What
is moringa?
Moringa also known as the Miracle
Tree is a multipurpose plant, as the leaves, pods, fruits, flowers,
roots and bark of the tree can be utilized. It is also referred to as
Drumstick Tree by the Britishers.In
the Philippines, they are referred to asmalunggay
or malungay.Others refer to
moringa as horseradish tree, benzolive tree, kelor, marango, mlonge, moonga,
nébéday, saijhan, sajna or Ben oil tree.
What
are the health benefits of moringa?
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.
There are many benefits of the moringa tree, but the
health benefits are the most important. Research has shown that various
parts of the moringa tree can be effective in a significant number of
health concerns. Here’s a quick look at a few of them:
Moringa is rich in Vitamin A. It
contains four times more Vitamin A or beta-carotene than carrots.
Hence, it is a weapon against blindness.
It is also a rich source ofVitamin C many times
more than oranges.
Normally milk is said to be
a rich source of calcium but the amount of calcium present in
moringa leaves is way higher than in milk.
The moringa leaves are said
to contain two times the protein present in milk.
Bananas are a rich source
of potassium. But moringa leaves contain several times more
potassium than bananas.
Along with potassium, zinc
is also found in large quantities in moringa.
If moringa leaves were to
be eaten by one and all, the world will be free of anemia as it contains three times more
iron than spinach.
With all the junk food
eaten these days, many people face problems of high cholesterol.
Moringa helps in balancing the cholesterol levels in the body.
Essential Amino acids are also
found in moringa.
Moringa is also said to
balance sugar levels, hence it is helpful in the fight against
diabetes.
The body's natural defense
mechanism increases with the consumption of moringa in the daily
diet pattern. Since it is an immunity-stimulant, it is prescribed
for AIDS afflicted patients.
Moringa leaves can be
consumed to stimulate metabolism.
It is also said to have
digestive powers.
It is a nutrition booster
and is known to promote a feeling of well-being in people.
If you are looking for
non-sugar based energy, then moringa leaves is the answer. Thus, it
will also help in the weight loss process.
The cell structure of the
body is stimulated by the moringa leaves.
It is especially useful for
lactating mothers. The consumption of moringa has shown dramatic
increase in the quantity of breast milk.
It is also famous for its
anti-bacterial properties.
The paste of the moringa
leaves is said to beautify the skin and is hence applied by women
regularly.
It protects the liver and
kidneys.
It can also be used as a
water purifier.
Moringa contains more than 90 nutrients and 46 types
of antioxidants. With all the health benefits of moringa, it can easily
be termed as the most nutritious plant on the face of the earth. There
are no side-effects of moringa tree leaves which have been proved till
date. At the same time it can be consumed by small children and adults
alike. Therefore, many people have started using it in porridge, pastas,
breads, etc., to reap the everlasting health benefits of the
extraordinary 'Moringa'.
Moringa is widely found in tropical and
sub-tropical belts. It is a medicinal plant used in Central and South America, Mexico, Malaysia, Philippines, India, Sri Lankaand Africa.
