Nutritionist Shares 4 Ways To Add Neem Leaves To Your Diet

We have heard many times our elders telling us that neem has medicinal properties. Does science also say that? We spoke to Susmita N, Clinical Nutritionist, Cloudnine Group of Hospitals, Bengaluru, to understand the benefits of consuming these leaves. 

Known as Azadirachta indica in biology, Neem is found in many regions of India. The nutritionist added that it indeed has medicinal properties. It possesses multiple benefits for your health, including treating skin infections, eczema, fungal infections, acne, warts, and psoriasis. “Neem leaf also has anti-ageing properties along with preventing scar tissue formation and promoting wound healing,” the expert added.

The leaves and twigs of the tree are also associated with treating dandruff and promoting a healthy scalp. It reduces the sugar levels in the body and helps diabetic people to manage the disease. “Chewing neem bark promotes healthy gums, improves oral hygiene, and avoids the formation of plaque.”

What Is The Best Way To Eat Neem?

There are a couple of ways in which you can add neem to your diet and enjoy its benefits for your health. Here is what the nutritionist suggested,

Drink Neem And Ginger Tea

You can prepare this tea by boiling four leaves of neem leaves and a tablespoon of finely chopped ginger for five minutes in a cup of water. Strain the mixture and a teaspoon of honey and half a teaspoon of lemon juice to adjust its bitter flavours. 

Add Neem Leaf Powder To Curries

Take a bowl full of neem leaves, wash them, and dry them under the sun. You can either use mortar and pestle to turn these leaves into a coarse mixture or blend them into a fine powder form. A small amount of this powder can be added to curry, gravy, dosa batter, sambar (Sambar Recipe), chutney, and rote dough recipes.

Consume Juice Of Neem Leaves

The nutritionist suggested blending a handful of neem leaves and straining the juice. You can add a pinch of salt, grated ginger, a pinch of black pepper powder, and a teaspoon of lemon juice to the juice to improve its taste.

Don't Miss: Unveiling The Most Searched Diet For Menopause

Make Neem Flower Cutlets

If you have observed closely, a neem tree has flowers which can be used to make cutlets. Clean a handful of these flowers with three boiled and peeled potatoes along with two tablespoons of besan (gram flour), two green chillies, five chopped neem leaves, two tablespoons of rice flour, salt to taste, and three finely chopped garlic cloves. Make tikkis of this mixture and shallow fry them.

Don't Miss: Nutritionist Shares 5 Disadvantages Of Adding Apple Cider Vinegar To Your Meals

Precautions For Consuming Neem 

Though neem has medicinal properties, the nutritionist suggested being wary of the amount you are consuming in a day. She advised,

• Adults can consume 60 mg or 4-5 leaves of neem in a day for 10 weeks, but prolonged consumption can harm your kidneys and liver.
• If you are a diabetic patient consuming neem to control blood sugar levels, you need to modify the consumption or it can lead to hypoglycemia in which the levels of sugar drop below the standards.
• Neem has low toxicity, therefore, you must avoid consuming it in large portions because it can react and lead to vomiting, metabolic acidosis, and liver damage.
• If you are on immunosuppressants, regular consumption of neem can interact with your medication. Hence, you must consult a healthcare expert before adding the ingredient to your diet. 
• Pregnant women should stay away from neem bark and oil as they are considered unsafe in the initial months of pregnancy.
• Breastfeeding mothers should also avoid neem because studies do not suggest the ingredient is advantageous during the lactation period.

Neem though has many advantages, but it also comes with a warning sign. Hence, you must not consume it without speaking to your healthcare expert.