Malunggay Leaves: 10 Reasons to Include Drumstick Leaves in Your Diet!

Do you enjoy chewing on some juicy Drumsticks in your Sambar or Rasam? We bet you do! Apart from the drumstick, which is the fruit, the leaves of this plant are also edible. Also called Moringa Leaves, Mungaaku or Malunggay in various languages, these green leaves are renowned for increasing the nutritional quotient in the body.

In this article, we shall look into the 10 best health benefits of Moringa leaves which makes you want to impart these greens in your regular diet.

Top 10 Moringa Leaves Benefits:

Let us now look into the amazing benefits of eating moringa or drumstick leaves, scientifically called Moringa Oleifera:

1. Reduces Blood Sugar Levels:

If you have diabetes or have recorded border-level blood sugar readings, you must includeMoringa leaves in your diet. Studies show that Moringa leaves contain many phytochemicals and insulin-like proteins, which can lower blood sugar levels. The antioxidant activity of these compounds can fight free radicals that damage healthy cells and thereby, reduce diabetic complications. You can consume them in the form of boiled leaves or dry powder/capsules.

2. Boosts Energy Levels:

Malunggay Leaves can be particularly beneficial to those who frequently complain of low energy levels, lethargy or fatigue. The leaves are rich in amino acids and minerals like iron, magnesium etc. which can instantly energize the body. Vitamins like A can speed up the absorption of iron and other nutrients to reduce weakness and activate the system again. For best results, you can drink Moringa leaf powder in some water or Moringa leaf soup.

3. Improves Brain Functioning:

Moringa Leaves contain many antioxidants and neuro-enhancers which can improve the functionality of your brain. Particularly, Vitamin A and C present in them can prevent the degeneration of brain cells. They also play a key role in normalizing neurotransmitters which are responsible for proper coordination of the brain and the best of the body. Due to these benefits, Moringa Leaves are recommended for people with Alzheimer's, Dementia and other brain-related problems.

Also Read: Ashwagandha Health Benefits

4. Prevents Cardiovascular Diseases:

A powder made with dried Moringa leaves is known to prevent many cardiovascular diseases like blocks, heart attacks etc. The antioxidants present in this ingredient can reduce oxidative stress on the cells. Studies also show that Moringa leaves can lower bad cholesterol levels in the body which can end up blocking your blood vessels. Consuming them regularly can promote a healthy heart!

5. Strengthens Immune System:

Moringa leaf is a natural immune booster, which can prevent our body from falling prey to many deadly infections. It is rich in antioxidants and phytochemicals which can inhibit the negative effects of free radicals on healthy cells. Important nutrients like Vitamin A, C, Iron and Manganese can strengthen the immune system and ward off several diseases.

6. Good for Eyes:

A 2010 study shows that Moringa Olefiera was able to prevent the development of cataracts in the elderly due to the large amount of flavonoids ad phytochemicals present in it. Many other studies have shown the amazing benefits of Moringa leaves for eyes, which includes improving vision, delaying macular degeneration of optical nerves and even reversing age-related vision problems.

Also Read: Benefits Of Overnight Soaked Almonds

7. Supports Strong Bones and Teeth:

Moringa leaves are rich in many minerals like Calcium, Vitamin K and amino acids which are responsible for strengthening your bones and skeletal system. The anti-inflammatory properties of moringa extract can prevent and treat joint inflammatory diseases like arthritis. The exceptional variety of antioxidants and nutrients present in these leaves can improve bone density and reduce the chances of breakages or fractures.

8. Speed up Wound Healing Process:

Many studies have shown that Moringa Leaves can speed up the blood clotting process to prevent excessive blood loss from the body. It can also support faster healing of wounds like cuts, scratches etc. This is because of the high amounts of antioxidants which reduce the damage to healthy tissues and cells.

9. Promotes Healthy Hair:

Drumstick leaves offers numerous benefits to your hair. It is enriched with many nutrients like managese, calcium, iron etc. for strengthening your roots and stimulating hair growth. Additionally, Vitamins like E and C improve blood circulation to the scalp and destroy free radicals that damage it. Moringa leaves also contain Zinc which protects the natural color of your strands and prevent them from turning grey. You can apply Moringa leaf infused oil to achieve best results.

Also Read: Health Facts About Potatoes

10. Delays Signs of Ageing:

The powerful antioxidant activities of Moringa leaves can do wonders for your skin. By fighting free radicals, Moringa can reduce the damage caused to healthy cells of skin. This can play a key role in delaying premature signs of aging like wrinkles, fine lines, dark spots, sagging, etc. Being a powerhouse of nutrients, Moringa can improve your skin's texture and make it look healthy, radiant. Along with consuming it internally, Moringa powder can also be applied topically to get younger-looking skin.

Those are some of the incredible health benefits of Moringa leaves. Next time you visit the vegetable market, be sure to hunt for some tender leaves along with drumsticks. You can add them to your dal, stirfries etc. to make your meals more interesting and nutritious.