Moringa Oleifera has multiple health benefits. It is gaining more and more popularity in the recent days as a ‘superfood.’ What is moringa good for? Well, the list of benefits you derive from moringa can be literally long. Here is the list of 10 powerful benefits of drinking moringa leaves powder every day.
1. Packed with Nutrients:
If you have a moringa tree in your home means you can easily get the adequate nutrients. Moringa leaves are packed with nutrients. It makes an excellent source of calcium, minerals, micro-nutrients and vitamins. Especially, it is one of the richest sources of iron.
50 grams of moringa leaves contain 8 X more calcium than milk and 12 times more iron than spinach.
The beta carotene properties are 10X more than when you get from carrots.
It contains zinc, potassium, and Vitamin B.
It also contains a higher amount of protein than eggs. A cup of moringa has 4X more protein than an egg. It makes the complete protein due to the presence of amino acids. So, if you have the question, what is moringa good for, this is the answer. Moringa is for its nutritional values.
Oxidative damage not only happens externally but also affects the organs. Drinking moringa every day helps to reduce and to regulate the oxidative stress to various organs.
3. Helps Lowering Blood Sugar Level:
Moringa leaves powder benefits diabetic patients on many levels. Packed with nutrients, it gives you all essential nutrients and improves your metabolism.
As stated above, moringa is one of the richest sources of calcium. Calcium is the core nutrient required for healthy bones.
Bone health tends to deteriorate in the 30s. In the past few years, many new health conditions piled up, associated with poor bone health. For instance, osteoporosis – porous bones; bone degeneration; severe back pain (associated with weak bones); knee and joint pain; etc.
As a part treatment in HIV positive patients, moringa leaves gained an important place. It is used as a herbal supplement in the therapies.
6. Moringa is an Anti-Cancer Ingredient:
Isn’t it impressive to know that moringa has anti-cancer properties? This specific benefit of drinking moringa everyday acts as a collective of all benefits and nutritious properties.
The ability to fight against free radicals keeps the cells and tissues healthy.
Prevents the cellular level damage due to free radicals which indicates a growth of cancer cells.
It contains the antioxidants like kaempferol, rhamnetin, Quercetin etc which keep the cells and tissues healthy, free from oxidation.
Moringa contains a high proportion of polyphenols in leaves, flowers, and even the seeds. It slowly eliminates toxins and oxidation damage to the liver.
What is Moringa Good for?
Reduces liver damage
Reverses the liver oxidation
Enhance the protein in the liver
Stimulate liver enzymes
Support blood detoxification
8. Moringa Boosts Brain Health:
The antioxidant ability of the moringa leaves powder benefits your brain health. It supports the healthy functioning of your brain and enhances the cognitive function.
Anti-inflammatory effect reduces the swelling in and out
The diuretic properties eliminate excess water and prevent water retention
Insulin regulation helps the prevention of fat accumulation
Strong liver support enables fat metabolism
High fibre reduces fat accumulation in the gut
Helps to treat constipation
10. Reduces and Eliminates Inflammation:
Inflammation happens in two ways. It is the immunity’s response to an injury or infection. It is a protective mechanism. On the other hand, inflammation grows as an indication of a prolonged health issue. Sustained inflammation leads to chronic health issues.
We have seen the moringa leaves benefits. Here is a brief outlook on how to use moringa.
You can use moringa in two ways, moringa leaves powder drink and moringa leaves.
Many cultures used Moringa leaves for its medicinal and health benefits. It only takes a little time to cook the leaves in the form of stir-fry, leaves boiled with lentils, etc.
Moringa leaves powder is available in abundance. So, to get all the moringa leaves benefits, it is ideal to use moringa as a drink every day.
How to Use Moringa Leaves Powder?
You can make a cup of delicious tea which energizes you. Here is the recipe for moringa drink.
Add 1 teaspoon moringa powder to a cup of hot water
Squeeze half a lemon and mix well
If you have a sweet tooth, add honey
If you do not want a sweet drink, add salt and pepper and drink it warm.
It is easy to make this moringa drink every morning. You can drink this twice a day.
Originally hailing from northern India and the Himalayas, the fast-growing, drought-resistant tree is now cultivated from West Africa to Mexico for communities that struggle for food resources. The seeds can also be pressed to make a moisturizing, anti-inflammatory oil that’s becoming a staple for vitamin-rich face balms, shampoos, and deodorants.
But moringa is making the most noise at the table. Its vegetal taste is a little like spinach mixed with matcha; in the U.S., it’s mostly found in powdered form because the leaves are too delicate to transport long distances. Chefs can use it in dishes to add protein. At Lalito in downtown Manhattan, the powder is sprinkled into $15 chickpea guacamole; uptown, at the Senegalese cafe Teranga, it features in a $5 latte. Health-minded chain Vitality Bowls adds moringa to its VB blend, a key ingredient in the Warrior açai bowl, which also includes granola, bananas, and broccoli.
“I’ve seen it explode over the last four years,” says Jed Fahey, assistant professor at the School of Medicine at Johns Hopkins University. He came across moringa in the late 1990s and thought the tropical tree could help support low-income communities.
