Everything you need to know about moringa, the “Miracle Tree”

Everything you need to know about moringa, the “Miracle Tree”

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Published on: February 19, 2021 by Ana S

Moringa Oleifera: The Miracle Tree

Thousands of years ago before the dawn of technology, people relied solely on what Nature provided for their daily needs. Plants, in particular, played a huge role in supporting and sustaining civilizations, serving as invaluable sources of food, medicine and raw materials for tools, shelter and other basic necessities.

In ancient Egypt, for instance, people made linen from the stem of the flax plant, one of the oldest cultivated crops in existence. [1] The Ancient Greeks used the oil extracted from olives to make health foods, as well as to anoint their bodies and make ointments for wounds and traumas. They also used olive oil as fuel to light up religious ceremonies. [2]

In Asia, the Ancient Chinese used the leaves and nuts of Ginkgo biloba – the oldest living tree in the world – for food and medicine, and its wood to make religious furniture. [3] Meanwhile, ancient warriors in India drank leaf extracts of Moringa oleifera – a multipurpose tree also known as “nature’s medicine cabinet” – to energize their bodies and relieve the pain and stress caused by battle. They also ate the seed pods (fruits) and leaves of moringa to maintain healthy skin and mental fitness. [4][5]

Today, these ancient plants are not as widely used or relied upon as they once were, having been replaced by products of modern technology. But in their search for ways to improve human health, researchers are beginning to uncover the long-forgotten benefits of ancient plants like moringa, and why our ancestors depended on them to restore, enhance and maintain good health.

Why moringa is called the “Miracle Tree”

Health experts agree that good nutrition is “a critical part of health and development.” Good nutrition is even linked to a stronger immune system, and can lower risks of health threats. [6]

According to research, children who receive adequate nutrition learn and fare better in life. Those who are undernourished, on the other hand, suffer from poor health that significantly reduces their future prospects. Because of this, health agencies around the world are working hard to combat the global problem of malnutrition.

A well-balanced diet comprising nutritious foods (e.g., fresh fruits, vegetables, lean protein and whole grains) is the key to good nutrition. It ensures that you get adequate amounts of five high-priority dietary components, namely: carbohydrates, protein, fats, vitamins and minerals, and water. [7]

Some foods are particularly rich in nutrients that other foods lack. This is why experts recommend eating meals composed of a variety of foods from different food groups. But there are also foods that contain an abundance of the nutrients your body needs, and you can rely on them to round out a diet aimed at ensuring good nutrition. One of these superfoods is moringa.

Moringa, also known as the drumstick tree, the cabbage tree or the horseradish tree, is a fast-growing, drought-resistant and multipurpose tree native to the Indian subcontinent. It is also grown in other parts of Asia, as well as in Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, Florida and the Pacific Islands. [8]

Moringa earned the name the “Miracle Tree” because all of its parts can be used for various purposes, most notably for nutrition and medicine. In Ayurveda, one of the world’s oldest holistic systems of medicine, every part of moringa is believed to offer remarkable benefits to many parts of the body, including to support digestive, cardiovascular and circulatory systems. [9]

Today, Ayurvedic practitioners still use moringa as a natural remedy for all kinds of issues. Moringa’s usefulness also extends to water purification, soil and water conservation, livestock production and organic farming. [10]

According to earlier studies, moringa seeds can be used to remove contaminants and make water potable. The juice extracted from fresh moringa leaves can also be used to increase crop yields. Additionally, moringa can be made into animal feed or green fertilizer or used as a natural pesticide. [11]

But the most constructive use for moringa is as a functional food that promotes good nutrition. In African countries where moringa is cultivated, its leaves, fruits/seedpods, seeds, flowers and oil are incorporated into meals to prevent nutrient deficiencies. Moringa is considered a nutrient powerhouse like no other because of its wealth of essential nutrients, which is unmatched by any other food.

Reports on the nutrient content of moringa suggest that it is an excellent source of protein, vitamins and minerals, healthy fats and structural carbohydrates (dietary fiber) – the same nutrients that you need from your diet to ensure good nutrition. [12]

Here are some nutritional facts about moringa:

  • Moringa is an exceptional plant-based protein source. Moringa leaves contain high amounts of protein – higher than any other leaves that are consumed as food. It also contains the 9 amino acids (essential) your body cannot produce, i.e., histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan and valine. Your body needs these amino acids to create proteins, hormones and neurotransmitters – the chemical messengers used by your brain cells to communicate.
  • Moringa leaves are a great source of iron. According to an animal study published in Nutrition Research, moringa leaves are more effective than iron supplements at addressing iron deficiency in rats. [13]
  • Moringa leaves are rich in folate. Folate (vitamin B9) performs many functions inside the body. Besides helping with the formation of red blood cells, folate also works with vitamins B12 and C to break down, use or create new proteins. A study published in the Journal of Food Science and Technology recommends eating moringa leaves to people in need of dietary folate. [14][15]
  • Moringa is a good source of healthy fats. According to nutritional analysis, moringa seeds contain between 30 to 40 percent oil, 82 percent of which are unsaturated fats. These include linolenic acid (omega-3), linoleic acid (omega-6) and oleic acid (omega-9). These healthy fats offer plenty of health benefits, from building cell membranes to promoting optimal heart and joint health. [16]
  • Moringa contains an abundance of essential vitamins and minerals. Besides iron and folate, moringa also contains vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B6, C, D and E, and minerals like calcium, copper, magnesium, potassium and zinc.
  • Moringa leaves are a great addition to a well-balanced diet. According to health experts, moringa is the solution to the global problem of malnutrition because it is easy to grow, very affordable and nutritionally robust, with:
    • 9x more proteins than yogurt
    • 10x more vitamin A than carrots
    • 25x more iron than spinach
    • 15x more potassium than bananas
    • 17x more calcium than milk
    • 7x more vitamin C than oranges
    • 4x more fiber than oats
    • 4x more chlorophyll than wheatgrass
  • Moringa contains a diverse collection of phytonutrients. The active compounds produced by plants are widely studied today because of their health-promoting properties. Moringa is rich in phenolic compounds, terpenoids, isothiocyanates, glycoside compounds and antioxidant flavonoids that have been found to protect cells from damaging free radicals and support the health of vital organs.

