Moringa: A superfood with amazing benefits for your health

Moringa,

You have heard about this superfood so many times but you don’t know what it is and what to do with it, right?

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Moringa or Moringa oleifera is known in India as the “miracle tree”  and in Africa as “the tree that never dies.”

This superfood has long been used as a staple food in Southeast Asia and Africa and is often referred to as the drumstick tree. The leaves and pods from the moringa tree are packed with nutrients and antioxidants. When eaten fresh, moringa pods taste quite a lot like green beans while the leaves are similar to spinach.

How to get moringa

Moringa is easily available in powder form and can be added to any food or taken as a supplement.  The powder is a dehydrated form of the moringa leaves and is ideal for those who want to enjoy the benefits of this superfood but do not have access to the fresh leaves and pods. 

Moringa powder has a stable shelf life which makes it far more convenient than fresh moringa. It possesses many amazing health benefits for the skin, hair and the body. 

What are the Benefits of moringa

For your health

Moringa leaves are rich in vitamin A, B and  C, beta-carotene, quercetin and chlorogenic acid as well as calcium and  protein. According to scientific studies, Chlorogenic acid is known to lower blood sugar by “letting” less sugar into the cells and therefore has a positive effect on diabetes.

The leaves have a higher amount of calcium than the calcium found in milk ad is three times higher in iron. To get the most benefits, sprinkle moringa powder on your favorite recipes to get a boost of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.

In traditional medicine, moringa has been used to treat many ailments such as anemia, rheumatic diseases, asthma, diabetes, epilepsy, migraines, high blood pressure and heart diseases. Moringa is also considered as an aphrodisiac as it is known to increase sex drive. It is also used in the prevention of pregnancy.

Moringa improves bone health due to the presence of calcium and phosphorus, boosts the immune system, relieves from bronchial asthma and inflammation,

Moringa has been used for years in the treatment of anemia and sickle cell diseases due to its high content in iron, an important mineral for increasing red blood cells count in the body.

For your skin

Moringa extracts are used in the production of skincare and cosmetic products. The oil is used in skincare products for its anti-aging properties as it contains antioxidants that slow down the aging process of the skin and help reduce the effects of free radicals.

Moringa oil is a skin purifier and contributes to giving the skin its natural glow and also fights acne, removes blackheads and dark spots. 

For your hair

Moringa’s high content in vitamins such as Vitamin A, B, C & E and minerals such as  zinc, amino acids, Omega 3 as well as protein contribute to promoting strong and shiny hair. 

Zinc is an important mineral that contributes to the normal functions of hair follicles and nails thus it contributes to hair growth by supporting the fast recovery of damaged hair follicles.

Lower levels of iron in the body can lead to hair loss. Therefore consuming moringa will help increase the iron levels in your body thus contributing to healthy hair growth.

You can add moringa powder or oil to your hair masks, deep conditioners, hair butters for shiny and soft hair. Moringa seed oil protects the hair from environmental damage and UV radiation. It also conditions the scalp, strengthen the roots and stimulate hair growth.

How to use moringa

You can add Moringa to your foods, recipes, smoothies, drinks. Moringa powder can be sprinkled on foods and used as a spice in cooking dishes. Moringa oil can be used in cooking and is known to have a longer shelf-life.

There are no negative side effects noticed with the use of moringa. However, excessive consumption of moringa can lead to stomach pain, indigestion, nausea and low blood pressure levels.

Here is  a recipe with moringa packed with all the nutrients and vitamins you will ever need.

Recipe

Banana and Moringa smoothie with a punch of coconut milk

Ingredients:

• 1 medium size banana
• 2 tsps. moringa powder
• 1 avocado
• ½ cup coconut milk
• ⅓ cup honey or agave
• ⅓ cup Almond nuts
• ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon (optional)

How to make it:

In a mixer, add the banana, avocado previously sliced in pieces, add the moringa powder, coconut milk, honey, almond nuts and blend until a smooth consistency. Pour in a glass, add ground cinnamon and enjoy.

Disclaimer: This blog post is not intended to provide diagnosis, treatment or medical advice but for informational purposes only. Please consult with a physician or other healthcare professional regarding any medical or health related diagnosis or treatment options.

Have you tried moringa? How do you use it? Share your tips and recipes in the comment box.