Have you heard of moringa? Moringa oleifera is a plant which grows in South Asia and is a part of the traditional medicine. It is familiar by the name “drumstick” and is a mighty bioactive plant that contains antioxidants. The scientific community confirmed the health benefits of this plant, but it has to be studied and discovered still.
It is a rich source of many minerals and vitamins. The leaves are packed with more nutrients than the pods. A cup of fresh pods provide 15% of the RDA of vitamin C, 19% of the daily allowance of vitamin B6, 9% of vitamin A, 11% of vitamin B2 (riboflavin), 8% of magnesium, 11% of iron, and 2 g of proteins. The leaves are available as dietary supplements in the West, but the best thing would be to grow the plant at your home and enjoy its natural benefits.
1. Stronger Bones
Consuming Moringa oleifera can help improve your bone density. It is packed with iron and calcium, which helps in not only preventing bone density loss, but it also strengthens your bones.
You should especially give it to growing kids for stronger and better bone growth. It also helps boost your physical stamina.
2. Anti-cancer properties
The fruit is high in antioxidants which fight free radicals and prevent the formation of cancer. It contains chlorogenic acid and quercetin, powerful antioxidants which act by negating free radical activity in the body. The anti-cancer properties help in preventing the development of tumors and growth of cancerous cells.
3. Giving Relief from Headaches
You can also use the plant’s root to get relief from headache. Take its roots and extract its juice. Mix the juice and jaggery in equal amounts and take it. You will get almost immediate relief from the ache.
4. Treating eye issues
The plant can help in eye issues, including conjunctivitis. Just take some leaves, grind them, and apply the paste on the eyes. You can mix its juice with some honey and apply it as an eyeliner to cure corneal disorders or eye swelling.
5. Lower Blood Sugar
If you are diabetic and can’t keep your blood sugar levels under control, Moringa oleifera can be a natural way to manage your diabetes. If your blood sugar levels remain uncontrollable for a long time, it can increase the risk of so many types of health conditions including heart disease.
Many studies show that using the drumstick plant has positive benefits in lowering blood sugar levels. Most of these studies are conducted on animal subjects. There are however some studies based on human subjects too.
According to one study involving 30 women, who were given 7g of leaf powder daily for 3 months, the subjects had their blood sugar levels reduced by 13.5%.
6.Purify the blood
The drumstick pods and its leaves are great in purifying the blood. You can make a soup that is great in fighting acne and other skin issues. The juice can be applied on acne or pimples and help the areas heal faster due to its antibiotic properties.
7. Anti-Aging Food
The high levels of vitamin A in the plant help in inhibiting the natural process of aging. It also helps strengthen your immune system and improve vision.
Most people don’t know much about moringa. Add this natural food to your diet and you will notice dramatic changes in your health.
