One of the benefits of having a drumstick / Moringa tree in the backyard is the year round supply of the leaves that are highly nutritious, not to mention the tasty vegetable that can be added to sambar or cooked as a curry.
Moringa Oleifera, is a drought tolerant plant which is believed to have originated in the sub Himalayan forest of the Indian subcontinent.
The flowers, tender leaves, pod [drumstick used as a veggie] and pod seeds are all edible.
If you are new to this greens , here is how it looks like.
Now, coming the nutritive value of the leaves...
- The leaves are a good source of protein and other essential nutrients.
- The tender leaves are a good source of Vitamin A.
- It is also a good source of B complex Vitamins.
- Minerals like copper, Iron, Calcium,Zinc, Selenium,Magnesium, Manganese,Copper are also found in these leaves.
- The leaf paste also has the properties to heal wounds when applied over it.
- According to Sidha / Ayurveda streams of medicine, it is useful in treating the Vatha and Kapha problems.
- It is said to be beneficial in the treatment of menstrual cramps and hot flashes
- The leaf juice when mixed with lemon juice is said to cure black heads and acne
- It is also believed to enhance the breast milk secretion in lactating mothers.
Let us check out the recipes with these wonder leaves....
Labels: Kitchen Dictionary
