10 INCREDIBLE HEALTH BENEFITS OF MORINGA SEEDS
"Moringa seeds are obtained
from the pods of the Moringa plant (Moringa Oleifera) or the drumstick tree,
native to Northern India. Fresh and raw moringa seeds are quite tender, but as
soon as they get dried, they become hard and start to resemble small beans.
They are greyish-white in colour with unique wing-like structures. They can be
steamed, boiled or roasted for various purposes," says Dr. Divya
Choudhary, Chief Dietitian, Max Super Speciality Hospital. There are many
moringa seeds benefits that you should know.
Learn more:The Miracle Tree: Unveiling the 10 Health Benefits of Moringa
HEALTH BENEFITS OF MORINGA SEEDS
1. Improves Sleep
"Steep moringa leaves in hot
water for 15 minutes and drink it before you go to bed for a good night's rest.
It helps you slip into slumber at night, and in turn will leave you energised
to tackle the day," says Dr. Choudhary, Max Hospital.
2. High in Fiber
"Moringa seeds are high in
fibre, and help in moving food along your digestive system," says
Delhi-based Nutritionist Anshul Jaibharat.
3. Regulate Blood Sugar Levels
Dr. Ahuja says, "Moringa
seeds are a great source of zinc and can regulate blood sugar levels which can
help manage or even prevent diabetes."
Also:10 Everyday Habits That Increase Blood Sugar Level
4. Great Source of Iron
"Did you know that a single serving of moringa has almost three times the amount of iron as spinach? This is especially important for vegetarians/vegans or those who suffer from low iron issues, as the body needs iron to enrich the blood and carry oxygen to our muscles, organs and tissues," adds Dr. Choudhary.
5. Reduces Joint Pain
Dr. Ashutosh Gautam, Clinical
Operations and Coordination Manager at Baidyanath says, "Moringa seeds
make for a great supplement of calcium and help those suffering from joint
pain. They help in reducing inflammation and severe bone disorders like
arthritis."
6. Lowers Cholesterol
"Some plants have been known
to reverse bad cholesterol and according to research, moringa is among
them," says Dr. Divya, Max Super Speciality Hospital.
Read more:How to Lower Your Cholesterol Levels Naturally Without Drugs
7. Induces Death of Cancer Cells
"Moringa seeds are well
known for their anti-carcinogenic effects. They can stop the growth and
development of cancer cells by accelerating their death count."
8. Promotes Heart Health
"Scientists have proved that
moringa seeds can reduce the amount of oxidised lipids in our body and take
care of our cardiac health by safeguarding the heart tissues from
constructional damages.
9. Powerhouse of Antioxidants
"The oil extracted from
moringa seeds contains almost 30 antioxidants. It contains vitamins A,
B-complex, C and other free radical busters that save our body from severe
oxidative damage. In other words, these antioxidant properties of moringa seeds
can take care of our overall health", says Dr. Choudhary.
See more:How to Flush Inflammation Naturally With Cinnamon + Turmeric Tea
10. Promotes Healthy Skin
"Moringa seeds are packed
with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties and are thus,
very beneficial for skincare. The oil obtained from moringa seeds can be used
as a moisturizer or used to treat skin problems like skin rashes and sunburn.
Learn more:13 Health Benefits of Moringa Leaves For Skin Care
If you have a space at home it's good you plant one today.
- First, make sure that the seeds are mature and fully dried. You can harvest the seeds from a mature Moringa tree and let them dry in the sun for a few days.
- Remove the outer shell of the seeds. You can do this by gently cracking the shell with a nutcracker or a mortar and pestle. The white inner seed will be revealed.
- Rinse the seeds thoroughly with clean water to remove any remaining bits of shell.
- The seeds can be eaten raw, roasted, or boiled. If you want to eat them raw, you can simply sprinkle them on top of your salad or mix them into your smoothie. If you prefer to roast them, you can do so by placing them in a preheated oven at 150-200°C (300-400°F) for about 10-15 minutes until they are slightly browned. If you want to boil them, place the seeds in boiling water for about 10-15 minutes until they are soft and can be easily chewed.
- You can also grind the seeds into a powder and use it as a spice or add it to your food or drink. Moringa seed powder can be used as a natural supplement to boost your immune system or improve digestion.