Moringa appears to be a medicinal cornucopia. It is considered to be exceptionally nutritious and is sometimes referred to as the “miracle tree.”
The bark, leaves and roots are thought to have medicinal properties and have been used for centuries in folk medicine for a variety of health-promoting purposes.
Moringa oleifera is the most widely cultivated of the species. It is native to the sub-Himalayan tracts of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan. This rapidly-growing tree (also known as the horseradish tree, drumstick tree, benzolive tree, kelor, marango, mlonge, moonga, mulangay, nébéday, saijhan, sajna or Ben oil tree), was utilized by the ancient Romans, Greeks and Egyptians. It is now widely cultivated and has become naturalized in many locations in the tropics.
“Trees for Life Journal” states that moringa helps to enhance health by providing a wide variety of nutrients and promoting detoxification.
Containing over 90 nutrients and 46 antioxidants, Moringa (Moringa Oleifera) is one of nature’s most nutritious foods. Ideal for helping our bodies maintain optimum health and balance. Moringa leaves are highly nutritious and are rich in vitamins D, K, A, C, B6, Manganese, Magnesium, Lysine, Riboflavin, Calcium, Thiamin, Potassium, Iron, Protein and Niacin.
A nutritional powerhouse, ounce for ounce, Moringa contains seven times the Vitamin C found in oranges, four times the beta carotene of carrots, three times the iron of spinach, four times as much calcium as milk, three times the potassium of bananas and more fiber than oats.
Moringa also contains all 8 essential amino acids and is rich in flavonoids, including Quercetin, Kaempferol, Beta-Sitosterol, Caffeoylquinic acid and Zeatin.
The benefits of this “super plant” have been embraced as one of nature’s most powerful sources of nutrients to support healthy living in India, Africa and South America for more than 2,000 years
The tree contains three potent antioxidants — vitamins A and C and carotenoids — which help to scavenge free radicals and prevent oxidative damage to your cells. The tree also contains numerous phytochemicals — plant substances that help to prevent and treat disease in humans.
In an independent test, Moringa oleifera scored the highest in antioxidant content of any food yet discovered. Beating the record-holding acai berry by over a 50% margin, Moringa Source Moringa oleifera leaf powder measured over 157,000 umoles using the Oxidant Radicals Absorbent Capacity (ORAC) system of measurement developed by the National Institute of Health’s National Institute for Aging.
Antibiosis and cancer prevention as just two examples of areas of Moringa research for which the existing scientific evidence appears to be particularly strong.
In the late 1940’s and early 1950’s a team from the University of Bombay (BR Das), Travancore University (PA Kurup), and the Department of Biochemistry at the Indian Institute of Science in Bangalore (PLN Rao), identified a compound they called pterygospermin, a compound which they reported readily dissociated into two molecules of benzyl isothiocyanate. Benzyl isothiocyanate was already understood at that time to have antimicrobial properties.
The seeds may help with water purification. Moringa is undergoing preliminary research to reveal potential properties of its nutrients and phytochemicals, some of which include antibacterial effects in vitro, improved glucose tolerance in a rat model of diabetes, inhibition of Epstein-Barr virus activity in vitro and reduction of skin papillomas in mice.
Helpful in maintaining healthy blood pressure levels, it has been used to help joint health, promote long lasting endurance and energy and also as a digestive aid. Moringa is nourishing to the brain and eyes and promotes a healthy circulatory system as well as normal functioning of the liver and the kidneys. Moringa oil is used to beautify and protect skin from the elements.
Moringa is a raw food and is naturally vegan, caffeine-free and gluten-free. The World Health Organization and other charitable organizations currently use Moringa as a basis for daily nutritional programs helping malnourished children.
If you live in U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Hardiness Zones 9, 10, or 11, you can very easily, with very little maintenance, grow your own outdoor Moringa trees at home. If you live in a cooler climate, you can either grow your own Moringa trees indoors or in a greenhouse, or purchase pure Moringa powder, oil, and tea products from various online vendors.
Precautions
Moringa extracts are considered safe; reported side effects include reduced fertility and low blood-sugar levels. Moringa may interact with certain medications. Consult your healthcare practitioner before taking moringa supplements for any conditions or symptoms.