Top 10 Brilliant Health Benefits of Neem leaves

Neem leaves are obtained from neem tree (Indian Lilac) that are found throughout India. They are extensively used in making Ayurvedic medicines because of their antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties. Neem leaves contain nimbin, nimbolide, nimandial and over 130 various biologically active compounds that help in the treatment of skin and gum disease, detoxifies blood and helps in skin toning, reducing acne, promote a healthy respiratory and digestive system, nourish hair. The leaves can be directly applied to scalp to treat head lice. In India, Neem leaves are dried and placed in cupboards to prevent insects from eating the clothes and also in containers where cereals like rice are stored. Also, one of the components gedunin found in neem leaves is very effective for treating malaria. The odor suppresses mosquitoes from laying eggs.

1. Removes Toxins
Since ages neem leaves have been known for their cleansing properties. A concoction of neem leaves helps get rid of toxins from the body.

2. Good for Bones
Neem is rich in calcium and thus good for bones. A massage of neem oil on the joints helps relive the arthritic pain and reduces inflammation ⁽¹⁾.

3. Iron Rich
Iron is very essential for blood production and a cup of neem gives about 28.47% of the daily iron requirement.

4. Loaded with Anti-oxidants
Being rich in antioxidant quercetin and nimbolide, it helps protect from free radical damage ⁽²⁾ which otherwise can lead to other health complications like diabetes, heart disease, cancer etc.

5. Builds Immunity
Eating neem leaves enhances the immune system ^{(3) (4)}. Chew on a handful of cleaned and washed neem leaves daily to keep viral infections at bay.

6. Good for Skin Health
A paste of neem leaves and turmeric powder is effective in reducing skin pigmentation and lightening scars. Neem leaves are often used to make face packs to keep the skin supple and moisturized ⁽⁵⁾. A daily consumption of neem leaves also proves to be beneficial for skin.

7. Hair Health
Its high antioxidant property makes it suitable to support hair follicle growth. Washing your hair with boiled neem water after shampoo is very effective to moisturize the scalp and get rid of dandruff and lice ^{(6) (7)}.

8. Anti-Bacterial and Anti-Fungal
It possess anti-bacterial properties as well. It kills the unhealthy bacteria and thus cleanses the gut. Neem also has anti-fungal properties which may be helpful in humid climate of India ⁽⁸⁾.

9. Oral Health
To maintain good dental hygiene too, you can turn to neem leaves. They maintain the alkaline level of saliva, fight germs and gives a fresh breath. Neem extracts decrease the microorganisms present in mouth and prevent dental caries ⁽⁹⁾.

10. Good for Diabetes
A decoction made by boiling neem leaves if consumed daily helps regulate blood sugar levels too. In a study, neem leaf extract and seed oil exerted hypoglycemic effects ^{(10) (11)}. It may also be helpful in preventing or delaying the onset of the diabetes.

Nutrition Information for Neem leaves, Neem

Nutritional Information for 1 cup Neem leaves
One cup of is Neem leaves 35 grams.
RDA stands for Recommended Daily Allowance.

45 Calories
2.48 grams of Protein
8.01 grams of Carbs
0.03 grams of Fat

178.5 mg of Calcium (Ca) = 29.75% of RDA (about 600 mg)

5.98 mg of Iron (Fe) = 28.47% of RDA (about 21 mg)

6.77 grams of Fiber = 27.08% of RDA (about 25 grams)

44.45 mg of Magnesium (Mg) = 12.7% of RDA (about 350 mg)

28 mg of Phosphorus = 4.66% of RDA (about 600 mg)

88.9 mg of Potassium (K) = 1.89% of RDA (about 4,700 mg)

25.27 mg of Sodium (Na) = 1.3% of RDA (about 1902 mg)