Moringa leaves health benefits, general nutrition, and simple recipes that you can try. Drum stick tree is the common name for this wonderful source of nutrients.
Moreover health conscious people from many parts of the world consider this as a super food. Because almost all of parts of the plant are nutritious as well as beneficial.
We can use leaves, fruits and flowers for making delicious dishes. Similarly the bark and roots are important ingredients for the preparation of medicines.
Moringa tree – a general picture
The plant belongs to the family moringaceae. Though there are different species, we use Moringa oleifera , the edible one, for making dishes.
Really drumsticks plant with soft stems, is fast growing. Branches are having small feathery leaves. Besides, the white flowers in clusters and long fruits are attractive.
Generally moringa plants grow well in tropical and sub tropical areas. Likewise, this drought resistant plant cannot survive in frosty climates.
It is a general practice in Kerala, to have at least one moringa plant in the backyards of each house. Especially like papaya, curry leaf plant, coconut tree etc.
Also it is very easy to grow the moringa plants in pots or grow bags.Through timely pruning we can keep it short and bushy, that makes it ideal for pot planting. Potted moringa trees among other plants, can make your garden really awesome.
In a like manner it is fantastic to keep a few potted Moringa plants with tropical bonsai trees. Different varieties of Ficus, Bougainville, Ixora, Fukien tea tree, etc. are a few examples.
Propagation
Usually we use stem cuttings for the propagation of the moringa trees. About two feet length and diameter of two or three inches is the ideal size for the cuttings.
Always remember to find sunny places for your moringa trees.
Surprisingly, the spreading root systems are in such a way to absorb water from distant areas. Hence the plant never needs frequent watering, and can remain healthy even during the hot summer days.
Through the germination of seeds we can propagate drumstick plants. But such plants are short lived, and the life span never exceeds a maximum of two or three years.
Medicinal properties
Almost all parts of the plant are having medicinal properties. Bark and leaves are important ingredients for the preparation of Ayurvedic medicines. Especially for the treatment of hypertension, respiratory disorders, stomach ailments etc.
Additionally, the oil extracted from dried moringa seeds is an important component of ointments. Mostly skin protecting creams and hair care products.
Moringa leaves health benefits and nutrition
Consuming a handful of Moringa leaves daily, can prevent anemia. Likewise it is one of the best remedies for preventing deficiency of iron in pregnant women.
Besides, leaves contain lots of fibre that regulates our digestive system. Antioxidants helps fighting against heart problems and inflammatory conditions.
Above all, these are wonderful sources of vitamins B, C, E etc. Minerals like calcium iron magnesium potassium etc. are also present in abundance.
Adverse health problems of Moringa leaves
However, during the month of karkidakom, we don’t use the Moringa leaves. Because it can cause digestive problems due to the presence of certain toxins. Karkidakom is the last month of the Malayalam calendar, that falls due in the mid July.
Further it is the time for rejuvenating the mind and body. It is a practice in Kerala to consume different types of leafy vegetables along with karkidaka kanji. Kanji is the porridge that we make with rice. Karkidaka kanji is the healthy porridge made by adding certain herbs, ghee, coconut milk etc.
Moreover, it is the time of the heavy monsoon season in south India.
Here I am sharing with you, a few simple dishes with Moringa leaves. Certainly you will like this delicious as well as nutritious dishes.
Thoran (stir fry) with Moringa leaves health benefits nutrition
Ingredients needed:
Moringa leaves
( cleaned and separated from stems) – 2 cups
2. Grated coconut – ¾ cups
Green chill – 1
Garlic – 2 cloves
Turmeric powder ¼ tsp Cumin powder – ¼ tsp
3. Coconut oil – 2 tsp
Mustard seeds – ½ tsp
Curry leaves – 2 sprigs
How to prepare:
Heat oil in a pan. Splutter mustard seeds and fry curry leaves. Further add Moringa leaves and sauté well in a moderate flame.
Meanwhile grind coarsely ingredients 4, add to the pan. Add salt, sprinkle a little water and cook for a few minutes on a medium flame.
After that stir well till the leaves are cooked and separated from each other.
Finally remove pan from flame, and your delicious Moringa leaves Thoran is ready.
Thoran, is the common name for the popular stir fry. Using vegetables, cereals or even fish we can make this simple dish. Red Spinach, raw banana, green gram etc. are a few examples.
Adding turmeric while cooking leafy vegetables can remove the bad effects of any toxins present in it.
Omelette with Moringa leaves health benefits nutrition
Omelette with Moringa leaves, is another simple dish dish that we can prepare easily. Definitely this nutritious dish along with a piece of bread, is equivalent to a whole meal.
Given below is the simple recipe for the dish.
Ingredients needed:
Eggs – 2 nos
Onion finely chopped – 2 tbsps
Green chilli finely chopped – 1no
Grated coconut (optional) – 1 tbsp
Turmeric powder – a pinch
Salt to – taste
Oil -1 tbsp
Moringa leaves – a handful
How to prepare:
First beat the eggs in a bowl. Then add chopped onion, green chilli, grated coconut and salt. Furthermore mix well all the ingredients together.
Meanwhile heat pan on a medium flame, and add oil. Pour the mixture into the pan, spread evenly and cover with a lid.
Heat slowly on a low flame, turn the omelette upside down. Remove from the pan while both sides become cooked, and serve hot.
Instead of green chilli, you can add ground black pepper.
Coconut is one of the unavoidable ingredients for almost all dishes in Kerala.
Gram flour is an ideal substitute for eggs, especially to those who opt for a vegetarian dish. You can prepare a batter by mixing the flour with water.
With the above simple tips try to make the most delicious as well as nutritious Moringa leaves dishes.
