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Is our humble unassuming nugge / muringai / sahjan/ moringa the super food it is told to be ? Read to know the real properties and benefits of this neighbourhood tree
On a trip to my dad’s village, I found a tree in the community garden. An elderly woman was there, gently picking leaves. Curious, I started talking to her. She shared stories about the plants and then handed me some small green leaves. “This is Murungamaram,” she said with a smile.
The tree is native to the Indian subcontinent and is known by a variety of names, including the "miracle tree’’. What's more interesting about this tree, is that it’s a food, a vegetable, and a medicine. Every part of the tree can be consumed; leaves and young fruits (pods) as food; and the seeds, bark, flowers, and roots as medicine.
It is widely used in Indian dishes. From simple saag to PM Modi's favorite moringa paratha, moringa is consumed in different ways.
The trees have a natural defense mechanism against environmental stress and pests. These phytochemicals, as they are known, include antioxidants and defense compounds. When consumed, do these compounds protect us? Or shall we say help our immune system against various conditions and diseases? (1)
Species name: Moringa oleifera Lam.
Hindi Name: Sahijan, Munaga
Tamil Name - Murungai, Murungamaram
English name: Drumstick plant, Moringa, Horseradish tree
Kannada name: Nugge mara, Nugge kayi
Marathi name: Shevga
Dr Madhumitha Krishnan, in her Introduction to Ayurveda class, mentions that Moringa has 9 times more protein than yogurt, 10 times more Vitamin A than carrots, 15 times more potassium than banana, 17 times more calcium than milk, 50% more vitamin C than orange, and 25 times more iron. But do you think it's safe to consume it every day?
The nutritional properties of moringa are a good indication of why we can include it in our daily diet - high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Clinically, It (leaves) can act as a laxative, can cause nausea, and in some cases, lead to miscarriage. Plus, if you're on blood thinners like warfarin, moringa could interact with them, so it’s important to be careful. Add a note about the Vitamin K.
If you are a pitta-dominant prakriti, taking these in high consumption can upset your stomach.
The juice extract of drumstick leaves and bark is very useful in relieving pain. They act as natural analgesics. (2). moringa leaves paste is applied externally to relieve pain and inflammation.
According to Bhojana Kutuhalam twelfth chapter
Aksheeva - relieves intoxication
Mochaka - helps to cure diseases
Vidradhighna - Sigru is very useful in abscess.
Drumstick leaves, raw
Drumstick pods, raw
Some of the recipes that I found interesting are as follows:
Moringa leaves are rich in calcium but contain high levels of calcium oxalate, ranging from 430 to 1050 mg per 100 grams. This is similar to spinach. High oxalate intake can increase the risk of kidney stones and other kidney issues, as noted in medical literature. So, while moringa is nutritious, it's important to consume it in moderation. (3)