A fast-growing supplier is Kuli Kuli Inc. of Oakland, Calif. Founder Lisa Curtis was introduced to moringa as a Peace Corps volunteer in Niger a decade ago when she was a vegetarian without a lot of protein options. The food not only energized Curtis, but it also gave her a business idea: In 2014 she started the company with $53,000 via a crowdfunding campaign. In 2018, Kuli Kuli’s sales topped $5 million. The company, which has planted the trees in Haiti, offers assorted-size packages of powdered moringa, as well as power bars and energy shots. In February, Kuli Kuli closed $5 million in Series B funding led by Griffith Foods and the Kellogg Co.’s venture capital fund Eighteen94 Capital LLC.
Neil Zevnik, a private chef whose clients have included Reese Witherspoon and Charlize Theron, has become a moringa fan partly because of its human impact: Besides being good for you, it’s a sustainable business in sub-Saharan Africa and elsewhere. “I especially like the social aspect of it,” he says. “And that’s become important to the people I cook for,” Zevnik adds it to cold soups and pestos, as well as fruit smoothies to cut the sweetness. Recently he was surprised to find fresh moringa produce at the Hollywood Farmers Market from Thao Family Farm, a favourite supplier to buzzy L.A. restaurants such as Night + Market and République.
It’s a far cry from the first time Johns Hopkins’s Fahey encountered it in Ghana. “It turned out to be in rat stew,” he says. “That’s one application I don’t need to see again.”
Tropical “Super” Smoothie made with moringa.
Courtesy of Neil Zevnik
Tropical Super Smoothie
Recipe adapted from chef Neil Zevnik
In a blender, combine 1 ripe medium banana, ½ cup chopped pineapple, ½ cup chopped mango, ⅓ cup light coconut milk, ¼ cup dairy or nut milk, 1 ½ tbsp moringa powder, 1 tbsp honey, ¼ tsp turmeric, and a handful of ice cubes. Puree until smooth and serve in cold glasses. Makes two 8-ounce smoothies.
12 Amazing Health Benefits Of Moringa!
Moringa Super Nutritional Benefits You Should Know
If Ade knew the power of Moringa, he would have had a great first night with his wife.
Ade had talked Eny, now his wife, into believing he was good in bed while their relationship blossomed (before they got married).
She had waited patiently for that one night after their wedding to get to the climax she had only reached during intercourse with her imagination.
That night came after they had said I do to each other and her hope was deflated like a balloon.
What happened? His sexual drive had failed him when he needed it most.
He was not aware of the leaf of Moringa in front of his home held the solution to the satisfaction he craved for.
Moringa is used in managing anaemia, arthritis and rheumatism (an illness affecting joints-where bones or muscles are joined and they swell and become stiff and painful).
In addition to asthma, cancer, constipation, diabetes, epilepsy, headache, heart problems, high blood pressure, stomach pain, stomach and intestinal ulcers, kidney stones, fluid retention and thyroid disorders.
It lowers inflammation, kindle sex drive (as an aphrodisiac), and enhance the immune process and breast milk formation. Several others use it as a dietary supplement or stimulant.
When applied directly to the skin moringa serves as a germ-killer or drying agent (astringent). It is furthermore used for the treatment of athlete’s foot, dandruff, and gingivitis which is the inflammation of the gum, snakebites, warts, and injuries.
Oil from moringa seeds is used in preparing foods, perfume, and hair care products, and also as a machine lubricant.
This miracle tree is a vital food source in some parts of the globe.
The undeveloped green pods called drumsticks are used in the same way as green beans, but the seeds from the more mature pods are removed and cooked like peas or roasted like nuts.
WHAT IS MORINGA LEAF POWDER?
Even though the whole moringa tree is suitable for eating, one of the most valuable parts are the leaves. Today, the best way to use moringa leaves is through is leaf powder.
The green leaves are dried and ground to a fine consistency. The powder is sieved before being packaged. Moringa powder produced from the naturally dried leaf of the moringa tree is likely one of the most nutrient-dense raw whole foods on the planet.
HOW TO MAKE MORINGA TEA
The tea is really a convenient way to get many Moringa benefits.
Simply follow these three steps:
For a single cup, use between ½ to 1 teaspoon of moringa powder.
Add warm water.
Mix up with a little honey and fresh ginger (optional) to taste.
SIDE EFFECTS & PROTECTION
Moringa, when taken by mouth and used properly is not a problem to health.
The leaves, fruit, and seeds may be safe when eaten as food. Nevertheless, it’s most important to restrict consuming the root and its juice because they may have a toxic substance that can trigger paralysis and even death.
There isn’t adequate information to know if moringa is safe when used in medicinal amounts.
INDIVIDUAL SAFETY MEASURES & NOTIFICATION:
Moringa and Pregnancy: It’s very risky to make use of the root, bark or flowers of this plant in case you are pregnant. Chemical substances in the root, bark, and flowers can make the uterus contract, and this could cause a miscarriage.
