Moringa oleifera
Moringa oleifera, commonly referred to simply as “Moringa”, is the most widely cultivated species of the genus Moringa. Moringa is the only genus in the family Moringaceae. Moringa is a nutritious vegetable tree with a variety of potential uses. The tree is rather slender, with drooping branches that grow to approximately 10 m in height. Moringa grows best in the hot, semi-arid tropics. It is drought-tolerant and grows with rainfalls of 250-1500 mm (10-60 in) per year. Altitudes below 600 m (2000 ft) are best for the Moringa; however, it grows up to 1200 m (4000 ft) in some tropical areas and has been recorded growing at 2000 m (6000 ft). In cultivation, it is often cut back annually to 1 meter or less and allowed to re grow so that pods and leaves remain within arm’s reach. Moringa is a fast-growing, drought-resistant tree; it is considered one of the world’s most useful trees. The Moringa tree prefers well-drained sandy or loam soil. It will tolerate a clay soil but not water logging. Every part of the Moringa Oleifera tree, from the roots to the leaves has beneficial properties that can serve humanity.
Nutrients composition of Moringa
Moringa tree can be used for food or has some other beneficial property. In many countries, Moringa is used as a micronutrient powder to treat diseases.
Moringa trees have been used to combat malnutrition, especially among infants and nursing mothers. Leaves can be eaten fresh, cooked, or stored as dried powder for many months without refrigeration, and reportedly without loss of nutritional value. A large number of reports on the nutritional qualities of Moringa now exist in both the scientific and the popular literature. Moringa is especially promising as a food source in the tropics because the tree is in full leaf at the end of the dry season when other foods are typically scarce.
Scientific research confirms that these humble leaves are a powerhouse of nutritional value. Gram for gram, Moringa leaves contain: SEVEN times the vitamin C in oranges, FOUR times the Calcium in milk, FOUR times the vitamin A in carrots, TWO times the protein in milk and THREE times the Potassium in bananas
Moringa has 7 times the vitamin C found in oranges
Vitamin C is required by our body to strengthen our immune system and fights infectious diseases including colds and flu. Citrus fruits such as oranges and lemons are full of vitamin C. Moringa leaves have even more.
Moringa has 4 times the calcium found in milk
To build up strong bones and teeth calcium s very important, this helps to prevent osteoporosis. Milk provides a lot of calcium, but Moringa leaves provide even more.
Moringa contains 4 times the Vitamin A found in carrots
Vitamin A acts as a shield against diseases of the eyes, skin and heart, diarrhea, and many other ailments. Carrots are very high in vitamin A, with Moringa leaves even higher.
Moringa has 3 times the potassium found in bananas
Potassium is essential for the brain and nerves. Bananas are an excellent source of potassium. Moringa leaves are even better.
Moringa contains 2 times the protein found in yogurt
Proteins, the building blocks of our bodies, are made of amino acids. Usually only animal products such as meat, eggs, and dairy contain all the essential amino acids. Amazingly, Moringa leaves also contain them all.
Moringa has 0.75 times the iron found in spinach
Iron plays an important role in the synthesis of hemoglobin in blood which carries oxygen to all parts of the body. Spinach is well known for its iron content. Moringa leaves also contain iron.
Daily consumption of Moringa yields the following benefits:
- Promotes Body’s Natural Defenses
- Provides Antioxidants
- Nourishes Body’s Immune System
- Act as an Anti-Inflammatory agent
- Supports Normal Blood Glucose Levels
- Triggers Metabolism
- Promotes Healthy Digestion
- Enhances Skin Health
- Reduces the Appearance of Wrinkles
- Promotes Normal Liver Function
- Promotes Healthy Cell Structure
- Promotes Healthy Circulatory System
- Promotes Normal Serum Cholesterol
- Nourishes the Eyes and Brain
- Increases Energy
- Provides a Sense of Well-Being
25 grams daily of Moringa Leaf Powder will give a child the following recommended daily allowances: Protein 42%, Calcium 125%, Magnesium 61%, Potassium 41%, Iron 71%, Vitamin A 272%, and Vitamin C 22%. These numbers are particularly astounding; considering this nutrition is available when other food sources may be scarce.
It is also known to be the best nutritional support for nursing mothers because it is not only rich in nutritional content but for its medicinal properties as well. By making vegetable soup out from fresh Moringa leaves, it has been found to increase the volume of breast milk produced by lactating mothers. For pregnant and breast-feeding women, Moringa leaves and pods can do much to preserve the mother’s health and pass on strength to the fetus or nursing child. One 100 g portion of leaves could provide a woman with over a third of her daily need of calcium and give her important quantities of iron, protein, copper, sulfur and B-vitamins. It is estimated that only 20-40% of vitamin A will be retained if leaves are dried under direct sunlight, but that 50-70% will be retained if leaves are dried in the shade.” “One rounded tablespoon (8 g) of leaf powder will satisfy about 14% of the protein, 40% of the calcium, 23% of the iron and nearly all the vitamin A needs for a child aged 1-3. Six rounded spoonfuls of leaf powder will satisfy nearly all of a woman’s daily iron and calcium needs during pregnancy and breast-feeding.