12 Health Benefits of Drumstick Leaves

The Moringa tree, also known as the drumstick tree, is found in Asia, Africa, and South America. It is a tree with many benefits and is rightly known as the "miracle tree". Every part of this tree– the leaves, fruits, pods, flowers, roots, and even sap and oil have medicinal properties; however, the leaves are particularly useful and fit for consumption. Moringa leaves can be used to make various products as well due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. 
There are a wide range of health benefits of moringa leaves, ranging from faster wound healing to managing blood glucose levels. Read ahead to learn more about the nutritional and health benefits imparted by moringa or drumstick leaves. 

Nutritional Values of Moringa Leaves

Moringa or drumstick leaves are nutritionally rich and abundant in the essential nutrients needed to support good health and prevent diseases. These leaves have found their place in Indian cuisine in many different ways due to their versatility. Most commonly, drumstick leaves are stir-fried and mixed with other vegetables to enhance the nutritional value of dishes. Even the moringa leaves can be used in a drink due to the excellent moringa leaves juice benefits and nutritional value, which we have discussed below.

• Vitamins and Minerals: The moringa or drumstick leaves contain a host of essential vitamins and minerals that help maintain several vital bodily functions and processes. One of the many advantages of drumstick leaves is that these leaves contain loads of Vitamin A, Vitamin B1 (thiamine), Vitamin B2 (riboflavin), Vitamin B3 (niacin), and Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) apart from containing minerals such as magnesium, calcium, iron, zinc, potassium, and phosphorus. 
• Amino Acids: Drumstick leaves are also a plentiful source of amino acids, containing about 18 types of amino acids, offering a variety of drumstick tree leaves benefits for overall health.
• Antioxidants: Moringa leaves also have antioxidant properties and work to fight off free radicals. By preventing oxidative stress and damage, many potentially dangerous diseases can be prevented, such as diabetes and heart ailments.

12 Health Benefits of Drumstick Leaves 

From the long list of nutrients present in the moringa leaves, it is evident that moringa or drumstick leaves are a powerhouse of nutrition. Therefore, it is obvious that by consuming drumstick leaves, one can enjoy a plethora of health benefits while also enjoying a delicious meal! 

1. Protecting and nourishing skin and hair: Moringa or drumstick leaves contain an abundance of antioxidants and essential nutrients that help improve the health and appearance of the skin as well as the hair. By reducing oxidative stress, moringa benefits the skin by making it appear more supple and adding shine, along with reducing wrinkles and fine lines. Additionally, moringa leaves may also help to reduce dandruff and add bounce to hair, along with strengthening the hair follicles and making hair stronger. Moringa leaf oil may also help to work effectively on acne and is a prominent component of various acne-controlling cosmetic products. They add a healthy glow to the skin by purifying the skin from within.
2. Improving Eye Health: Moringa or drumstick leaves contain important antioxidants, among which beta-carotene is essential in maintaining and promoting good eye health by preventing early macular degeneration along with other eye problems.
3. Preventing liver diseases: Moringa leaves are also beneficial for people with liver diseases such as tuberculosis, fatty liver, etc. Consuming drumstick leaves has been found to greatly reduce the negative effects of tuberculosis medicines while also speeding up the repair of cells. Containing numerous antioxidants, moringa leaves protect the lungs against oxidative stress and oxidative damage. 
4. Preventing nervous system disorders: The presence of Vitamin C and E in high concentrations in moringa leaves has been known to combat neural degeneration while improving brain and cognitive function. In addition to that, drumstick leaves also help to provide relief from recurring headaches. Another one of the advantages of moringa leaves is that they also enhance the production of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and noradrenalin, thus acting as mood balancers. These neurotransmitters also improve stimulus-response.
5. Managing blood pressure and cardiovascular problems: Moringa leaves are particularly hailed for their blood pressure management benefits. Consuming moringa leaves have been found to manage high blood pressure. Thus, one of the primary benefits of eating drumstick leaves is preventing cardiovascular ailments by managing high blood pressure. Additionally, due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, leaves from the moringa tree contribute to promoting good heart health.
6. Treating diabetes: Sustained high blood glucose level eventually leads to diabetes, which, in turn, can damage organs in the body and lead to various health complications. Eating moringa leaves has been found to be effective in keeping the blood sugar level in check.
7. Preventing rheumatoid arthritis: Due to the anti-inflammatory properties of drumstick leaves, the occurrence and progression of rheumatoid arthritis can be prevented. Moringa leaves also help to improve bone health by providing ample calcium and iron. This also helps to make the teeth strong. 
8. Preventing cancer: Moringa leaves contain certain properties that might help to prevent cancer, such as Niazimicin, which has been found to suppress the progress of cancer cells. Not only the leaves of the moringa tree are beneficial in this regard, but also the bark and potentially other parts of the tree as well. 
9. Preventing kidney stones: Among the numerous advantages of consuming drumstick leaves, maintaining kidney health and preventing kidney stones are prominent. Moringa leaves may also help to prevent minerals from building up and causing stones in the kidneys. 
10. Treating Oedema: Oedema is a condition in which fluid builds up in the body tissues. Inflammation is one of the causes of oedema. For instance, experiencing ear oedema can help to experience swelling around the ear. Using moringa seed oil may help to reduce inflammation on the skin of the affected area.
11. Managing Asthma: Drumstick leaves also help to manage as well as prevent respiratory disorders such as asthma and bronchial constrictions. Due to their anti-inflammatory properties, moringa leaves also help to prevent inflammation in the airways. Research has suggested that moringa leaves may also help to improve lung capacity and function. 
12. Treating Blood-Related Diseases: Drumstick tree leaves benefits also include preventing and treating blood-related diseases such as anaemia and sickle cell disease. This benefit can be credited to the antioxidant properties of moringa leaves, which help to remove excess iron and other elements contributing to such diseases of the blood.

Conclusion

Moringa leaves are a powerful natural ingredient with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which impart a myriad of health benefits to those who consume it in dried powder form or in juices. In addition to these amazing health benefits of moringa leaves, they also aid in weight management and managing cholesterol levels in the body. Moringa also acts as an antiseptic and prevents infections, thus promoting the healing of bruises, cuts, and even burns. Thus, in its true sense, the moringa tree is a miracle tree. 

Adding moringa leaves to the diet can be greatly beneficial to health, which helps to improve cellular health and prevent numerous diseases and health conditions.