There is not adequate information on hand in regards to the protection of making use of different parts of this plant during pregnancy. So be on the safe side and avoid using.
According to the Ayurveda, the leaves of the tree can effectively treat over 300 health issues as the leaves are a rich source of nutrition and natural energy boosters.
The moringa contains over 90 nutrients, and provides seven times the vitamin C of oranges, four times the calcium of milk and the vitamin A of carrots, three times the potassium of bananas, and two times the protein of yoghurt.
Headache relief
In traditional Indian medicine commonly used Moringa leaves to soothe pain, and fight migraines and headaches.
Arthritis relief
Thanks to its potent anti-inflammatory properties that fight inflammation, and the high calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium, and copper content prevents strengthens the locomotor system and prevents diseases.
Moringa leaves treat eye and ear infections, catarrh, and scurvy
The high nutrients content of Moringa fights and prevents anemia.
Lowers Cholesterol
According to studies done on animals, the effects of this plant can be compared with the ones of the drug simvastatin in the treatment of high cholesterol levels.
Moringa treats acid reflux and prevents the formation of stomach ulcers.
On the other hand, you have ginger root, which is a powerful remedy against diseases, like colds, diabetes, stomach issues, diarrhoea, and coughs.
It is especially beneficial in the case of various types of “stomach problems,” like nausea, diarrhea, upset stomach, motion sickness, morning sickness, colic, gas, diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), nausea due to cancer treatment, nausea caused by HIV/AIDS treatment, appetite loss, and nausea and vomiting after surgery.
Here are some of its health benefits:
Dizziness and nausea
Ginger is excellent in fighting nausea and dizziness, as well as motion sickness. That’s why experts recommend taking ginger at least 3 hours before boarding on a boat, car, or a place. If your trip lasts longer, drink some ginger-infused water half an hour before too.
Prevents ulcers
Being a powerful antibacterial agent and being able to balance the production of juices in the stomach, ginger will prevent the formation of ulcers.
Pregnancy
A teaspoon of ginger dried root in a glass of water and drink it several times daily to reduce morning sickness and dizziness during the pregnancy. However, this treatment should not last for more than 2 months.
Chemotherapy Treatment
It will prevent vomiting in patients undergoing chemotherapy.
Prevents the side-effects of drugs
Ginger will help you prevent the dangerous side-effects of drugs used in surgeries. Take it a day before the surgery, but always after a consultation with the doctor.
Ginger is also of great help in the treatment of menstrual pain, coughs, diabetes, obesity, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) pain, osteoarthritis, bronchitis, stomach pain, upper respiratory tract infections, chest pain, respiratory problems, and anorexia.
Ingredients:
85 g fresh ginger
10 pretty green moringa leaves
4 cups of water
A teaspoon of honey (optional)
Preparation:
Start by washing the ginger well, and cut it into slices. Add the slices to water, and boil them for 10 minutes. Next, remove the pot from heat, and add the moringa leaves. Cover the pot and leave it aside for 5 minutes. Strain, and sweeten with honey.
Use:
Drink a cup of the moringa and ginger infusion twice daily, once in the morning and once again in the evening, before bedtime.
Moringa and Ginger To Fight Several Deadly Diseases
There is this incredible duo that is known to promote better health and longevity, it is none other than the combination of moringa and ginger. This combination has been in use for several centuries to treat numerous health conditions and also due to its ability to get into the root of an issue and fix it. People have been using moringa as a natural remedy and it is a completely safe remedy to use and comes without any side effects.
Health benefits of moringa
The nutritious leaves of moringa contain potent antioxidants. When these leaves are kept in hot water for sometime, they release an abundance of nutrients and antioxidants into the hot water. This liquid is now full of beneficial compounds that promote energy and wellness. Increasing the consumption of ginger helps in decreasing the risk of obesity, diabetes, heart disease and overall mortality. It can put an end to several issues like digestive problems, nausea, loss of appetite, motion sickness and pain.
Several studies have suggested that moringa can diminish cancerous cells as it contains benzyl isothiocyanate. This is often recommended for patients who have undergone chemotherapy. The plant compounds of ginger provide radio-protective effects to healthy tissues and prevent the concerns of toxicity in the patients.
3. Reduces Cholesterol:
Moringa has been proven to be successful in reducing the cholesterol levels and also helps the body to stay healthy and operative. Where as, ginger helps in reducing inflammation and is beneficial for the heart. Hence it helps in reducing the cholesterol levels. This makes this recipe, one of the best to treat cholesterol.
Moringa contains high anti-ulcer properties that help with dealing with gut and stomach issues. Moringa also helps in fixing gut and stomach problems. Ginger is also known for its ability to soothe the stomach and prevent morning sickness. Hence, this recipe is the best thing you can opt for to drink in the morning.
Being a treasure trove of nutrients, it helps in treating anaemia well. It contains high amounts of significant minerals, vitamins, proteins and also improves the blood texture significantly. Consuming drinks with ginger in the morning helps in obtaining relief from anaemia. Hence this recipe is considered the best for treating anaemia as well.
