Blog

From ancient times onwards leaves are a part of our healthy diet. They are filled with many nutrients which are important for our growth and development. They are vital for our good health. Also they are low in calories so any age group can include this in their daily diet. I’m going to explain here some of these leaves which many of us are not aware or ignore now a days irrespective of their high nutritious value.

Drumstick/Moringa Leaves

Drumstick leaves/Moringa leaves[so called in Malayalam language], is a highly nutritious foodstuff as well it has medicinal value. Small in size and oval shaped leaf, moringa is a plant that is familiar to most of us as it is a plant that is found all around our surroundings. But drumstick leaves is no that much popular. Still there are many people who are unaware of the benefits of drumstick leaves. Scientifically known as ‘ Moringa oleifera’ it has more vital benefits than the drumstick.

Nutrients Present:

1. Vitamin E
2. Iron
3. Phosphorous
4. Vitamin A
5. Vitamin C
6. Calcium

Advantages –

1. Daily intake of drumstick leaves prevents anti aging to a great extent.
2. Drumstick leaves helps to reduce bad cholesterol there by maintaining a healthy heart.
3. Its antioxidant and anti inflammatory properties helps removal of toxic substances from our body.
4. Eating plenty of drumstick leaves removes fatigue and results in our overall performance.
5. It contains more Vitamin-C than an orange, it makes our immune system stronger.

Pea leaves

Pea/bean is a regular member of our kitchen garden which we are familiar with. But we use pea leaves occasionally. Pea leaves are rich in nutrients, but none of us bother. If we give a try we can take advantage of this. Nutritious as well as delicious pea can provide many health benefits and also removes many types of body discomforts.

Nutrients Present:

1. Vitamin A
2. Vitamin B2
3. Vitamin C
4. Iron
5. Zinc
6. Calcium

Advantages:

1. Pea leaves prevents the formation of abnormal cells to a great extend thereby preventing many types of cancers.
2. The antioxidants present in pea leaves is an anti ageing agent and makes our skin smooth and glowing.
3. Eating pea leaves daily strengthens our immune system and helps to fight diseases easily.
4. It is being noticed that pea leaves contain many nutrients that helps lower the blood sugar levels, which will be advantageous to people with diabetes.
5. Like all leafy vegetables, pea leaves also has low calorie ratio and high dietary fiber it controls body weight by inducing weight loss.

Pumpkin Leaves

Another leaf is pumpkin leaf { a soft spongy leaf} which is also common in our backyards or kitchen. Pumpkin is basically a creeper grown along the ground. Usually we consume pumpkin fruit as well as its seeds are also edible. But the benefits of leaves are not often considered. Even I was also unaware of its goodness un till I tasted it. You can consume in the form of delicious and nourishing dishes. Prefer to pick the tender leaves only as the mature ones will be hard and will taste differently.

Nutrients Present:

1. Vitamin A
2. Vitamin B6
3. Vitamin C
4. Niacin
5. Calcium
6. Copper
7. Manganese
8. Phosphorous
9. fiber

Advantages:

1. Pumpkin leaves healthy and delicious are loaded with many nutrients that prevents many chronic diseases including cancers.
2. They consists of large amount of calcium which is necessary for strong teeth and bones.
3. Pumpkin leaves prevents constipation as it contains lots of fiber and smoothens the function of muscles.
4. Copper present in the pumpkin leaves acts as an antioxidant and fights against free radicals which in turn prevents anti aging.
5. According to medical researchers and nutritionists consuming pumpkin leaves are known to improve fertility potential in both men and women.

Ash Gourd Leaves

Ash gourd also known as wax guard/ winter melon/green pumpkin is known for its medicinal as well as edible benefits. Ash gourd leaves also serve as a rich source of nutrients. The broad, hairy green leaves contains all the nutrients that a leafy vegetable must have. In
addition to vitamins it also is a good source of flavonoids, carotenes antioxidants that helps to protect our body. The juice of ash gourd leaves is a good medicine for burns. It is also a good medicine for curing cough.

Nutrients Present:

1. Vitamin A
2. Vitamin B2
3. Vitamin C
4. Vitamin K
5. Carbohydrates
6. Proteins
7. Fiber
8. Minerals

Advantages:

1. Ash gourd leaves are loaded with heavy fiber content thereby it decreases your chance of constipation and also helps maintain your bowel health.
2. Carbohydrate present in the leaves increases body’s energy levels which will enhance our efficiency and ability of doing things.
3. Cucurbitacin found in the ash gourd leaves play an important role in boosting our defense system and for proper liver function.
4. Due to its antioxidant property it used in ayurveda for the treatment of fever and jaundice.
5. The juice of ash gourd leaves is an excellent astringent. It is used in neutralizing spots on the skin as well as for reducing the boils or marks caused by allergies, fungal infections, sun rays etc.

Cucumber Leaves

Cucumber leaves provide various nutrients which are highly beneficial for our body functions. It is a widely cultivated creeping vine plant. Many varieties of cucumbers are grown all over the world. As a member of cucurbits family they also have the same characteristics of their cousins like pumpkins, gourds etc. The tender cucumber leaves can be eaten either cooked or raw in the form of salads.

Nutrients Present:

1. Vitamin A
2. Vitamin K
3. Vitamin C
4. Fiber
5. Calcium
6. Magnesium
7. Potassium

Advantages:

1. The antioxidants present in leaves reduces stress and keeps organs like heart and lungs healthy.
2. Cucumber leaves are high in fiber and low in calories and so it aids in weight loss.
3. Vitamin K in the leaves prevents blood clot and also keeps our bones strong.
4. Cucumber leaves have a good source of magnesium and potassium which are known to lower the blood pressure, thereby reducing the risk of heart diseases.
5. Its anti-cancer properties reduces the spread of cancerous cells in the body thereby minimizes the risk of cancer.

Already packed with vitamins, minerals fiber and low in calories, green leafy vegetables are an important part of a healthy diet. We have already discussed some of the benefits of consuming these greens but its not the end of the story, really these greens are a storehouse of many more nutrients. Come let’s adopt these habits of our ancestors. Let us mold a generation that is healthy and fit.

Notes:

1. Pick tender leaves of these greens as they are more delicious and easy to cook.
2. Don’t overcook leafy vegetables as many of the nutrients present will be lost.
3. Be sure to cook the leafy vegetables immediately after being plucked, else they will spoil quickly. Or if you can’t cook at once wrap the leaves in a paper towel and keep it in the refrigerator and it will remain fresh for a few more days.

Eat Healthy; Stay Happy

See You Soon

Thank You!