Moringa and Health Benefits - AnnyTessy Blog

Moringa and Health Benefits

 Moringa  is a "miracle tree" because  of nutritional, medicinal, and purifying properties,  not popular  and highly undervalued in the west. It is a "superfood" treasure with incredible potential to greatly improve health and eliminate hunger.  A food plant that contains high amounts of protein, all eight essential amino acids, vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients and other powerful disease-fighting antioxidants.

Moringa is native northern India but now found throughout the tropics,  and various climates.

Used to reduce swelling, increase sex drive (as an aphrodisiac), prevent pregnancy, boost the immune system, and increase breast milk production.  Moringa is sometimes applied directly to the skin as a germ-killer or drying agent (astringent). Also used topically for treating pockets of infection (abscesses), athlete’s foot, dandruff, gum disease (gingivitis), snakebites, warts, and wounds.

Oil from moringa seeds is used in foods, perfume, and hair care products, and as a machine lubricant.

Moringa can be grown cheaply and easily, and the leaves retain lots of vitamins and minerals when dried, It is used in India and Africa in feeding programs to fight malnutrition. The immature green pods (drumsticks) are prepared similarly to green beans, while the seeds are removed from more mature pods and cooked like peas or roasted like nuts. The leaves are cooked and used like spinach, and they are also dried and powdered for use as a condiment.

The seed cake remaining after oil extraction is used as a fertilizer, used to purify well water and to remove salt from seawater.

There are13 species of moringa trees in the family Moringaceae, but Moringa oleifera is by far the most popular.

Its leaves have been used as part of traditional medicine for centuries, and the Ayurvedic system of medicine associates it with the cure or prevention of about 300 diseases. Today, The National Science Foundation and National Geographic Society are supporting moringa research, and it was recognized by the National Institutes of Health as the Botanical of the Year back in 2007.

According to WebMD, moringa is used for “tired blood” (anemia); arthritis and other joint pain (rheumatism); asthma; cancer; constipation; diabetes; diarrhea; epilepsy; stomach pain; stomach and intestinal ulcers; intestinal spasms; headache, heart problems; high blood pressure; kidney stones; fluid retention; thyroid disorders; and bacterial, fungal, viral, and parasitic infections.

The seeds are even used for water purification, or tossed into a soup like a pea pod.

The oil is unique in that it resists rancidity. This quality makes it a good preservative for foods that can spoil quickly. This sweet oil is used for both frying or in a salad dressing. Any plant leftovers can be used as a fertilizer.

The leaves of the plant, produce a rich green, but tart tasting, dry powder that is remarkably high in protein (a complete protein source - containing all essential amino acids), vitamin A, calcium, magnesium and vitamin C. Moringa is also notably high in iron, potassium B vitamins, vitamin D, vitamin E and vitamin K.

Here are some great comparisons, highlighting the nutrient density of Moringa (all based on 100 grams dry powder) :
9 times the protein of yogurt
10 times the vitamin A precursors of carrots
12 times the vitamin C of oranges
15 times the potassium of bananas
17 times the calcium of milk
25 times the iron of spinach

Moringa can be found in teas, purchased as a powder, used in soups, salads, nutritional bars and more. All parts of the moringa tree can be used including the leaves, flowers, seeds, pods, roots, bark, gum, and seed oil. Researchers are continuing to study the various properties and uses for each portion of the moringa tree.

Now when you head to the supermarket, you'll know exactly what moringa is and what it can be used for.  Read labels on your meal replacement bars and snack bars as well as beverages and cereals to see if they contain morninga!

TAKEN BY MOUTH

• Asthma. In an early study, taking 3 grams of moringa twice daily for three weeks reduced asthma symptoms and the severity of asthma attacks in adults.
• Increasing breast milk production. Early evidence suggests that taking 250 mg of a specific moringa supplement (Natalac) twice daily after childbirth increases breast milk production.
• “Tired blood” (anemia).
• Arthritis.
• Cancer.
• Constipation.
• Birth control.
• Diabetes.
• Diarrhea.
• Epilepsy.
• Stomach pain (gastritis).
• Stomach and intestinal ulcers.
• Headache.
• Heart problems.
• High blood pressure.
• Kidney stones.
• Swelling (inflammation).
• Thyroid disorders.
• Infections.
• As a nutritional supplement.
• Stimulating immunity.
• Increasing sex drive.
• Other conditions.

APPLIED TO THE SKIN

• Athlete’s foot.
• Dandruff.
• Warts.
• Skin infections.
• Snakebites.
• Gum disease (gingivitis).
• Other conditions.

More evidence is needed to rate moringa for these uses.

Conditions of Use and Important Information: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

Ref:

http://www.naturalnews.com/037735_Moringa_superfood_health_benefits.html#ixzz3mCoWLn6Q

Image:

http://greathealth.org/moringaleaf.aspx