Moringa And Ginger Recipe:
Ingredients:
85 g fresh ginger 10 green moringa leaves One spoon honey 4 cups of water Array Direction: Wash the ginger root and cut it into slices. Boil it with water for 10 minutes and set it aside. Put the moringa leaves into it and let it remain for sometime. Add honey to taste. This remedy can be taken in the morning and before going to bed, one cup every time. If you don’t have moringa leaves, boil the ginger by itself and add a teaspoon of moringa powder in the cup.
Oxidants in the body can cause a chemical reaction called oxidation which produces free radicals. This can cause a lot of damage to our cells. The leaf of the Moringa plant is full of antioxidants which can prevent this from happening. Consuming an extract from the leaf or even taking it in powder form can increase the levels of antioxidants in your blood.
Various studies have shown that the isothiocyanates present in the Moringa leaf can reduce the level of blood sugar in the body thereby reducing the risk of getting diabetes and all its complications. Consuming Moringa can also reduce the level of cholesterol in the body and consequently bring down your chances of suffering from cardiac problems.
Most of us are heavily exposed to arsenic as most of what we eat and drink is contaminated in one way or the other. In the long run this could lead to the growth of cancerous tumours and cause various cardiac issues. Researchers working with animals have seen that the leaf of the Moringa plant as well as the seeds are effective in reducing the risk of developing these problems but this has not been studied in humans.
Moringa Oleifera can be consumed in various ways. For example, you can blitz it into healthy shakes in powder form or use it like tea. However, like everything else this should be eaten in moderation or it can cause indigestion.
Moringa is a very nutritious plant that has been used in traditional medicine in many parts of the world, as it contains a plethora of vitamins & minerals.
You’ll need:
– 2 cups of moringa leaves, washed (or 1 tablespoon of moringa powder)
– 1 dozen ackees, prepared and boiled
– 1 onion, chopped
– 4 garlic cloves, finely sliced
– 2 plummy tomatoes, chopped
– 1 small green bell pepper, chopped
– Thyme
– Salt and black pepper
– Scotch bonnet pepper (optional)
– Coconut oil
The process:
– In a large pan, drizzle some coconut oil- and add the onions & garlic. Cook until transluscent.
– At that time, add thyme and cook for a little more. This helps release the oils of the thyme and intensifies the flavour
– Then add the scotch bonnet, tomatoes & green bell peppers- cook until soft.
– Add the moringa leaves- they will cook very quickly, in about 2 minutes!
– Finally, add the ackee. Season with salt & pepper. Mix everything well and cook for another short 5 minutes. Enjoy!
Feel free to add other aromatics like ginger or turmeric in here too! Then sprinkle the Moringa powder on top.
This slimy superfood is a great source of fiber (to keep toxins away) and is an excellent source of antioxidants and folate.
You’ll need (for 2-3 servings)
– 2 dozen okra, washed and chopped
– 4-5 plummy tomatoes, diced
– 1 onion, chopped
– 1-2 cups chickpeas, cooked
– 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
– 1 teaspoon curry spices
– 1 teaspoon garam masala
– 1/2 bunch fresh cilantro- chopped
– Coconut oil
– 1/2 scotch bonnet- finely chopped (optional)
– Salt
The process:
– First thing is to cook the okra. Drizzle some oil in a large pan, toss in the chopped okra and cook in medium-high heat for about 6 minutes. Add a few drops of water if the okra is sticking to the pan. Remove okra from pan and set the okra aside.
– We’re now going to cook everything else. In the same pan, drizzle a bit of oil and cook the onions until translucent. Then add the curry spices, scotch bonnet and garlic and cook for another minute.
– Add the diced tomatoes and cook until soft.
– Add the chickpeas, cooked okra, cilantro, garam masala, sprinkle of salt. Mix and cook everything together for another 5 minutes or so. You can add a bit of water if you want a bit of a gravy-ish feel to the recipe.
Parsley is an iron & calcium powerhouse and aids with detoxification. It is also rich in Vitamin C- helping to keep your immunity strong!
– Cook the spaghetti, drain and set aside. Keep 1 cup of the water the pasta was cooked in on the side.
– During that time: wash the parsley and basil- set aside. Do NOT chop off the stems.
– Add all the fresh herbs (whole), garlic and a drizzle of olive oil- process for just a few seconds- it will quickly become something like a very healthy pesto.
– In a large pan, drizzle some olive oil and return the cooked pasta and the herb/garlic blend. Cook everything together for just a few minutes- add a few drops of the pasta water to make it “saucy”-ish. Season with salt to taste.
This powder can then be added to cooking, or used for tea or in shakes. However, as with other supplements, we don’t recommend consuming moringa just for the sake of it, but rather for the specific benefits and needs outlined below.
Nine health benefits and uses of moringa
1. Nutrition and antioxidants galore
Moringa leaves contain protein, vitamins B6, A and C, iron, riboflavin and magnesium. The pods are lower in these vitamins and minerals but are extremely rich in vitamin C.
Sustained inflammation isn’t fun and it can lead to other health problems like heart disease and cancer. Most vegetables, herbs and spices have some anti-inflammatory properties, and moringa fruits are part of this club.
