Scientific Name: Moringa oleifera
Order: Brassicales
Family: Moringaceae
Moringa (Moringa oleifera) is also called drumstick tree or malunggay. The name drumstick tree comes from its drumstick-shaped pods. Moringa is native to India and is grown around the world. Nearly every part of the tree is edible and has medicinal properties, but the leaves and pods are more often eaten. The pods are used in Asian cuisine.
Moringa pods are low in minerals but higher in vitamin C compared to Moringa leaves. An amount of 100 g of moringa pods contains 141 mg or 157% daily value (DV) of vitamin C. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps the body's immune system respond and combat infections. It helps to protect the body's cells and may be important for maintaining a healthy immune system. Because vitamin C also plays a role in stimulating collagen production, it is beneficial for skin and connective tissue health.
Moringa pods are low in calories (2% DV) but high in dietary fiber (11% DV), so it helps with digestion and may be important for heart health. When moringa pods are young and tender (at around six inches [about 15 cm] in length), the entire pods are edible. Fresh moringa pods are a popular ingredient in vegetable curries.
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