Can Drumstick Tree Leaves Help You Lose Weight? Know Benefits!
Drumstick leaves, also known as moringa or moringa oleifera, have been used in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years to treat a variety of ailments. Recently, moringa has been promoted as a potential weight loss aid. But can the leaves of the drumstick tree actually help you shed excess pounds?
This article will explore the nutritional value of Drumstick Tree and moringa leaves, how they may aid weight loss, their other health benefits, and how to add them to your diet.
What are Drumstick Leaves?
The Drumstick tree, also known as Moringa Oleifera, is a tree that is originally from India but can also be found growing in parts of Asia and Africa. This plant, sometimes referred to as the drumstick tree, has long been an integral ingredient in Indian cuisine and herbal medicine. Nearly all components of the moringa tree are edible, earning it recognition as a highly nutritious superfood. The leaves, in particular, are thought to offer weight loss benefits. Some studies have shown that moringa leaves can decrease fat formation in the body and improve fat breakdown.
The leaves of the moringa plant stand out as an excellent source of nutrition. They contain protein, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants beneficial for weight loss. Research shows moringa leaves have bioactive plant compounds that may help reduce inflammation, balance hormones, and prevent weight gain.
Nutritional Value of Drumstick Leaves
Moringa leaves provide a powerhouse of nutrients important for good health. Per 100 grams, the leaves contain:
- Protein: 27 grams
- Fat: 6 grams
- Fiber: 34 grams
- Sugar: 3 grams
- Sodium: 1,361 mg
- Calcium: 173% Daily Value
- Iron: 133% Daily Value
- Magnesium: 126% Daily Value
- Zinc: 27% Daily Value
- Vitamin A: 176% Daily Value
They are high in compounds like quercetin, polyphenols, beta-carotene, and chlorogenic acid that act as antioxidants. Unfortunately, moringa leaves also contain anti-nutrients like phytates, which may inhibit the absorption of some minerals.
How Drumstick Leaves Help Weight Loss
The potent nutrient profile of moringa leaves and their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects make them ideal for weight loss.
Inflammation is linked to obesity, metabolic syndrome, and difficulty losing weight. Moringa leaves contain isothiocyanates, compounds that help reduce inflammation. Animal studies have shown anti-inflammatory moringa extracts can decrease fat formation and increase fat breakdown.
However, human studies are limited. More research is needed to clarify how moringa oleifera supplements affect weight loss in people. The current evidence for moringa’s effects on weight is preliminary but promising.
How Moringa Helps Weight Loss:
- Lowering inflammation
- Balancing hormones like leptin that control appetite
- Increasing metabolism to burn more calories
- Preventing weight gain from high-fat diet
Other Health Benefits of Moringa
Aside from potential weight loss effects, moringa offers many other health benefits:
- Improves skin and hair health – moringa contains zinc, vitamin A and vitamin E to nourish the skin. The leaves’ detoxifying properties also promote healthy, glowing skin.
- Supports bone health – the calcium and phosphorus in moringa improve bone mineral density and prevent conditions like osteoporosis.
- Lowers blood pressure – bioactive compounds like isothiocyanates may help control blood pressure by preventing the thickening of arteries.
- Reduces cholesterol – the antioxidant plant sterols in moringa can lower LDL or “bad” cholesterol.
- Antidiabetic effects – studies show moringa can reduce blood sugar spikes after meals and enhance insulin sensitivity.
With all these therapeutic effects, adding moringa to your diet can greatly boost overall health. But does it really help with weight loss? More studies are still needed.
How to Add Moringa to Your Diet
There are many options for incorporating moringa leaves into your meals:
- Take Moringa Supplements – capsules or powder containing dried moringa leaves. Follow dosage instructions carefully.
- Drink Moringa Tea – made from dried leaves steeped in hot water. Has a slightly earthy, herbal flavor.
- Moringa Leaf Powder – Add drumstick tree leaf powder to smoothies, oatmeal, soups, curries and more. Just a teaspoon boosts nutrition.
- Use Moringa Oil – for cooking and salad dressings. Provides oleic acid and antioxidants.
Always consult your doctor before trying any new herbal supplements. Start slow and watch for any allergic reactions. While moringa shows promise for aiding weight loss, it should be combined with an overall healthy lifestyle – including regular exercise and a nutritious diet.
The Bottom Line
Moringa oleifera is an impressive superfood tree native to India. Not only are moringa leaves highly nutritious, but they also contain beneficial compounds that may reduce inflammation, balance hormones, and prevent obesity. Animal studies support these effects, though more human research is needed.
Adding moringa to your diet may support weight loss goals, on top of providing many other health benefits. With its stellar nutritional profile and antioxidant content, moringa is a great addition to any weight loss plan. Combining moringa with daily exercise, calorie control, and lifestyle changes can put you on the path towards successful, sustained weight loss.
