Due to its status as a nutrient-dense superfood, Moringa has recently gained enormous popularity. Nowadays, it appears like moringa powder is used as a side dish with every meal, no matter where you go, particularly on those casual, socially isolating weekends with friends.
What is Moringa?
It is commonly referred to as the drumstick tree and has a number of health perks. Scientifically, it is referred to as Moringa oleifera. Moringa is high in vitamins, vital amino acids, and minerals. Additionally, it contains a ton of potent bioactive substances and antioxidants.
Moringa has been utilized for thousands of years in many medicines.
Health benefits of Moringa
The nutritional value of moringa is quite high. Nine necessary amino acids, nine proteins, iron, calcium, and vitamins A, B, and C are all abundant in its edible leaves. According to studies, moringa has 25 times more iron than spinach and seven times as much vitamin C as oranges. It also has ten times as much vitamin A as carrots and 17 times as much calcium as milk.
Helps with diabetes treatment: Moringa seed powder has been shown to have anti-diabetic effects. Moringa includes fiber, which can aid in the reduction of blood glucose levels. Moringa supplementation of a diabetic diet was observed to reduce fasting blood glucose levels.
Strengthening bone: Moringa contains calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus, all of which are important for bone health. Lysine, an amino acid that enhances calcium absorption, is also present. Moringa has been discovered to have amazing effects on bone health and may help avoid osteoporosis. Moringa flavonoids may also activate osteoblastic cells, which are bone-forming cells.
Helps in fighting against cancer: According to a study, extracts of moringa leaves and bark have outstanding anti-cancer capabilities that may limit the growth of cancer cells. Moringa extracts were shown to be an anticancer agent, slowing cell motility and colony formation in colon and breast cancer cells.
Improves digestive health: Moringa has been shown to alter the makeup of gut bacteria and provide associated benefits. It can help alleviate intestinal irritation and prevent high-fat-induced obesity.
Fights bacterial infection: Moringa aqueous extracts have been reported to combat bacteria and fungi, hence reducing some illnesses. Another study found that moringa has antibacterial effects against Escherichia coli, Vibrio cholerae, and Staphylococcus aureus.
Promotes heart health: Moringa also lowers cholesterol levels, which can benefit heart health. In one research, the plant was reported to enhance fecal cholesterol excretion.
Fights inflammation: Moringa’s flavonoids can help combat inflammation. The plant can also help with the treatment of inflammatory bowel illness. Moringa is also efficient in inhibiting the production of cytokines that induce inflammation in the human body. Moringa seed extracts also have anti-inflammatory effects.
Helps treat anemia: Moringa can help cure anemia by increasing blood iron levels. This is especially true for moringa leaves, which are high in iron. Moringa’s vitamin C content boosts iron absorption in the body.
Improves skin health: Moringa contains antioxidants such as vitamins A, B, and C, which can benefit skin health. The usage of a face cream containing moringa as the principal component enhanced the subjects’ skin suppleness and moisture dramatically. Moringa’s antioxidants may potentially have anti-aging properties. They act to shield skin cells from environmental stresses such as UV radiation. Moringa’s antifungal qualities may also aid in the treatment of some skin ailments. Because of its antibacterial action against Staphylococcus aureus, it may aid in the treatment of pimples, boils, carbuncles, and abscesses.
How to use Moringa?
Almost every part of the Moringa tree can be used. Here are ways in which the moringa tree parts can be prepared.
Leaves
Similar to spinach, moringa leaves may be cooked and consumed. Additionally, they can be dried and ground into a powder to sprinkle on cuisine. In actuality, the powdered leaves are the most nutrient-dense type and a fantastic source of vital vitamins including Vitamin B complex, C, K, and beta carotene. Tea made of dried powdered moringa leaves are very popular among people nowadays.
Flowers
The blooms may either be soaked in hot water to make a moringa-infused tea or eaten as a cooked vegetable. In addition to easing cold symptoms, it also includes essential amino acids, which are good sources of calcium and potassium, making it a beneficial supplement for nursing moms.
Seeds
Vitamin B, C, and other minerals are abundant in moringa seeds. They are found in immature pods and need to be cooked before eating, however, they can also be fried. They almost taste like peanuts. The seeds are used to extract the oil, which is fantastic for skin and hair.
Pods
Unripe pods can be consumed whole or in pieces. They can be used to prepare meals at home and are very simple to chop. These are frequently marketed in cans on the global market.
The mature pods, also known as drumsticks, are a fantastic source of oleic acid, a good fat that is proven to support heart health. These are used in pickles, curries, and other foods.