3. Lowered cholesterol
Oats and almonds are brilliant for helping to reduce cholesterol, and human-based studies have found that moringa may also have similar effects.
Since moringa leaf powder has been found to help reduce blood sugar and cholesterol, it is ideal for helping diabetics to reduce some of their symptoms.
4. Protection against arsenic toxicity
Arsenic unfortunately sometimes gets into our food and water, and long-term exposure to it can lead to a range of health problems, such as cancer. So far, there have only been studies of the impact that Moringa seeds and leaves had on arsenic toxicity in rats and mice. The results look good, but it’s not certain that the leaves would have the same benefits on humans.
Moringa powder contains protein, vitamins and antioxidants.
5. Combating depression
A 2015 study looked at the effects of moringa on animals on its own, and in combination with low doses of fluoxetine (an anti-depressant drug) and found that when used in combination, it had “promising potential.”
The leaves, roots and seeds of moringa have blood-clotting properties that help scratches, cuts or wounds stop bleeding and to heal quicker.
8. Healthy and environmentally-friendly oil
Moringa seeds can be pressed for an oil, known as “Ben oil,” which is high in healthy saturated fats, making it great for stir-fries and salad dressings. Ben oil is also used for skin care, in soaps, conditioners and perfumes. Because moringa grows so easily — surviving tough droughts, needing no fertilizer or pest control and regrowing quickly when clipped, it makes a great biofuel.
9. Great for farmers and mountain dwellers
If you’ve ever lived on or near a steep mountainside, particularly in an earthquake zone, then you understand the importance of preventing erosion. Even driving along a highway through mountainous areas, you’ll notice the rocky-dirt sides are covered in concrete in order to prevent landslides falling across the road. Hardy plants like moringa, however, do a better job than concrete at preventing erosion, and they make great windbreaks as well.
The Moringa tree offers a wealth of benefits to humans and the earth.
Fads or myth?
TIME magazine recently called moringa “the next quinoa” but like with all superfoods that are catching on as the latest trend, some caution is advisable. Marketers take advantage of the “superfood” label to sell products like moringa powder at elevated prices. You can choose to pay that price, grow your own moringa or, alternatively, keep eating a range of vegetables and herbs and generally living a healthy lifestyle and get similar benefits.
The above benefits are real, but coconut oil can also be used for stir-fries, for example, and broccoli is also packed with vitamin C. Superfoods are contextual — for people leaving in rough, dry climates facing food shortages, moringa is indeed a godsend. But if you’re fortunate enough to have constant access to a range of greens, moringa is more like a really healthy option than a superfood. Click To Tweet
Everything You Need to Know About the Next Superfood
Moringa is the newest wellness buzzword — and for good reason: It’s packed with vitamins and nutrients, antioxidants and anti-inflammatories. Derived from the Moringa Oleifera tree, this superfood has been grown and used in Asia and the tropics for thousands of years. There, it’s known as the miracle tree because of all of the positive effects it has on the body; though it’s on the new side for those of us in the west.
So what exactly can it do for you? So glad you asked — keep reading to learn more about moringa and all its benefits.
It’s Packed With Nutrients Vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin B6, vitamin E, potassium, calcium and iron are just the beginning of the amazing nutritional value moringa brings to the table. It’s also loaded with protein and has eight essential amino acids. It’s actually one of the most nutrient dense plants in the world — so, if you’re looking for a plant-based supplement for overall health, moringa is a good option.
It Fights Inflammation Inflammation is basically a dirty word these days. It’s technically the body’s natural response to injury, but when it goes on too long, inflammation can become a problem: Chronic inflammation is linked to heart disease, stroke, arthritis and certain cancers. That’s why anti-inflammatory agents like moringa have been given superhero status. Thanks to all its antioxidants, moringa can help stop an inflammatory response in its tracks.
It Can Lower Cholesterol High levels of cholesterol increase your chances of getting heart disease. Moringa has been used in Thailand and India for centuries as a heart-healthy medicine, and the west is picking up on its potential for lowering your risk of cardiovascular diseases. Studies have shown that moringa, like oats and flaxseed, does indeed lower cholesterol, and help prevent plaque in your arteries.
It Fights Infections Anti-bacterial? Check. Anti-fungal? Yup. Anti-microbial? That too. This little leaf has been shown to stop the symptoms of food poisoning, inhibit UTI’s, and prevent fungal infections on the skin.
It Could Fight Cancer
Preliminary studies are showing that in test tubes, moringa slows cancer cell growth. Human studies need to be done, but these are promising results. It’s a Beauty Wunderkind.
Be on the lookout for moringa oils to be in all of your beauty products soon: It’s ultra hydrating. Moringa’s high levels of vitamin C boosts collagen production and helps make skin glow, while the antibacterial qualities can help clear up acne-prone skin. You heard it here first.
So What Do I Do With It?
