The drumstick plant (known as Moringa tree) is a very popular vegetable. Its pods are widely eaten, but using the leaves as food is also an old tradition. Recently, drumstick leaf powder known internationally as moringa powder has gained immense popularity online. People consume it mainly for its nutritional value and energy-boosting properties. The leaves are also cooked and eaten as leafy greens.
The drumstick tree is drought-tolerant and grows well in tropical and subtropical regions. Although it can reproduce through seeds, in Bangladesh it is usually propagated by stem cuttings. The best time for planting the cuttings is during summer, especially from mid to late April.
The Superfood Moringa Leaves
Moringa leaves are often called “miracle leaves.” They are among the most nutrient-dense herbs on earth. For this reason, researchers have named it a “nutritional superfood”, and the plant itself is known as the “miracle tree.”
Each gram of moringa leaf contains seven times more vitamin C than an orange and twice as much protein. It also contains four times more vitamin A than carrots and three times more potassium than bananas. This makes it an excellent defense against blindness, anemia, and other vitamin-deficiency-related diseases. Moringa leaves also have more vitamin A than carrots and more iron than spinach.
Because of its nutrient density, people who cannot drink milk daily can instead take one teaspoon of moringa leaf powder as a supplement.
Moringa leaves are rich in zinc and contain three times more iron than spinach, helping to prevent anemia. They also help to regulate cholesterol levels. About 20% of the human body is made up of protein, whose building blocks are amino acids. These amino acids are essential for metabolic and physiological functions. The human body requires nine essential amino acids that must come from foodand all nine are found in moringa.
According to the USDA, 10 Grams of Moringa Leaves Contain:
- 150 mg of calcium (15% of the daily value),
- 2 mg of iron (11% of the daily value),
- 160 mg of potassium, and
- 3 grams of protein.
A Leaf with a Thousand Benefits
Moringa leaves contain nearly all the nutrients the human body needs. They are particularly high in plant protein and iron. When dried and powdered, their nutritional value remains intact.
Moringa helps to control blood sugar levels, making it effective against diabetes. Regular consumption of moringa leaf powder strengthens the immune system and acts as an immunity stimulant. It also aids digestion and helps with weight loss when combined with regular exercise.
Moringa increases breast milk production without any side effects. One tablespoon of moringa leaf powder contains:
- 14% protein,
- 40% calcium, and
- 23% iron.
Moringa leaf powder also has antibacterial properties, supports liver and kidney health, and even enhances beauty. It contains over 90 nutrients, 46 antioxidants, and about 36 anti-inflammatory compounds. Moringa helps prevent premature aging and is highly effective against cancer.
Moreover, moringa leaves have antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties that boost energy, improve performance, and strengthen the body’s defense against various diseases. Regular consumption of moringa powder enhances immunity, and both the leaves and pods play an important role in protecting against viral infections, including COVID-19.
Side Effects of Moringa
Even though moringa leaves are rich in nutrients and medicinal compounds, in specific cases, they can be harmful due to certain side effects. An article published in the U.S. National Library of Medicine outlines several potential risks:
For Pregnant Women:
While moringa leaves can meet daily requirements of iron and calcium, in some cases, they may have anti-fertility effects and should be consumed with caution.
For Thyroid Patients:
Moringa may help regulate thyroid function, but when taken alongside thyroid medication, it can cause complications.
For Diabetes:
Moringa helps lower blood sugar, but in some cases, excessive consumption of moringa powder can reduce glucose levels too much, leading to hypoglycemia. So it is important to obtain moringa in the correct proportion.
For Those on Blood Pressure Medication:
Since moringa naturally helps lower blood pressure, people who level lower blood pressure might face difficulties as moringa, when combined with antihypertensive drugs may cause blood pressure to drop too low. It is important to take an expert’s advice before taking moringa for lower blood pressure.
Additionally, people with kidney problems are advised not to consume moringa, as kidney patients are usually placed on potassium, phosphorus, and protein-restricted diets and moringa leaves are high in all three.
Everything contains both positive and negative effects. So it depends on you how you are going to handle it. Moringa is known for its super benefits, but it should be consumed in proper proportions and guidelines to get the actual benefits. As we all know, nature provides us with the best medicines of times.
