Benefits of Moringa (drumstick) for Diabetics
Why Moringa(Drumstick) is a SUPER FOOD or a WONDER TREE
Moringa oleifera also known as the drumstick tree native to Asia and Africa has been used for centuries for its various medicinal properties and is recommended for the prevention and treatment of 300 diseases. Almost all parts which include stem, leaves, bark, flower, fruit or pods and roots of the tree can be used in different ways; many studies have reported diverse therapeutic properties which include antifungal, antiviral, antianalgesic, antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-oxidative, anti-obesity, hypotensive (lowering blood pressure), hepatoprotective (liver), and neuroprotective properties.
Moringa along with a wealth of essential nutrients like fatty acids, proteins, and fiber it is also rich source of other nutrients like potassium, zinc, magnesium, iron, copper, phosphorus, zinc and calcium in abundant amounts. Apart from β carotenoids, several other carotenoids have been identified in foliage, flowers and immature pods. Moringa is a rich source of polyphenols (flavonoids, phenolic acids and tannins) and a small amount of epicatechin.
Why Moringa is good for diabetics?
Several studies show that insulin-like proteins found in Moringa may help lower blood sugar, bioactive in the leaves may affect how the body releases insulin and might help the body process sugar better. Leaves contain more Vitamin A than carrots, more calcium than milk, more iron than spinach, more Vitamin C than oranges, and more potassium than bananas.
Studies reveal that effects might be due to the presence of cryptochlorogenic acid, quercetin 3-β-D-glucoside, and kaempferol 3-O-glucoside, glycosides in Moringa leaves. Inhibits the activity of α amylase and α glucosidase enzymes thereby controlling blood sugar levels.
Moringa leaves are known to impart glucose lowering effects due to inhibition of intestinal glucose, improved insulin secretion, and decrease in insulin resistance.
Moringa family is rich in compounds containing the simple sugar, rhamnose, and in a fairly unique group of compounds called glucosinolates and isothiocyanates.