Moringa leaf powder can be added to smoothies or buddha bowls, made into tea, or even soups, once you figure out the flavour profile. (Urban Naturale has a particularly amazing moringa smoothie recipe with blueberries, pineapples, avocados and more, in case you’re interested). For overall health, start with 1/2 to 1 tsp. per day. Some people like to take a supplement every day, others take them when they feel a cold coming on. Whatever you do, be sure to consult your doctor before trying anything new. https://www.totalbeauty.com/content/slideshows/moringa-superfood-190318/page8?cid=nav_diethealth_featured_position1
The Magic of High Quality Moringa Leaf Powder
Moringa Oleifera, also known as the Drumstick or Miracle tree, is a tree native to North India. In recent years, moringa has gained popularity owning to its anti-viral, anti-fungal, anti-depressant, and anti-inflammatory properties. Moringa Oleifera contains an abundance of antioxidants and bioactive plant compounds and is also packed with several health-promoting proteins, minerals, and vitamins.
Moringa Leaves and Pods Are Highly Nutritious
A cup of moringa leaves contains 19% of the recommended daily allowance (RDA) of Vitamin B6, 12% of Vitamin D, 11% of Riboflavin, 9% of Vitamin A, and 8% of Magnesium. Additionally, it also supplies 2 grams of protein and a healthy percentage of iron, folate, zinc, and calcium. Moringa pods are a better source of Vitamin C than moringa leaves. A cup of fresh moringa leaves supplies Vitamin C equivalent to 157% of one’s daily requirement, however, pods supply a lower amount of these essential minerals and vitamins than leaves.
Moringa Fights Acne and Aging
Moringa oil and moringa leaves have been long associated with healthy skin and strong hair. Moringa has antibacterial properties, which allow it to fight acne and improve skin quality. Moringa oil or moringa powder is also included in several anti-acne creams as it can moisturize sensitive skin and has been used in lotions as well as lip balms as a primary ingredient. Moringa leaves are also a rich protein that protect cells against damage and thus can prevent the appearance of wrinkles and blemishes.
Moringa Provides Functional Energy
Moringa leaves contain over 90 nutrients and are a great source of complex carbohydrates. The body requires functional energy to accomplish tasks, such as walking, exercising, thinking, sleeping, etc. We break down complex carbohydrates to produce energy. Functional nutrition, like what is contained in moringa, has also been associated with rapid healing in case of injury.
Moringa Leaves Can Be Used to Treat Several Diseases
Moringa can treat and alleviate symptoms associated with many diseases. Early research has shown that regular and controlled consumption of moringa (6 grams per day) can alleviate symptoms associated with asthma. Similarly, early research has also shown that the daily use of moringa can promote weight gain in malnourished children. Women suffering from menopausal issues, such as hot flashes, insomnia, etc. can benefit from the regular intake of moringa. Moringa can also be given to infants as it can treat any Vitamin A deficiencies. Alternative medicine practitioners believe that moringa can help diabetes and heart patients as well as help prevent cancer. However, more detailed research is needed to validate these claims.
Moringa Promotes Cognitive Function
Moringa is rich in antioxidants and promotes neuro-enhancing activities. As it is also an excellent source of Vitamin E and Vitamin C, both of which fight oxidation which is a primary process responsible for neuron degeneration. Thus, by effectively fighting oxidation, moringa promotes the cognitive function. Moringa also normalizes serotonin, noradrenaline, and dopamine levels. These neurotransmitters are associated with memory, organ function, mood, and mental health.
Recently, Western markets have recognized moringa as a nutrient-packed superfood, though it has been well known in the traditional Asian medicine for centuries. Moringa can be taken in different forms: add the powder to smoothie or swallow it in capsule form. Irrespective of form, consider adding this miracle plant to your tool kit of natural remedies for optimal health and longevity.
Health Benefits of Moringa Oleifera or Drumstick Leaves You Should Know!
There are many ways you can include these leaves in your diet. However, the most popular way to consume these leaves is in powdered form as it is very easy to use. Drumstick leaves powder is very easily available in the market or you could make it at home too.
Moringa as a rich source of certain macro and micro nutrients is
gaining popularity as an ingredient in producing food supplements.
Moringa seed, leaf, and the flower is finding large application in food
industry. There has been a growing demand for moringa leaf as an
alternative food source to combat malnutrition among children and
infants. Use of moringa ingredients as a food fortificant is on the rise in many parts of the world including Africa.
The use of moringa ingredients in fortifying food is
gaining much attention worldwide owing to the studies that have shown potential
use of different parts of moringa tree in food application. Recent studies have
also shown positive effects of moringa in blood sugar regulation by affecting
carbohydrate metabolism. This is driving demand for moringa in a most common
dietary form including tea and powder.
Moringa ingredients are widely being used to improve the nutritional
value of staple food across countries. Bread is a staple in many countries,
hence, researchers and food companies are finding ways to completely replace
wheat flour used in bread to make it gluten-free. This, however, poses a major
challenge in the food industry. Recently, researchers found that combining
moringa leaf, seed, and flower powder in bread dough prepared using wheat or
any other flour can improve its nutritional value.
