Sahjan: The Drumstick
Sahjan or the drumstick (botanical name: Moringa oleifera) has been the food for poor people in India for ages. Its leaves are the rich source of vitamins, amino acids, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, calcium, potassium and proteins. It has been used for generations in East Asian countries for the treatment and prevention of diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease, anemia, arthritis, liver and respiratory disease, skin and digestive disorders and even cancer. Moringa leaves contain flavonoids, polyphenols, and ascorbic acid and act as antioxidants. It contains niazimicin, which is a compound that has been reported to suppress the development of cancer cells. Moringa leaves, pods and flowers are packed with enormous nutritional value and are also loaded with medicinal properties.
