Moringa oleifera, commonly called the drumstick tree, has been a part of Tamil households for generations. Known as murungai in Tamil, this tree is grown in backyards across villages and towns from Coimbatore to Madurai. Its long green pods are a staple in Tamil cuisine, particularly in sambar, poriyal, and rasam. Yet, despite its prevalence, Tamils are largely underutilizing the true potential of this “miracle tree” for health.
The “Rural Vegetable”
Urban people often prefer to include fancy vegetables like Kale, Pak Choi rather than humble and locally grown veggies.
-Local Chef, in T Nagar, a posh locality in Chennai
It’s strange, really. Here’s a food that’s affordable, sustainable, and incredibly versatile, yet its reputation as a simple, rustic ingredient keeps it from making the leap into everyday city meals. Meanwhile, packaged superfoods fly off the shelves at premium prices, often promising what murungai could deliver naturally and locally.
A common barrier in finding Moringa in Indian kitchens, is that a bunch of modern people find it really outdated and local. It does not carry the charm of delicious looking veggies, and is available very easily.
“It’s for the cows, not for us”
With over 70,000 temples across Tamil Nadu, a wave of devotion sweeps through from September to October. This period, marked as Pitru-Paksha, sees the highest sales of Moringa leaves in the state. The reason is simple: it is believed that feeding cows a bunch of Moringa leaves pleases the ancestors.
“People buy it more for the cows rather than for themselves. The cows are hale and healthy, while the humans are sick”
While this practice is indeed beneficial for the cows by providing essential nutrients, it often comes at the expense of human consumption.
Ironically, these same leaves, packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, rarely make it to the urban kitchen during this season. The focus remains on ritual rather than nutrition. People invest in Moringa for traditions, yet overlook the fact that a handful of these leaves could strengthen their own health, improve digestion, support heart and bone health, and even help regulate blood sugar.
It’s a curious contradiction, as the very food considered sacred enough for ritual offerings and animal care is frequently ignored by humans who could benefit the most from it.
Loss of Traditional Knowledge
“Earlier, a lot of recipes were shared in joint families. Now that nuclear families have become prevalent, no knowledge of traditional recipes is seen amongst the younger generation.”
-Murali, local reader.
Tamil homes have long recognized the benefits of moringa as a natural remedy as well as a vegetable. In order to strengthen immunity, facilitate digestion, and ward off common illnesses, grandparents would frequently add the leaves to sambar, soups, or even grind them into powders. But a lot of this wisdom is vanishing today.
These practices are frequently completely ignored in modern kitchens, which are motivated by convenience, packaged foods, and ostentatious imported health trends. The outcome is a silent loss: a local superfood that is high in nutrients is ignored while younger generations are ignorant of its actual potential.
No Fancy Marketing
In contrast to trendy “superfoods” like quinoa, kale, and others that take over grocery aisles and social media feeds, moringa grows in backyards and farms inconspicuously without any ostentatious marketing campaigns.
“Exotic veggies and fruits are highlighted in supermarkets at the storefront, while the locally grown veggies are pushed far behind “
There are very less Instagram reels that promise miracle weight loss or glowing skin using moringa, and there isn’t any upscale packaging to give it an exotic feel.
Because of this, many urban consumers never consider incorporating it into their meals on a regular basis. It is frequently viewed as a seasonal or rustic ingredient rather than a daily health boost, even when it is sold at local markets. In addition to limiting awareness, a lack of marketing also affects perception, making moringa seem less of a nutritional powerhouse than it actually is.
Taste and Culinary Preference
Drumstick is a household name in most Tamil homes, particularly in traditional recipes such as sambar. But the leaves, murungai keerai, are a different matter.
They possess a faintly bitter, earthy flavor that does not always appeal to contemporary urban tastes, especially among children who are used to milder, sweeter ones.
“Maadu daan thingum, Manusan Thingamaatan”
– A local Tamil proverb that is used to mock the taste of sour food, and it means “Cows eat it, and not humans” (as it is sour)
In most city kitchens, spinach (keerai) or amaranth (thandu keerai) are the go-to greens as they’re milder, less bitter, and ready in a flash. Moringa leaves, however, take a little more work to prepare to counteract their bitterness by blanching, mixing with spices, or blending with other milder greens. For working families, this added step feels like a hassle.
