (for garnish)
Method:
1. First of all, wash 3 to 4 drumsticks and cut them into 1-inch pieces.
2. Now put these drumstick pieces in a pressure cooker, then add chopped onion, tomato, garlic, ginger and 2 glasses of water.
3. Now close the cooker and cook till 3 whistles.
4. When it cools down, grind this mixture in a mixer and filter and separate the soup.
5. Heat ghee or oil in a pan, add cumin powder and let it crackle.
6. Now add the strained soup, add black pepper powder and salt.
7. Cook the soup on medium flame for 5 minutes.
Finally add lemon juice and coriander leaves and serve hot.
This soup is especially beneficial in winters and is suitable for everyone from children to adults. If you want, you can also add other vegetables like carrots or spinach to it.
🌿 Importance of Moringa in Ayurveda
In Ayurveda, Moringa is called ‘Shigru’. It balances all three doshas – Vata, Pitta and Kapha. It detoxes the body and increases the life force (Ojas).
🌿 Precautions (Side Effects & Precautions)
Although the use of Moringa is natural and safe, its excessive consumption can be harmful.
• Pregnant women should not consume Moringa without consulting a doctor.
• Excessive consumption of Moringa can cause diarrhea, gas or stomach pain.
• If you are taking any other medicine, then consult a doctor before using Moringa.
🌿 Conclusion
Moringa is not just a plant, but a natural medicine storehouse. Its leaves, pods, seeds and powder strengthen the body from within. It protects us from many diseases. In today’s fast-paced life, when nutritional deficiency is common, Moringa is a cheap, accessible and effective option.