MORINGA OLEIFERA : QUEEN OF THE GREEN SUPERFOODS
Moringa, also known as Mullungay, Horseradish tree, Ben oil tree, Drumstick tree and Miracle tree. Anti-oxidant rich and containing the highest vitamin, mineral and amino acid content of all green superfoods - Moringa contains 92 nutrients including 46 antioxidants, 36 anti-inflammatory agents and 15 amino acids, of which 9 are essential. All parts of the tree are considered medicinal and are used to treat a wide variety of conditions.
Origin of moringa
Believed to be native to India, Moringa was introduced to Africa, Asia & the Americas in Ancient times and is cultivated all over the tropical world. It is common for people in Asia, Africa, Madagascar, the Pacific Islands, the Caribbean and Central & South America to include Moringa oleifera in their diet because of its vital therapeutic value as a food and medicine. Only in the last 10 years, with scientific research using modern technology, study after study is confirming the folklore and traditional herbal medicinal uses of this plant.
Moringa Phytochemistry
The plant’s phytochemistry includes anti-oxidant, anti-microbial, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-viral, anti-parasitic, hepatoprotective, anti-tumour, hypotensive, anti-obesity, anti-cholesterol & anti-depressant properties. Analysis of Moringa leaf extract reveals 15 kinds of amino acids, including threonine, lysine, leucine, isoleucine, phenylalanine, valine, methionine and tryptophan, while non-essential amino acids include histidine, proline, tyrosine, aspartate acid, glycine, arginine, alanine, glutamate acid, serine & cysteine. It is rare quality for a plant to have all 9 essential amino acids, which are essential for protein metabolism & play a major roll in neuronal and central nervous system function, and in balancing immunity and metabolism.
Mineral Analysis of moringa powder
The mineral analysis shows 13 essential minerals - Aluminium, Calcium, Cobalt, Chromium, Copper, Iron, Potassium, Magnesium, Manganese, Nickel, Phosphorous, Selenium & Zinc. Other chemistry includes fatty acids, sterols, glycosides, ketones, proteins, phenolic acids, carotenoids, alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenes & tannins. It is anti-tumor (cancer preventative) as it contains niazimicin, which suppresses the development of cancer cells. Moringa also contains abundant vitamins including Vitamin A, many of the B vitamins, C, D, E and K. The dried leaf contains 15 times the amount of Potassium as banana, about 10 times the amount of Vitamin A as carrot & 25 times the amount of Iron in spinach.
Moringa is Anti-oxidant Rich
Moringa is rich in anti-oxidants, substances that inhibit and regulate the formation of free radicals. Antioxidants are needed to accelerate the recovery and healing of damaged cells and tissues. Due to this high anti-oxidant content, Moringa protects the cardiovascular system to maintain a healthy heart, and provides internal protection for skin cells from free radical damage.
Moringa Balances Blood Pressure & Blood Sugar
Moringa balances both low and high blood pressure. It is useful in treating anaemia with the rich bio-available Iron content, thereby increasing the red blood cell count. It is used for treating diabetes, due to its ability to regulate blood sugar & reduce the amount of glucose in the blood, as well as sugar and protein in the urine. Improves the blood hemoglobin levels and overall protein content. Morninga’s hepatoprotective chemistry means it protects the liver & helps to detoxify the body from waste products.
Moringa is Anti-inflammatory
Moringa leaf has anti-inflammatory properties, and is taken to reduce symptoms of oedema, arthritis, rheumatism & gout. The seed oil is also beneficial for many dermatological conditions, having anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce oxidative stress & inflammation. The high Calcium (17 x more Calcium than milk) and Phosphorous content in dried Moringa leaves makes bones healthy and strong, healing fractures quickly.
natural Immune System Booster
Anti-biotic and anti-bacterial properties help inhibit the growth of various pathogens, strengthen the immune system and fight against bacterial diseases, making Moringa a beneficial tonic for general immunity, and as an immune system stimulant.
Moringa Nourishes the Digestive System
Known to improve digestion, Moringa helps to suppress appetite and improve elimination (due to high nutrition & fibre content). Rich in chlorophyll (the dried leaf reported to contain 4 x the chlorophyll of wheatgrass), Moringa nourishes the digestive tract, treating stomach complaints such as gastritis & ulcerative colitis, and is anti-obesity. Also a beneficial urinary tract tonic. Utilised as a medicinal tonic food for millennia, Moringa oleifera has been known to assist many conditions related to malnutrition such as scurvy and lack of nutrient absorption in children & elderly, and increasing breast milk in nursing mother. Renowned to give vitality, energy and endurance.
Adaptogenic Tonic Food
Moringa oleifera is considered an adaptogen as it helps increase the body’s resistance to stress. Containing tryptophan, which is known to relax the body & is involved in normalising serotonin and dopamine levels, Moringa is thought to be helpful in treating depression & anxiety. With its high content of antioxidants and of Vitamins C & E, Moringa has the ability to reduce oxidative stress and neurodegeneration. Moringa may enhance memory by altering enzyme activity in the hippocampus, the brain region responsible for learning and memory, giving Moringa the reputation of being known to prevent Alzheimer's disease.
Shop Yantra Herbs Organic Moringa Powder here.
LIME, COCONUT, MACADAMIA & MORINGA PIE RECIPE HERE.
References. Chopra, Indigenous Drugs of India, 1958, 365-67.
Cretella, ABM. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2020
Natsir, H et al. Physicians Conference Series 1317 012030, 2019
Pareek, A. et al. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, February 2023
https://ecosh.com/superfood-moringa
https://www.herbrally.com/monographs/moringa
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/moringa-oleifera-has-possible-antianxiety-effect-quazi-imam
Disclaimer: This blog post is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The statements made regarding this plant have not been evaluated by the Therapeutic Goods Administration. The efficacy of this plant may or may not have been confirmed by TGA approved research. This blog post is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.