Why Moringa is the Superfood your diet needs

As a South Indian, my love for Sambar knows no bounds. And while we can debate in the comments whether it’s Sambar or Sambhar (with an H), one thing’s for sure, this dish is made in every South Indian household at least twice a week, if not more!

Now, while I enjoy everything that goes into a hearty pot of Sambar, there’s one ingredient I always had my eyes on, the drumstick. Those long, slender beauties floating on top, packed with juicy, flavor-soaked flesh? Absolute perfection. In fact, I may or may not have fought over the last piece with my siblings more times than I’d like to admit!

Years ago, my mom planted a tiny Moringa sapling in our backyard. Since then, we’ve been blessed with an endless supply of fresh Moringa leaves and drumsticks. And let me tell you, nothing beats the taste of homegrown goodness in a steaming bowl of Sambar!

But as I grew older, I realized Moringa is much more than just a tasty addition to our meals. In Ayurveda, Moringa (Shigru) is considered a true wonder plant, offering an array of health benefits. What makes Moringa stand out is its ability to balance all three doshas Vata, Pitta, and Kapha making it a universal solution for a wide range of health concerns. Whether it’s used for detoxification, improving digestion, or boosting energy, Moringa is revered as a powerful medicinal herb.

The Moringa tree is often called the "Miracle Tree" for a reason. Packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, Moringa is a nutritional powerhouse. Its leaves are rich in Vitamin A, C, and E, as well as calcium, iron, and potassium. These nutrients are known to support overall health, improve skin and hair quality, and even reduce inflammation.

In Ayurvedic medicine, Moringa is believed to help purify the blood, promote better digestion, and support the immune system. It’s often used to address conditions like fatigue, joint pain, and digestive issues. The plant’s detoxifying properties make it a natural cleanser, flushing out toxins and supporting liver health.

Moringa also shines when it comes to skin and hair care. The antioxidants in Moringa help fight free radicals, promoting youthful, radiant skin. It’s often used in herbal skincare products to reduce wrinkles, heal wounds, and improve overall skin health. When it comes to hair, the high levels of zinc and iron found in Moringa help prevent hair fall and encourage healthy, strong growth.

7 Benefits of Moringa:

1.Good for Heart Health

Moringa leaves have the ability to reduce cholesterol levels, which in turn can help lower the risk of heart disease. Additionally, Moringa is a rich source of zinc and plays a role in regulating blood sugar levels, potentially aiding in the management or prevention of diabetes.

2.Supports Skin Health

Moringa leaves are rich in antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic properties, which make them perfect for enhancing skin health.

3.Helps in Detoxification

Moringa may assist in the body’s natural detoxification processes, which is why it is frequently incorporated in Ayurvedic panchakarma or cleansing therapies.

4.Supports Liver Health

Moringa may help promote liver function by protecting it from toxins and supporting its natural detoxification processes. Its antioxidant properties can assist in reducing oxidative stress, making it beneficial for maintaining liver health.

5.Treating Stomach Upset

Moringa leaves have a natural laxative effect, potentially offering relief for constipation. It may help reduce stomach acid secretion, making it a possible remedy for preventing peptic ulcers. Thanks to its anti-inflammatory effects, Moringa may help protect the digestive system, potentially preventing ulcerative colitis.

6.Supports Healthy Weight Management

Rich in natural fiber, Moringa can promote a sense of fullness, helping to manage appetite. Its nutrient-dense profile may also support a balanced diet and reduce occasional sugar cravings.

7.Helps lower blood sugar level 

Moringa leaves are widely regarded as an excellent natural remedy for diabetes management. They can assist in maintaining stable blood sugar levels by improving insulin sensitivity.

How to use Moringa?

Like I said, with the abundance of Moringa leaves from our backyard tree, we make the most of it in our daily meals. One of my favorite ways to use Moringa is by sun-drying fresh leaves. Once dried, I either grind them into a fine powder to sprinkle over dishes or store the whole dried leaves to brew a refreshing cup of Moringa tea. 

To make the powder, I spread freshly plucked Moringa leaves on a plate and let them sun-dry till they are absolutely dry, before grinding them into a fine powder and storing them in an airtight jar.

My mom generally uses a spoonful of Moringa powder in the delicious coconut chutney she makes for Dosa and Idli. This definitely is a wonderful way to incorporate it in your kids diet. 

You can use this in your tea, smoothies or sprinkle them on your salads. It also can be used in your homemade facemasks. 

For tea, I steep a teaspoon of dried Moringa leaves in hot water for about five minutes and enjoy it with a dash of honey or lemon.

Another dish I love making is Moringa and Green Moong Dal stir-fry, which is a simple, protein-packed meal. On days that I am bored to cook and the normal dal rice is too boring. This is how I elevate my dish. It's easy and convenient.

Ingredients:

▪️½ cup green moong (soaked overnight)

▪️1 cup fresh Moringa leaves

▪️1 small onion, finely chopped

▪️1 green chili, chopped (optional)

▪️1 tbsp oil

▪️Salt to taste

▪️2 tbsp fresh grated coconut

Instructions:

1.Pressure cook Moringa leaves and soaked green moong  until just tender but not mushy. Drain and set aside.

2.Heat oil in a pan add chopped onions and green chili, and sauté until the onions turn golden brown.

4.Toss in the cooked  Moringa leaves and Moong dal stir-fry for 2–3 minutes. 

5.Season with salt, and mix well.

6.Turn off the heat and sprinkle freshly grated coconut on top.

This nutritional powerhouse is rooted deeply in Ayurvedic wisdom. Whether you enjoy it as drumsticks in your sambar, a warm cup of herbal tea, or a nourishing stir-fry, this versatile plant offers countless ways to support your health naturally. With its ability to balance the doshas, cleanse the body, and nourish from within, moringa truly earns its title as a miracle tree.

So, if it’s not already part of your daily routine, maybe it’s time it should be.