Moringa
Leaf Powder as Alternative to Canola Meal in Poultry Diets
Considering the health benefits and nutritional value,
there is a huge potential for moringa leaf power replacing canola meal as a non-conventional
ingredient in poultry diets. A study was conducted recently to investigate the
effects of moringa leaf powder on immune response, blood hematology and growth
performance of broilers. The study found that moringa leaf powder as a vegetable
protein source can enhance the immune response to infectious diseases without
any change in weight, and blood hematology in broilers.
Diet supplemented with moringa leaf powder can lead to
low mortality and enhance growth performance, meat yield and serum cholesterol
of broilers. This is leading to the rise in demand for moringa leaf as a cost-effective
and beneficial alternative in poultry food production, especially in the
developing countries.
Poultry production companies in the developing regions
are looking for a cheap and safe alternative source of protein. This is driving
demand for moringa leaf powder as an alternative to other expensive sources of
protein in poultry feed.
Moringa and mint: The magic plants!
Both moringa and mint can easily be described as magic plants. But we are yet to bring these magic plants to our kitchens and include them in our daily diet. Maybe this is the right time to exploit the health benefits of these plants
It is found in abundance in Nepal, but we are yet to exploit is medicinal and nutritious value. Moringa is known as sheetal chini or sajiban locally and is mostly used as a vegetable.
When I read about the use of moringa in the African continent, I realised that in our continent we have underestimated the value of this wonderful plant. Click To Tweet Moringa is a genus of shrubs and trees with multi-purpose uses. Its leaves, roots and green pods are eaten as a vegetable. Interestingly, all parts of the moringa tree – bark, pods, leaves, nuts, seeds, tubers, roots and flowers – are edible. In many countries, moringa is consumed as a “super food”.
Moringa seed pods are picked when they are still green and can be eaten fresh or cooked. Moringa seed oil is sweet, non-sticking, non-drying and resists rancidity. The seeds can be eaten green or they can be roasted or powdered. The powder can be used in curries or tea.
Some doctors in Nepal have been recommending this plant to their patients informally, even though they do not write it in their prescriptions. Nonetheless, they are learnt to have been providing information on health benefits of this plant and encouraging the patients to use it – not as a medicine but as food.
A research conducted in the USA shows that moringa has two times more protein than plain yoghurt, four times more calcium than milk, 25 times more iron than spinach, four times more Vitamin A than carrots and seven times more Vitamin C than oranges.
Some people who have included moringa in their regular diet have told me that using moringa powder every day has helped them have better sleep and reduced knee pain.
During a recent discussion on the nutrients that the Moringa plant has Dr Rishi Kafle said: “I recommend moringa to my patients. It has a lot of health benefits. Moringa leaves contain Vitamins C and A, calcium and iron. It also contains amino acids (proteins) which are very beneficial for those with constipation problems. Moringa is also rich in antioxidants.”
Dr Kafle, however, says he prescribes moringa not as a medicine but as a food supplement. Our body can absorb nutrients from the moringa plant more easily than from synthetic supplements, says Dr Kafle.
However, according to Dr Kafle, Moringa powder should be consumed only after holding proper consultation with health experts, as some people are allergic to it. After my discussion with Dr Kafle, I did some research on the moringa plant only to find that this can be used to combat malnutrition in rural areas.
Moringa contains antioxidants — flavonoids, polyphenols and ascorbic acid — in its leaves, flowers and seeds. Antioxidants fight free radicals, molecules that cause oxidative stress, cell damage and inflammation. According to a study, leaf extracts have higher antioxidant activity, free-radical-scavenging capacity and higher inhibition of lipid, protein, and DNA oxidation than flowers and seeds.
Along with moringa, the health benefits of mint are also yet to be exploited fully in Nepal. Mint is also a very nutritious plant. We have been using mint at our homes to make chutney for generations. Its leaves can be used fresh or they can be dried to make powder. Mint oil is often used in toothpaste, gum, candy and beauty products. Mint has both antibacterial as well as anti-viral property.
Our ancestors knew that mint is a natural anti-microbial agent and a breath freshener. The mint family refers to a group of around 15 to 20 plant species, including peppermint and spearmint.
I remember my grandmother giving me mint tea on cold days. She also used to make mint sorbet to beat the heat during the summer. So mint makes a good drink around the year. Only in later years, I came to know that mint contains menthol that helps to break up phlegm and mucus. So it clears up congestion of nose, throat and lungs.
We must have seen mint being used as a condiment as well as a decorative item in culinary preparations. Many a chef put a couple of mint leaves on top of their dishes. This not only enhances the aesthetic value of the dish but also adds nutrition to the food.
Magic of moringa: the superfood where nothing goes to waste!
If moringa is yet to slip onto your radar, then it may be time to swot up on the plant that’s taking the foodie and beauty worlds by storm this year.
Moringa Oleifera, to give it its Latin name – or the drumstick tree, as it’s more colloquially known – is a heat-loving tree that flourishes in semi-arid conditions. It originates from the foothills of the Himalayas and north-western India, North Africa and South East Asia, but moringa is now grown in tropical and subtropical climates all over the world, and it’s very much in demand.