In time, this taste element supports perception: moringa is “strong” or “bitter” relative to those greens presented to children, so it won’t be on the weekly menu as frequently. The twist is that even though its taste may be a bit more difficult, the nutritional reward that is full of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants—is much superior to most of the milder options.
Psychology of “Green Guilt”
In urban Tamil homes, there’s a fascinating paradox around the consumption of greens. Families commonly eat rice-laden meals, fried foods, and creamy curries but there’s a muted, nagging sense of not eating enough vegetables. But this guilt more often than not doesn’t translate into practice around moringa.
Part of the explanation lies in perception. Murungai keerai is “just another green” to many urbanites.
Folks believe, “If I want to be healthy, I must eat spinach, salad, or foreign superfoods,” without realizing that leaves which grow profusely in market stalls or even one’s own backyard are waiting to be picked up. Moringa is often missed because the perception of the general populace is often biased towards greens like spinach.
There are so many greens to choose from that Moringa is often thrown in a corner.
Benefits of Moringa Leaves
Moringa oleifera is a powerhouse of nutrients and bioactive compounds that offer a wide range of health benefits. While traditional uses have been supported by modern science, ongoing research continues to explore its full therapeutic potential. The following positive effects of Moringa leaves are particularly helpful to general health.
Rich Nutritional Profile
Moringa leaves are rich in essential nutrients, making them a valuable dietary supplement. They contain high levels of vitamins A, C, and E, calcium, potassium, and iron. These nutrients contribute to various bodily functions, including immune support, bone health, and oxygen transport. For instance, a study by Sultana et al. (2020) reported that Moringa leaves contain approximately 22.99–29.36% protein, 4.03–9.51% fat, and 11.83% dietary fiber
Antioxidant Properties
The plant is abundant in antioxidants such as quercetin, kaempferol, and chlorogenic acid. These compounds help combat oxidative stress, which is linked to chronic diseases like cancer and heart disease. Research by Peñalver et al. (2022) demonstrated that Moringa leaf extracts exhibit significant antioxidant activity, supporting the body’s defense against oxidative damage
Anti-Inflammatory Effects
Moringa exhibits significant anti-inflammatory properties due to the presence of compounds like flavonoids and phenolic acids. These substances can help reduce inflammation, potentially benefiting individuals with conditions such as arthritis and other inflammatory disorders. A study by Zheng et al. (2023) indicated that Moringa leaf extracts effectively alleviate inflammation by inhibiting the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines
Blood Sugar Regulation
Studies have indicated that Moringa may play a role in lowering blood sugar levels. Certain compounds in Moringa leaves can mimic insulin, assisting in glucose uptake by cells. Research by Vargas-Sánchez et al. (2019) reported that Moringa extracts exhibit antihyperglycemic activity, improving glucose metabolism in diabetic models
Liver Protection
Moringa has hepatoprotective properties, meaning it can help protect the liver from damage caused by toxins and oxidative stress. Regular intake may support liver function and detoxification processes. A study by Aly et al. (2020) evaluated the hepatoprotective role of Moringa extract on acetaminophen-induced liver fibrosis in rats, suggesting its potential in liver health
Anticancer Potential
Preliminary studies suggest that Moringa may possess anticancer properties. Certain compounds in Moringa have been found to inhibit the growth of cancer cells and induce apoptosis, the programmed death of harmful cells. Research by El-Sherbiny et al. (2024) indicated that Moringa leaf extract exhibited cytotoxic activity against cancer cell lines, suggesting its potential as an anticancer agent
Digestive Health Support
Moringa’s high fiber content aids in digestion and promotes regular bowel movements. It can help prevent constipation and support overall gastrointestinal health. A study by González-Burgos et al. (2021) reported that Moringa leaf powder contains 11.83% dietary fiber, contributing to digestive health
Leave a Reply