Moringa is a wonderful tree filled with medicinal properties, gifted by God for the benefit of humankind. It is known by different names in different regions, such as Sahjan, Shobhajan, Shigru, Krishnabeej, and Sahnjan. This plant is easily available everywhere.
All parts of the Moringa tree, also known as Panchang (five parts), are rich in medicinal properties. It contains all essential vitamins such as Vitamin A, B1, B2, B3, B6, B7, C, D, E, and K, along with essential minerals like zinc, copper, iron, manganese, and silica in abundance.
Moringa is packed with around 96 nutrients, including 46 types of antioxidants, 36 anti-inflammatory compounds, and 18 amino acids, out of which 9 are essential amino acids. Due to these properties, Moringa is considered one of the most nutritious medicinal plants on Earth and is even recognized as a “superfood.” It is known to help treat around 300 diseases. Many pharmaceutical companies are now manufacturing medicines using Moringa extracts, yielding excellent results.
Nutritional Comparison of Moringa:
- Contains 7 times more Vitamin C than oranges.
- Contains 4 times more protein than eggs.
- Contains 10 times more Vitamin A than carrots.
- Contains 15 times more potassium than bananas.
- Contains 17 times more calcium than milk.
- Contains 25 times more iron than spinach.
Health Benefits of Moringa (Shigru):
- Improves digestion and helps with digestive disorders.
- Reduces obesity and excess body fat.
- Beneficial in diseases like cholera and jaundice.
- A decoction of Moringa root bark helps dissolve kidney and gallbladder stones.
- Regular consumption prevents pimples and maintains glowing, healthy skin.
- Anti-aging properties help reduce wrinkles, fine lines, and signs of aging.
- Consumption of Moringa pods increases sperm count in men and thickens semen, helping with premature ejaculation. The zinc content enhances sexual health.
- The rich protein, beta-carotene, iron, calcium, and Vitamin C content helps combat malnutrition.
- Regular intake of Moringa leaves helps relieve body pain.
- Consuming 40 Moringa leaves daily helps prevent spinal problems.
- A decoction of Moringa bark is highly beneficial for slip disc and arthritis-related issues.
How to Consume Moringa:
1. Eating Fresh Leaves
Chew fresh Moringa leaves in the morning while walking. This can help prevent over 300 diseases.
2. Moringa Leaves or Pods Soup
- Boil 100g of Moringa leaves in 500ml water with 5g black pepper and rock salt for 10 minutes. Your nutritious soup is ready.
- For Moringa pod soup, chop 100g of pods, add rock salt and black pepper, boil in 500ml water for 10 minutes, then strain and blend the pulp.
3. Moringa Flower Vegetable
- Wash the flowers thoroughly, soak in salt water for 2-3 hours, then boil to remove bitterness.
- In a pan, fry bay leaves, onion, green chilies, and garlic. Add tomatoes and sauté well.
- Mix spices like red chili, turmeric, coriander, salt, and mustard seeds, then add boiled flowers and cook well.
4. Moringa Pod Vegetable
- Wash and soak the pods in salt water for 2-3 hours, then boil to remove bitterness.
- In a pan, fry bay leaves, onion, green chilies, and garlic. Add tomatoes and sauté well.
- Mix spices like red chili, turmeric, coriander, salt, and mustard seeds, then add the boiled pods and cook well. This dish is highly beneficial for arthritis patients.
Precautions When Consuming Moringa:
- Pregnant women should not consume Moringa in any form as it may cause miscarriage.
- People with thin blood should avoid Moringa since it has blood-thinning properties.
Moringa is truly a miraculous plant with immense health benefits. However, consuming it in the right way and with proper precautions is essential for reaping its full potential.