The health benefits of moringa*

Thanks to its abundance of nutrients and phytonutrients, adding moringa to your diet can:

  1. Promote a healthy digestive system – The fiber and B vitamins in moringa are useful for supporting healthy digestion and bowel regularity. Besides helping to regulate your digestive functions, the fiber in moringa can also feed the good bacteria in your gut, allowing them to thrive so you can maintain a healthy gut microbial balance. [17]
  2. Promote healthy cardiovascular function – Moringa contains an impressive range of phytonutrients and antioxidants that support healthy heart function. According to an article published in the Malaysian Journal of Nutrition, the polyphenols in moringa leaves can help you maintain healthy cholesterol levels already within the normal range. [18]
  3. Support healthy liver function – Certain medications can damage the liver over time. But a study published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences suggests that moringa can provide protection to your liver through its wealth of antioxidants. Moringa can also promote the activity of antioxidant enzymes in the liver. [19]
  4. Promote healthy eye function – Moringa is naturally rich in antioxidant compounds, including vitamins A, C and E. These powerful nutrients can protect your cells from free radicals, which are known to trigger oxidative stress. Studies have linked oxidative stress to the onset of many eye issues. [20]
  5. Support a healthy immune system – Thanks to their protective properties, the antioxidants in moringa can provide reliable support to your immune system. Iron and vitamin A, which moringa has in abundance, are also necessary for optimal immune function. [21]
  6. Support healthy brain function – Oxidative stress is not only implicated in eye issues; it is also linked to the loss of neurons, impaired cognitive functions and the onset of neurodegenerative problems. That’s why increasing your antioxidant levels with the help of foods like moringa is important for your brain health. Antioxidants can neutralize free radicals and protect your brain cells from oxidative damage.
  7. Help maintain healthy energy levels – Moringa leaves are packed with important nutrients, including amino acids, fats and carbohydrates that can help you maintain healthy energy levels throughout the day. [22]

Where to get clean organic moringa leaf powder

Moringa leaves are an affordable nutrient source, especially of plant-based protein. It is a rare feat for plant-based foods to have all 18 amino acids, but moringa leaves have these and more to offer. As the most antioxidant-rich part of the moringa plant, the leaves are often dried and turned into a fine powder to be used as a health supplement that’s packed in health-promoting nutrients.

However, the moringa plant is extremely efficient at absorbing lead from soil. Hence, it is difficult to find moringa that’s not contaminated by lead or other harmful substances. But the good news is, the Health Ranger Store has recently acquired a super clean lot, so we’re bringing back our ultra-clean organic moringa leaf powder for those looking for an alternative source of protein or a nutritional boost. Moringa that passes our tests is extremely rare, so supplies are strictly limited.

Health Ranger Select Organic Moringa Leaf Powder is loaded with important macro- and micronutrients to satisfy your nutritional needs. Made using clean, organic moringa leaves and carefully air-dried to retain maximum nutrition, our premium moringa leaf powder is suitable for people on plant-based diets or those simply in search of a convenient way to meet their daily nutrient requirements.

Health Ranger Select Organic Moringa Leaf Powder is also packed with plenty of beneficial plant nutrients that can support the healthy functions of your organs. It is easy to incorporate into any diet and can be added to your favorite recipes and drinks or made into tea. This amazingly nutritious plant-based formula contains no gluten, fillers or GMOs. It is also vegan, certified organic and extensively lab tested for glyphosate, heavy metals and microbiology.

Ensure adequate nutrition with moringa leaf powder and experience the many health benefits of this ancient plant!

*These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to treat, cure or diagnose any diseases.

Know of other health benefits of moringa we might have missed? Share them in the comments below.

References

[1] https://ancientegyptonline.co.uk/

[2] https://www.oliveoilandbeyond.com/

[3] https://www.bellarmine.edu/

[4] https://scialert.net/

[5] https://www.frontiersin.org/

[6] https://www.who.int/

[7] https://www.netmeds.com/

[8] http://www.fao.org/

[9] https://www.easyayurveda.com/

[10] http://tropical.theferns.info/

[11] https://www.mdpi.com/

[12] https://www.omicsonline.org/

[13] https://www.sciencedirect.com/

[14] https://medlineplus.gov/

[15] https://link.springer.com/

[16] https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/

[17] https://www.journaljamb.com/index.php/

[18] https://nutriweb.org.my/

[19] https://www.mdpi.com/

[20] https://iovs.arvojournals.org/

[21] https://pharmeasy.in/

[22] https://www.healthline.com/

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