Like any other of the many super-foods that take a turn in the nutritional world spotlight, moringa is one of the most popular, dubbed as a cure-all plant. Often referred to as “the miracle tree,” it provides many powerful health benefits, including moringa oils for hair loss, as a breastfeeding booster, and a plant that enhances the immune system, among others.
This is a contributed post and does not necessarily reflect the opinions of Meet The Harris Family.
Moringa is a nutrient-packed plant that’s found in India and now has grown in many other countries. It has antiviral, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, and anti-depressant properties, which was used for generations to treat a multitude of ailments. Here’s what you need to know.
What is Moringa?
Popularly known as drumstick tree or horseradish, Moringa oleifera, is a tree that is fast-growing commonly found in the Himalayan foothills. It is natural to countries such as India, Nepal, and Pakistan. However, due to its popular demand, it has been cultivated in many subtropical and tropical regions.
These countries include the Caribbean, Latin American, the Pacific islands and Southeast Asian countries like the Philippines. Everything in the plant, from its roots, leaves, and fruit, are all edible. In some countries, they add the leaves to common viands while others are brewed as a tea.
Now, moringa powder and capsules are popular for many health purposes.
Nutritional Content
Moringa is rich in Vitamin B6, Vitamin C, protein, iron, Vitamin A, Riboflavin and magnesium. Aside from these, the plant has a high content of antioxidants called polyphenols that aid in warding off inflammation and oxidative stress, the culprit in premature aging.
Further, the plant also fights free radicals that can cause a wide range of illnesses.
What are the Health Benefits?
Over the past years, scientists have studied the health benefits of moringa and found that indeed, it’s a powerful magical plant that can treat many health ailments. First, moringa was studied as a breast milk production booster.
Pregnant women or those who just gave birth are recommended to take moringa supplements to improve or establish their milk supply. In traditional medicine, the seeds, leaves, flowers, sap, roots, and bark of the plant are important since they have antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and cardio-protective properties.
The many health benefits include treating gastritis and constipation. There’s moringa oil for skin and hair health, which reduces the side effects of chemotherapy or cancer treatments. It also protects against infection and disease due to its antimicrobial properties.
Moringa helps reduce blood cholesterol and sugar levels, providing energy due to amino acid content. It provides relief for respiratory ailments, such as asthma and inflammation of the airways, among others.
How is Moringa Used?
Moringa can be used in a broad range of ways – as powder, oil, and in some, cooked with food. The most popular way of using moringa for health and skin health is through moringa oil. On the other hand, moringa powder is used as a dietary supplement, which can be combined with food, or placed in capsules.
In most countries, such as the Philippines, moringa is cooked in some of the most popular dishes in the country.
Moringa is a wonder plant with countless health benefits. Using the plant in one’s daily regime can help achieve optimum health.
