HEALTH/NUTRITIONAL/MEDICINAL BENEFITS OF MORINGA PLANT

Moringa Plant

I am ending year 2013 with an article on Moringa. Moringa is my dad’s latest craze and in the past few days, I’ve been adding powdered Moringa leaves to my stews and soups. There are currently two Moringa plants in the compound, the leaves are plucked off, dried and then made into powder. As usual, I had to research to find out what Moringa is and what health benefits it has. Surprisingly, Moringa is quite a popular plant and is considered a healing plant/a miracle tree.

Moringa has a number of medicinal uses with high nutritional value. According to research, most of the plant is used: its leaves, bark, flowers, fruit, seeds and root are medicinal and each part contains a profile of important minerals, and are a good source of protein, vitamins like Vitamin A (Beta Carotene), Vitamin B1 (Thiamine), Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin), Vitamin B3 (Niacin), Vitamin B6 (Pyrodixine), Vitamin B7 (Biotin), Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid), Vitamin D (Cholecalciferol), Vitamin E (Tocopherol) and Vitamin K, amino acids and various phenolics. Moringa is considered a complete food as it contains all of the essential Amino Acids required for a healthy body. Amino Acids help maintain fluid balance and acid and base balance. They also transport substances such as oxygen, vitamins and minerals to target cells throughout the body.

Powdered Moringa Leaves

Research shows that Moringa has the following health benefits: Increases the natural defenses of the body, provides nourishment to the eyes and the brain, promotes healthy digestion, provides natural anti-aging benefits, beautifies the skin, promotes energy, acts as an antioxidant, and regulates blood glucose level. Studies show that Moringa is being used to prevent childhood blindness, a condition that can develop from vitamin A and retinol deficiencies. Moringa contains sufficient amounts of these nutrients to eliminate this condition. Dried and powdered Moringa leaves are great for nourishing the skin. Studies show that more and more cosmetic companies are starting to include Moringa extracts in their products.

Moringa is also notable for its medicinal value. Various parts of the Moringa plant act as cardiac and circulatory stimulants. There is an anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory effect when Moringa leaves is applied to wounds or insect bites. Moringa leaf extracts can be used against bacterial or fungal skin complaints. Moringa leaf tea treats gastric ulcers and diarrhea. Eating Moringa food products is good for those suffering from malnutrition due to the high protein and fibre content. Research shows that the Moringa seed purifies dirty water.

Happy Year 2014 Everyone!!! Make Your Dreams a Reality!

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