The Indian
Express
Saturday,
05 July 2014
By: Ishi
Khosla
While most
plant foods offer nutritional and health benefits, some stand out more
prominently and are called super foods. The humble drumstick, also known as
Moringa Oleifera and commonly used in sambhar — a lentil preparation — has been
referred to as ‘miracle tree’, ‘tree of life’, ‘mother’s best friend’, ‘god’s
gift to man’ and ‘savior of the poor’, in various publications.
Drumsticks
have an impressive range of medicinal values. Different parts of this plant
contain important minerals. It is also a good source of proteins, vitamins,
amino acids, antioxidants such as beta carotene and phenolic compounds. Some of
these antioxidants are present in the plant in exceptional amounts and rare
combinations.
Various
parts of this plant such as roots, bark, leaves, flowers, fruits, and seeds
also possess cardio-protective, liver protective, anti-tumour,
anti-inflammatory, anti-pyretic, anti-spasmodic, anti-diabetic and anti-fungal
properties, and hence, is also used for the treatment of different ailments in
traditional system of medicine in South Asia.
Moringa
Oleifera, native to the sub-Himalayan northern parts of India, is cultivated in
the tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world. It is commonly known as
drumstick, horseradish, and malunggay. Its seeds and pods are eaten as a
vegetable. States in the south of Indian are more familiar with its use and
benefits, which dates back to antiquity.
Moringa is
an important food source in some parts of the world. Being cheap, easily
available and highly nutritious — it is used in feeding programmes in India and
Africa to fight malnutrition. The immature green pods (drumsticks) are prepared
in ways similar to green beans, while the seeds are removed from mature pods
and cooked like peas or roasted like nuts. The leaves are cooked and used like
spinach, and they are also dried, powdered and used as a condiment. Dried
powder of Moringa is sold as an exotic supplement in the western world.
Moringa
Oleifera is also rich in potassium, calcium, phosphorus, iron, magnesium,
vitamins A, C and D, essential amino acids, fibre and antioxidants such as
ß-carotene, and flavonoids. It has been used in folk medicine for the treatment
of diabetes. A recent research conducted in 2010 studied the hypoglycemic
effect of Moringa Oleifera leaf over a 40-day period in type-2 diabetic
patients between 30 – 60 years of age. It was reported that fasting and
post-parandial blood sugar levels were reduced significantly.
Researchers
also studied the effect of Moringa Oleifera on lipid levels and it was reported
that there was significant reduction in levels of bad cholesterol (LDL and
VLDL) and significant increase in good cholesterol (HDL).
Another
study published in the Journal of Herbal Medicine and Toxicology in 2010
reported that Moringa Oleifera leaves played an important role in reducing
total blood cholesterol levels and LDL and increasing HDL. Various scientific
studies have also shown that the phyto-chemicals and fibre present in Moringa
Oleifera leaves also play an important role reducing blood cholesterol levels
and blood sugar levels.
Until more
scientific evidence emerges on Moringa’s use as a therapeutic agent or
supplement, incorporating drumsticks and its leaves imaginatively in your
favourite foods is surely worth it.
Ishi Khosla
is a former senior nutritionist at Escorts. She heads the Centre of Dietary
Counselling and also runs a health food store. She feels that for complete
well-being, one should integrate physical, mental and spiritual health.
According
to her: “To be healthy should be the ultimate goal for all.”
Hands that
Serve are holier than the lips that Pray - Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba
