Moringa: its benefits & how to consume it

The natural health industry is constantly renewing itself thanks to modern science which amazes us with its new discoveries. In recent years, we have heard many praises about the Moringa Oleifera often nicknamed the miracle tree.

But what really is Moringa? Should we eat it? If yes, in what way?

Moringa: What is it?

Moringa is a tree native to Asia and Sri Lanka that can reach 10 meters in height. Due to its high resistance to drought, moringa is acclimated to tropical regions and provides its nutritional benefits to residents of hot, arid climates.

Although all parts of the tree are edible, we generally turn to its leaves for their rich nutritional density as well as its oil for cosmetic use. Moringa leaves are available in the form of powder, capsule, herbal tea and oil is offered in body care ranges.

Moringa: Its health benefits

Moringa is nicknamed the miracle tree since it contains a multitude of interesting properties, both for human health and for the environment.

A real nutritional bomb, moringa provides:

• 17 times the calcium of milk
• 10 times the vitamin A of carrots
• 1/2 times the vitamin C of oranges
• 15 times the potassium of bananas
• 4 times the chlorophyll wheat grass
• 25 times the iron of spinach
• 9 times the protein of yogurt

Additionally, numerous studies have documented moringa's potential to offer properties:

• Anti-tumor and anti-cancer^1,5,6
• Anti-epileptics¹
• Anti-inflammatories¹
• Antiulcer drugs¹
• Antispasmodics¹
• Anti-hypertensives¹
• Antioxidants^1,4
• Anti-diabetics¹
• Hepatoprotective^1,3 (protection of liver cells)
• Diuretics¹
• Antibacterial¹
• Antifungals^1,2
• Anti-asthmatics⁸
• Galactagogues⁷ (increase in milk production)

Interesting for beauty treatments, moringa oil allows you to:

• Firm the skin
• Brighten the complexion
• Reduce the appearance of scars
• Promote healing of wounds, cuts and burns
• Fight acne and reduce the appearance of blackheads
• Moisturize the scalp
• Strengthen the ends of the hair

Moringa: How to consume it

In the West, moringa leaves are generally used in pulverized form, which allows you to take full advantage of the incredible nutritional potential of this tree.

To get the maximum benefits from moringa, the powder should be mixed with a liquid, which releases the water-soluble properties of the leaves. This is why the smoothie is a popular way to consume moringa powder. You can also add the powder to yogurt, compote or salad dressing. To benefit from the nutritional properties of moringa without having to prepare it, capsules are good options. No time to mix the powder? Try the capsules!

Moringa oil is a must-have for beauty treatments. As it firms the skin, brightens the complexion and reduces the appearance of scars, it can be applied daily to the face, hands and areas of the body where the skin needs healing or soothing. Nia Pure Nature adds this oil to their body and hand cream, their night cream and their eye serum.

Whatever the form used, opt for top quality moringa by choosing Nia Pure Nature products. This company makes 100% natural products based on organic moringa imported from India. Choose the company Nia Pure Nature, is to encourage an Ottawa company that specializes in the manufacturing of organic products and which gives back to the community through its moringa planting program in more impoverished regions.

Order moringa online now and benefit from exclusive offers or come see us in store for more advice on moringa.

About the author

Naturopaths from La Boite à Grains

Team of qualified and certified naturopaths (ND) in Gatineau in Outaouais.

Original article written by Véronique Cousineau, Naturopath 

Sources

1: Moringa oleifera: A food plant with multiple medicinal uses. Anwar F, Latif S, Ashraf M, Gilani AH. Bioresource Technology. 2007 Jan;98(1):232-6. Epub 2006 Jan 6.

2: Anti-fungal activity of crude extracts and essential oil of Moringa oleifera Lam. Chuang PH, Lee CW, Chou JY, Murugan M, Shieh BJ, Chen HM. J Med Food. 2002 Fall;5(3):171-7.

3: Hepatoprotective activity of Moringa oleifera on antitubercular drug-induced liver damage in rats. Pari L, Kumar NA. Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Annamalai University. J Med Food. 2003 Fall;6(3):255-9.

4: Antioxidant action of Moringa oleifera Lam. (drumstick) against anti tubercular drug induced lipid peroxidation in rats. Ashok Kumar N, Pari L. J Ethnopharmacol. 2003 Jun;86(2-3):191-5.

5: Jung, Il Lae. “Soluble Extract from Moringa Oleifera Leaves with a New Anticancer Activity.” Ed. Siyaram Pandey. PLoS ONE 9.4 (2014): e95492. PMC. Web. July 4, 2018.

6: JUNG, IL LAE, JU HYE LEE, and SE CHAN KANG. “A Potential Oral Anticancer Drug Candidate, Moringa Oleifera Leaf Extract, Induces the Apoptosis of Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells.” Oncology Letters 10.3 (2015): 1597–1604. PMC. Web. July 4, 2018.

7: Raguindin, P.F., et al. “Moringa oleifera as a Galactagogue.” Breastfeeding Medicine 9.6 (2014): 323-324.

8: Agrawal, Babita, and Anita Mehta. “Antiasthmatic Activity of Moringa Oleifera Lam: A Clinical Study.” Indian Journal of Pharmacology 40.1 (2008): 28–31. PMC. Web. July 4, 2018.