These tiny leaves could save millions of lives. These are Moringa oleifera – the most widely cultivated of the 14 species of the genus Moringa, known as ‘miracle trees’. Moringa (aka horseradish/drumstick tree) is an edible plant which is native to Asia and Africa which firstly originated from the hills of the Himalayan and some parts of North India.
Moringa is a hardy tree which requires less than 800mm per year of irrigation. It grows quickly and can reach heights of 12m in just a few years. On the plus side, this means that Moringa is seen as a reliable crop but on the negative side, it is discriminated in poorer countries as a just ‘famine food’.
Moringa is a plant that has been praised for its health benefits for thousands of years. It has become so popular to the point where Moringa has a natural leaf powder supplement, although the pods, roots, bark, flowers, seeds, and fruits are also edible.
Let’s take a look at why moringa is already on its way to being the “Superman” of the medical industry.
1.It is nutritious
Moringa is a rich source of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. The leaves are an excellent source of many vitamins and minerals. One cup of fresh, chopped leaves (21 grams) contains all the right ingredients. They can be cooked in the same way as spinach, but they are also often dried and reduced to powder so they can be used in dishes, sauces, or to make capsules for swallowing.
2. It fights free radicals
Free radicals are responsible for the damage and destruction of cells in our body as we age.
This has many consequences, including cardiovascular disease, and lowered immune system and energy levels. Antioxidants play an important role in protection. Moringa leaf extract may also be used as a food preservative. It increases the shelf life of meat by reducing oxidation.
3. Enhance wound healing
Moringa has blood-clotting properties in its leaves, roots, and seeds that benefit wound healing and can reduce clotting time, which means it reduces the time it takes for scratches, cuts, or wounds to stop bleeding.
4. Moringa helps reduce some diabetes symptoms
A study in ten healthy volunteers in Thailand measured the insulin response to increasing doses of Moringa. There was a statistically significant reduction in the insulin secretion rate following 4gm of Moringa as compared to baseline. Moringa leaf powder has been effective at reducing lipid and glucose levels which means it lowers blood sugar and cholesterol and improves protection against cell damage.
5. Creates a better skin
Small short-term human clinical studies suggest that Moringa may be good for your skin. It has an anti- ageing effects in as it contains
- Vitamin A, which contains beta-carotene and retinol that helps build collagen fibres within the skin. It also aids in improving eyesight and fighting infections
- Vitamin C, which is an antioxidant and heals and repairs damaged
You can add moringa powder to your smoothie or drink it as a tea. The leaf powder was deemed safe in studies, even in larger doses than normal. Moringa is safe to consume for everyone. So, be equipped with moringa in your house and await the miracle to happen!