“Moringa seeds have a high concentration of oil,” says nutritionist Zenia Menon of Dubai Herbal and Treatment Centre. “These are extracted to make moringa, which yields more oil than sunflower and peanuts. It can be used in cooking or moringa-seed oil can be used directly on the skin to help retain skin’s moisture,” she says.
Where you’ve seen it
You might well have spotted it highlighted as a key ingredient in your shampoo (Herbal Essences’ Bio: Renew shampoo and conditioner is “powered” by moringa) or on your new moisturiser (The Body Shop’s Moringa Butter Moisturiser is one to try). Nicknamed “The Tree of Life” owing to its powerful, nourishing and moisturising effect on the skin, moringa can be applied as a tonic or consumed, and nutritionists such as Menon are touting it as the ultimate superfood all-rounder to include in your daily diet. Click To Tweet
Trend forecasters such as Spins might have pinned 2018 for moringa to have its moment, but this nutrient-dense superfood-of-the-year established its healing roots way ahead of the curve. “The moringa leaves have often been used in ancient medicine and they are a powerhouse of nutrients,” Menon says of the small, abundant leaves found on the fine branches of the moringa tree. Because it grows quickly and at a relatively low cost, moringa has been the go-to vegetable for many parts of the developing world. Even dry, the leaves are packed with vitamins and minerals, making it ideal for feeding programmes to fight malnutrition.
In cooking, the drumsticks (or green pods) have traditionally been used in curries and stews across Thailand, the Philippines and India. There’s a good chance that the sambar or Keralan thoran salad you enjoyed so much on holiday in India had a hefty dose of moringa chopped or grated into it. Every last part of the moringa tree can be and has been put to good use. After the vegetables of the tree are used in stews and the seeds pressed to obtain the oil that fortifies moisture-boosting skin products, the leftover seed cake has been used as a water purifier, too.
The health benefits
According to moringa farmer Mariko Gifford, gram for gram, the plant’s leaves contain a whopping seven times the vitamin C of oranges, four times the calcium and two times the protein of milk, four times the vitamin A of carrots, three times the iron in spinach and three times the potassium of bananas. Taking all of this information into account, it’s not surprising that including a helping of moringa in your diet could defend your body against a lengthy list of unwanted ailments.
Menon cites it as a food that can prevent diabetes, heart diseases, anaemia, arthritis and liver disease, plus respiratory, skin, and digestive disorders. Added to this, “it has natural detoxifying properties and contains anti-inflammatory compounds and antioxidants that fight free radicals that cause oxidative stress and cell damage” (making it the perfect anti-ageing cream ingredient). Balancing hormones, reducing the effects of ageing, fighting fungal infection, treating anxiety and protecting brain health are also included in the broad arsenal of benefits listed by Menon.
As well as the benefits of direct moringa consumption, the plant can also be used in farming and food production as an alternative to toxic fertilisers or unnatural hormones. “It’s feeding the world in a way that doesn’t introduce toxicity, Click To Tweet” says Gifford, who is behind the Moringa For Life website. The farmer extols the plant for its positive results when applied to farming and general crop production. “It improves milk production and weight gain in cattle, and it can be diluted and then sprayed onto plants as a plant enhancer,” she says. If your vegetable patch or microgreens are looking a little wilted and sad, it might be time to give them a spritz of moringa to revive and revitalise.
If after reading this you’re keen to work the magic of moringa into your own diet, lifestyle or beauty regime, you can get your hands on it in a number of forms. Choose moringa powder (look for it in Carrefour, Neal’s Yard Remedies and the Ripe Farm Shop) for an easy dose of the superfood that can be sprinkled into a soup, curry or stew – or slot it into your daily routine and brew yourself a moringa tea every morning. Menon advises having a half-teaspoon of moringa powder, a half-teaspoon of honey and a squeeze of lemon in hot water as a post-breakfast drink. Click To TweetDon’t overdo it, though, because it does have a laxative effect if consumed in high quantities. Go one step further and grow your own tree for fresh leaves to steam like spinach or toss into a salad, as well as fresh moringa drumsticks to add to your cooking.
The drought-resistant moringa lends itself to sweltering conditions. Sri Lankan national Ram Pillai has even grown a large moringa tree from a sapling in his Dubai garden. “We add the leaves to our morning smoothie and once again cook the vegetable seed pods on a weekly basis,” he says. You can also find fresh leaves from the UAE’s Deena Farms organic farming community, for an instant supply before your moringa sapling turns into your own tree of life.
Moringa Oleifera tree is called the tree of life in many cultures around the world including Nigeria and some countries in East Africa. It is known as “mother’s best friend”. Click To Tweet
Here in Nigeria, its names include Zogelle in Hausa, Idagbo Monoye in Igbo and Ewe Igbale in Yoruba.
Moringa has become popular as a natural leaf powder supplement, although the pods, roots, bark, flowers, seeds, and fruits are also edible. It is estimated that 300 diseases can be cured along with hundreds of other health benefits by taking this supplement.
Controls Blood Glucose Levels
