Moringa- The Nutritional Secrets.
- Moringa oleifera has also promoted by World Health Organization (WHO) as an alternative to imported food source to treat malnutrition
- Research report says that dry leaves of Moringa oleifera contain 9 times proteins than yogurt, 10 times vitamin A than carrot, 25 times iron than spinach, 15 times potassium than bananas, 17 times calcium than milk and 7 times more vitamin C than orange.
- The leaves of M. oleifera are rich in minerals like calcium, potassium, zinc, magnesium, iron and copper. Vitamins like beta-carotene of vitamin A, vitamin B such as choline, folic acid, pyridoxine and nicotinic acid, vitamin C, D and E are also present in M. oleifera. Phytochemicals like sterols, tannins, trepenoids, saponins, alkaloids, phenolics and flavonoids like isoquercitin, isothiocyanates, quercitin, kaemfericitin, and glycoside compounds are present in it.
- Various amino acids like Histamine, Arginine, Tryptophan, Lysine, Threonine, Phenylalanine, Leucine, Isoleucine, Methionine, Valine are present. Moringa oleifera leaves contain an array of amino acids making it particularly beneficial for vegans and vegetarians to get a sufficient protein supply.
- Moringa leaves treat hyperglycaemia, asthma, flu, heart burn, dyslipidaemia, malaria, syphilis, diarrhoea, pneumonia, scurvy, headaches, bronchitis, skin diseases, eye and ear infections. Also reduces blood pressure and cholesterol and acts as an anticancer, antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-atherosclerotic, ant diabetic agent and a neuroprotectant.
- Moringa has also been observed to be an effective treatment against a wide array of liver diseases, such as both chronic and acute hepatitis, cirrhosis of the liver, fatty degeneration of the liver, and the metabolic liver disease brought about by alcohol and drug abuse. This is because moringa not only stops the toxicity that causes these diseases, but also helps reverse it.
- Helps in lowering blood sugar levels. The effect may be induced by glucoside and fiber contents that are present in moringa leaf powder.
- Moringa powder is rich in vitamin A and zinc that encourages hair to grow and keep it in good condition. In addition, moringa powder is rich in B vitamins, C and E, biotin, and inositol that provide nutrients to help improve scalp circulation and maintaining capillaries that carry blood to the follicles.
- Moringa might have some activity of galactagogue – an agent that induces milk secretion A single serving of Moringa contains about 3x the iron of spinach. Iron is essential to enriching the blood, carrying life, energy and oxygen into our muscles, organs and Moringa fights against fatigue by providing iron and vitamin A to the human body. Iron is very useful for the prevention of fatigue in our body
- Moringa helps to maintain healthy skin and prevent aging as it is rich in vitamin A and vitamin E. Vitamin A is necessary for healthy, radiant skin and vitamin E protects cells from oxidative stress helping to fight the signs of aging. Antioxidants are essential for protecting, repairing and preventing cell damage, minimizing the aging process of the They help counteract oxidative stress and the effects of free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that damage collagen, causing skin dryness, fine lines, wrinkles and premature aging.
- Moringa also contains cytokines and zeatin which is known to delay ageing in humans. Moringa benefits have super immune-boosting powers that help body cells stay strong and fight germs. Moringa leaves are full of iron and vitamin A, and in this case, both are essential for the normal function of the immune system.
- Oleifera are powerful and natural adaptogen which not only help the body cope with stress but can enhance general health and performance.
- Moringa is a great source of vitamin A which contributes to the right nutrition in order to maintain normal visual function
- Moringa oleifera leaves are a rich source of vitamin K, protein and calcium: all of which support normal bones.
- It also contains the amino-acid tryptophan, which improves neurotransmitter function. Tryptophan is sought out by many as its the neurotransmitter that secretes serotonin, our “happiness” hormone.
Credit: Jed W. Fahey, Sc.D. , is a nutritional biochemist at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine
