I called Moringa as a superfood because of the tremendous health benefits, very high nutrition content but surprisingly very few people knew about it both in India and the UK although this tree in native to north India where it is known as Sehjan or Sejhan ki faliyan or drumstick tree.
Infact nobody in my family or friends circle even heard about this medicinal plant. Moringa oleifera is used as a medicinal plant for thousands of years as it is very rich in healthy antioxidants and is very Nutritious.
The whole of the tree is beneficial and as ingredients in traditional herbal medicines. One cup of fresh, chopped Moringa leaves (21 grams) contains:
Protein: 2 grams
Vitamin B6: 19% of the RDA
Vitamin C: 12% of the RDA
Iron: 11% of the RDA
Riboflavin (B2): 11% of the RDA
Vitamin A (from beta-carotene): 9% of the RDA
Magnesium: 8% of the RDA
In the UK, Canada the dried leaves can be bought as dietary supplements from Amazon online, either in powder or capsule form.
Moringa is rich in antioxidants (compounds that act against free radicals). High levels of free radicals cause oxidative stress, which is associated with dangerous diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, etc.
In addition to vitamin C and beta-carotene, Moringa has Quercetin a powerful antioxidant can help lower blood pressure. One study suggests that taking 1.5 teaspoons (7 grams) of moringa leaf powder every day for three months significantly increased blood antioxidant levels.
Frequently asked questions about Moringa:
What is Moringa used to treat?
Moringa contains calcium and phosphorous, which help keep bones healthy and strong. So in addition to its anti-inflammatory properties, moringa help to treat conditions such as arthritis and may also heal damaged bones.
How much Moringa should I take a day?
Anywhere between 1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon daily seem good enough.
Note: To make one pound of Moringa leaf powder, it takes roughly seven pounds of fresh Moringa leaves.
Can I take Moringa on empty stomach?
It is good to take it after food or in the afternoon.
Is Moringa good for the liver?
Research studies suggests that moringa can help heal and prevent liver damage, and even protect against hepatitis.
Does Moringa help hair growth?
Low levels of zinc is related to poor hair growth and hair loss. The Zinc in Moringa Stimulates hair growth it has shown to help improve hair growth and help damaged hair follicles recover more quickly.
Can I boil Moringa leaves and drink it as tea?
Yes simply boil 1 spoon of Moringa leaves in 1 glass of water and let it cool and drink it as tea.
However one needs to see if one is not allergic to it as I have seen in one case where the person cough increased even though Moringa is supposed to ease respiratory ailments.
Does Moringa detox the body?
Moringa detox the liver as our liver is responsible for filtering out toxins and wastes.
Is Moringa good for skin and anti aging?
Nutrients are must for the maintenance of healthy skin. Moringa is heavily loaded with nutrients such as calcium, vitamin A, B, C, D, E; minerals such as copper, iron, zinc, magnesium, silica and manganese i.e Moringa is excellent anti aging remedy.
Is Moringa an antibiotic?
Yes, the leaf extracts of Moringa showed varying antibacterial properties on the tested bacteria. In some cases the extract was even more effective than traditional antibiotics to combat the human pathogenic bacteria. The plant could be a source of new antibiotic compounds and be used in addition to as part ofnatural treatment of dangerous disease such as (TB) tuberculosis.