Description
Moringa also known as drumstick tree or horseradish tree is native to India. It is an abundant source of minerals, vitamins, and other essential phytochemicals. Its regular consumption in the form of powder or fresh leaves is an effective way to combat lifestyle diseases such as diabetes and cancer.
Nutrition of Moringa
Moringa is a god-gifted source of multivitamins and multi-minerals.
Calcium
Calcium is an essential mineral for growth and development. Moringa is rich in calcium, while 250ml of milk can provide 300–400 mg, moringa leaves can provide 1000 mg and moringa powder can provide more than 4000 mg per 250g. On average, moringa provides 17 times more Calcium than milk.
Iron
Fresh moringa leaves contain about 0.85 mg , while moringa powder provides about 28mg of Iron per 100g! In contrast, beef has only 2 mg of Iron! Moringa offers more Iron when compared with Spinach or any other leafy vegetable. The Iron content in moringa is 25 times more than what is present in Spinach.
Zinc
Moringa contains about 25 – 30 mg/kg of Zinc, which is essential for sperm cell development, the synthesis of DNA and RNA.
Phytochemicals
Moringa powder is rich in phytochemicals such as tannins, sterols, terpenoids, flavonoids, saponins, anthraquinones, and alkaloids. These are essential in strengthening the immune system.
PUFAs
Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are linoleic acid, linolenic acid, and oleic acid. They control bad cholesterol and are thus great for heart health. 76% of the moringa seed oil is PUFA and is a great candidate to replace olive oil in cooking.
Vitamins
Vitamins like beta-carotene of vitamin A, and vitamin B such as folic acid, pyridoxine, and nicotinic acid, vitamin C, D, and E are also present in moringa. Fresh moringa leave offers high levels of Vitamin E and Vitamin C. B Vitamins are rich in dried moringa powder. Moringa is said to provide 7 times more vitamin C than oranges, and 10 times more vitamin A than carrots!
Benefits of Moringa
Regular use of moringa, either fresh leaves or powder, will greatly help in managing lifestyle diseases. Be it diabetes or Cancer, moringa is proven to be effective.
Diabetes Treatment
Moringa has been shown to cure both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is one where the patients suffer from non-production of insulin, which is a hormone that maintains the blood glucose level at the required normal value. Type 2 diabetes is one associated with insulin resistance. Regular use of moringa in diet may prevent complications resulting from prolonged diabetes such as retinopathy, nephropathy, and atherosclerosis, etc.
Cancer Treatment
Moringa can be used as an anticancer agent as it is natural, reliable, and safe, at established concentrations. Studies have shown that moringa can be used as an anti-nonproliferative agent, thereby inhibiting the growth of cancer cells. Soluble and solvent extracts of leaves have been proven effective as anticancer agents.
Other benefits of Moringa
The medicinal uses of different parts of moringa are tabulated below (reference):
| Leaves: | Generally used for the treatment of asthma, bronchitis, hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, flu, heartburn, syphilis, malaria, pneumonia, diarrhea, headaches, scurvy, skin diseases, and eye, and ear infections. Also, it reduces, blood pressure and cholesterol, it has anticancer, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antidiabetic, and antiatherosclerotic properties and it acts as a neuroprotectant agent |
| Seeds: | Moringa seeds are used for treating hyperthyroidism, Crohn’s disease, antiherpes-simplex virus arthritis, rheumatism, gout, cramp, epilepsy, and sexually transmitted diseases, and they also act as antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory agents |
| Root bark: | Used as a cardiac stimulant, anti-ulcer, and anti-inflammatory agent |
| Flower: | Used as hypocholesterolemic, antiarthritic agents and can cure urinary problems and cold |
| Pods: | Had a potential role in the treatment of diarrhea, liver and spleen problems, and joint pain |
Directions for Use:
- Combine half a teaspoon of Moringa powder with smoothie/juice / water and enjoy. Add flavors as desired.
- Sprinkle on Salads and Soups
- Combine the moringa powder with the dough in baking cookies and bread.
Further Read
Read more information and in-depth data on Moringa and its benefits on our blog here
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