Moringa Oleifera
Updated Mar. 03rd, 2022
Moringa is considered one of nature’s most potent super foods.
Native to the Himalayan Mountains, Moringa Oleifera is now grown in East Africa, India, the Philippians and Central and South America.
Moringa is known as nature's "miracle tree". This is because Moringa’s packed with greater than ninety cell-ready vitamins, minerals, proteins, antioxidants, omega oils, and other nutrients in each supplemental serving.
What is Moringa?
Moringa is considered to be one of the most nutrient rich plants on earth.
Most of the Moringa plant is consumed, including its leaves, seed pods, roots and seed oil.
Scientists have been studying Moringa for over 50 years.
Studies show just one serving of Moringa has seven times the Vitamin C content of oranges, four times the Calcium of milk, and four times the Vitamin A of carrots.
Moringa leaves have been consumed by Asian people for many generations as a healthy food product.
Of all the parts of the Moringa plant used for food and medicine, Moringa leaves are most commonly used. Fresh Moringa leaves are collected from the Moringa tree and dried at low temperatures. The dried Moringa leaves are then ground into powder form.
Moringa oil is the most stable oil in nature and it does not go rancid. Moringa oil can be consumed, can be safely heated and has numerous applications in the cosmetics industry.
What is Moringa used for and how does it work?
Energy Booster - Because of it dense nutrient content, over 90 nutrients in each serving, Moringa is generally used to increase energy – in fact Dr Oz proclaims Moringa to be an “energy blaster”. It’s best consumed in the morning to give you the energy you need to last throughout the day.
Anti-Aging - Moringa is known as the Tree of Life because of its anti-aging properties. Its high concentration of nutrients and natural antioxidants halts free radical damage that affects not only your skin, but also your mind, heart and detoxification organs. It’s also high in Vitamin A which promotes collagen and elastin production in your skin. This supports younger healthier firmer skin and lessens the presence of wrinkles. It’s also high in protein to rebuild damaged skin tissue.
Cardiovascular Health – With all of its antioxidants, Moringa is protective for your cardiovascular system and is also shown to lower high blood pressure. This is because Moringa contains all of the nutrients, including magnesium, zinc, potassium, calcium and vitamin E, needed to increase your blood vessels’ production of Nitric Oxide, which relaxes and dilates your blood vessels. Increased Nitric Oxide also helps with poor circulation.
Stress – Moringa is great for helping stress. When we are under stress our adrenal glands increase production of the hormones Adrenaline and Cortisol. Unfortunately, many people under chronic stress have a difficult time relaxing. This is where Moringa can help. Moringa has a high content of an amino acid called Tryptophan. Tryptophan is a precursor to the hormone Serotonin, produced mostly in our gut and brain. Serotonin is responsible for the feeling of relaxation and a general feeling of wellness. Moringa is also high in Iron and Zinc which helps with mental clarity and focus. Moringa helps us feel relaxed, happy and more focused.
Anti-inflammatory – Because Moringa seeds have 30-40% Oleic Acid, you see an overall decrease in inflammation in your body. This helps with pain and inflammation associated with your joints, tendons, muscles and nerves. Oleic acid has also been shown to assist in brain function, blood sugar metabolism and cardiovascular health.
How do you use it?
Moringa is found in powdered or capsule forms.
In powdered form you can add it to a health shake with other superfoods like Acai and Macuna, Matcha green tea powder, berries, essential fats, protein powder, probiotics and water.
Moringa is the latest powder that has received the label of superfood. Moringa powder is an excellent wholefood supplement that acts similar to a multivitamin. Moringa powder includes diverse vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that improve aspects of health and vitality. However, moringa powder acts slowly and must be taken steadily over time. One thing to keep in mind is the taste; moringa powder has a strong "grassy" taste that takes a little getting accustomed to.
Hello Kathy,
Thank you for enjoying our articles, moringa does pack a powerful punch! Perhaps you'll enjoy our articles on other superfoods too.
https://www.nationalnutrition.ca/articles/supplements/wheat-grass/
Have a healthy day.
I lived in the Caribbean island of Grenada for 7 months and moringa grows all over the place there. I knew at the time that it was considered a superfood but I really didn't appreciate it like I do now. I wish I would have taken advantage of having so much of it there because it's so much cheaper than in North America :). I wasn't aware that it's like a stimulant and it shouldn't be taken at night. Good to know!
Hello Stephanie,
Indeed, Moringa has many great benefits and can provide an increase in energy throughout the day. Other countries do have an abundance of a lot of the best superfoods, but thankfully we can also have access to them.
Stay healthy & well!