Moringa oleifera, also known as benzolive tree, West Indian ben, drumstick tree, horseradish tree, or Ben oil tree, is a hardy tree that originated in the Himalayas, but now grows in several other areas, including Mexico, Africa, and the Philippines. The tree's components, including its leaves, seed pods, and wood, have many different uses and can be used to produce oil, cellophane, and various textiles. Moringa oleifera leaves, seeds, and pods are also used as a foodstuff and for medicinal purposes. The pods and leaves are very nutritious and keep well, making them an important source of nutrition for people in developing countries. Moringa oleifera is also used as a traditional medicine in treating colds, erectile dysfunction, and increasing milk production in nursing mothers.
The use of Moringa oleifera as a medicinal plant varies by the culture in which it is used. Virtually all parts of the tree are said to have some sort of medicinal use. In ayurvedic medicine, it is used as an antibiotic, liver remedy, and to assist women in childbirth. In Malawi, dried leaves are used to treat diarrhea, while Haitians use the flowers to make a cold remedy. The pods are also used to rid the body of intestinal parasites. Other uses involve infusing the leaves or bark into a topical antiseptic ointment or wash that can be used to treat wounds, cuts, and other skin conditions. While some studies have been performed to assess these medicinal claims, few have been well structured or conclusive.
Humanitarian agencies, such as Trees for Life International, facilitate the planting of Moringa oleifera trees in developing countries. Because the leaves, flowers, and pods are not only edible and tasty, but highly nutritious, the Moringa oleifera tree can help save lives in countries where food is scarce and nutrition is poor. The leaves can be dried and made into a powder or eaten fresh, and they do not require refrigeration. Storage does not seem to affect the nutritional value of the leaves.
Moringa oleifera seeds are also used as a water treatment. The dried and crushed seeds can remove bacteria and solids from water and can also soften hard water. Because the trees grow well in dry, sandy soil, even in dry seasons they can help communities maintain their food and water supplies. Cultivated trees, which can grow quite tall in the wild, are often pruned while in cultivation so as to keep the pods and leaves within easy reach.
|
Nutrient |
Dry Leaves |
Other Foods |
|
Vitamin A |
18 mg |
Carrot: 1.8 mg |
|
Vitamin C |
150 mg |
Orange: 30 mg |
|
Calcium |
2000 mg |
Milk: 120 mg |
|
Iron |
28.2 mg |
Spinach: 1.14 mg |
|
Potassium |
1320 mg |
Banana: 88 mg |
|
Protein |
27.9 g |
Yogurt: 3.1 g |
|
Moisture % 7.5 |
Arginine (g/16gN) 1.33% |
|
Calories 205 |
Histidine (g/16gN) 0.61% |
|
Protein (g) 27.1 |
Lysine (g/16gN) 1.32% |
|
Fat (g) 2.3 |
Tryptophan (g/16gN) 0.43% |
|
Carbohydrate (g) 38.2 |
Phenylanaline (g/16gN) 1.39% |
|
Fiber (g) 19.2 |
Methionine (g/16gN) 0.35% |
|
Calcium (mg) 2,003 |
Threonine (g/16gN) 1.19% |
|
Magnesium (mg) 368 |
Leucine (g/16gN) 1.95% |
|
Phosphorus (mg) 204 |
Isoleucine (g/16gN) 0.83% |
|
Potassium (mg) 1,324 |
Valine (g/16gN) 1.06% |
|
Iron (mg) 28.2 |
Sodium (mg) 870 |
|
Vitamin A-Beta Carotene (mg) 16.3 |
Oxalic acid (mg) 1.6% |
|
Vitamin B1 - thiamin (mg) 2.64 |
Vitamin C ascorbic acid (mg) 17.3 |
|
Vitamin B2 - riboflavin (mg) 20.5 |
Vitamin E tocopherol acetate mg) 113 |
|
Vitamin B3 - nicotinic acid (mg) 8.2 |
|
There are many benefits of the moringa tree, but the health benefits are the most important. The leaves of this tree are said to be nutritional powerhouse. Research has proved that various parts of the moringa tree can be used to cure a minimum of 300 diseases. Let's see a few of them here.
Moringa is rich in Vitamin A. It has four times more Vitamin A or beta-carotene than carrots. Hence, it is a weapon against blindness.
It is also a rich source of Vitamin C. It contains Vitamin C seven times more than oranges.
Normally milk is said to be a rich source of calcium but the amount of calcium present in moringa leaves is way higher than in milk. To be more precise, moringa is said to have four times more calcium than milk.
The moringa leaves are said to contain twice the protein present in milk.
Bananas are a rich source of potassium, but moringa leaves contain seven times more potassium than bananas.
Along with potassium, zinc is also found in large quantities in moringa.
If moringa leaves were to be eaten by one and all, the world will be free of anemia as it contains thrice more iron than spinach.
With all the junk food eaten these days, many people face problems of high cholesterol. Moringa helps in balancing the cholesterol levels in the body.
Essential amino acids are also found in moringa.
Moringa is also said to balance sugar levels, hence it is helpful in the fight against diabetes.
The body's natural defense mechanism increases with the consumption of moringa in the daily diet pattern. Since it is an immunity-stimulant, it is prescribed for AIDS afflicted patients. Less immunity is rampant in many provinces in Africa, especially people who do not have access to nutritious food and medicines.
Moringa leaves can be consumed to stimulate metabolism.
It is also said to have digestive powers.
It is a nutrition booster and is known to promote a feeling of well-being in people.
If you are looking for non-sugar based energy, then moringa leaves is the answer. Thus, it will also help in the weight loss process.
The cell structure of the body is stimulated by the moringa leaves.
It is especially useful for lactating mothers. The consumption of moringa has shown dramatic increase in the quantity of breast milk.
It is also famous for its anti-bacterial properties.
The paste of the moringa leaves is said to be beneficial for skin health.
It protects the liver and kidneys.
It can also be used as a water purifier.
Moringa helps in faster recovery of the muscles and tissues after a strenuous workout.
Anxiety and depression can also be countered with the use of moringa.
People suffering from insomnia find the use of moringa beneficial for it helps in regulating sleep cycles.
It is known to nourish the eyes, therefore, people suffering from poor eyesight should include moringa in their diet.
Along with the benefits of moringa mentioned above, there are other benefits to it as well. They are enumerated below.
It can be used as a source of bio-fuel.
Cooking oil can also be produced from moringa tree. The benefits of moringa oil, can be compared to sunflower oil and olive oil.
It is used in the manufacture of cosmetics and personal care products. Perfumes and aromatherapy oils are also manufactured from moringa seeds. The flowers of the moringa plant can be used in making herbal tea, for they add a refreshing aroma to the tea.
Moringa contains more than 90 nutrients and 46 types of antioxidants. With all the health benefits, moringa has to offer, it can easily be termed as one the most nutritious plant on the face of the earth. There are no side-effects of moringa tree leaves which have been proved till date. At the same time it can be consumed by small children and adults alike. Therefore, many people have started using it in porridge, pastas, breads, etc., to reap the amazing health benefits of the extraordinary Moringa tree.
Moringa tree leaves, fruit, and seeds are safe when eaten as food. However, it's important to avoid eating the root and its extracts. These parts of the plant may contain a toxic substance that can cause paralysis and death.
It's UNSAFE to use moringa tree if you are pregnant. Chemicals in the root, bark, and flowers can make the uterus contract, and this might cause a miscarriage.
It's also best to avoid moringa tree if you are breast-feeding. There isn't enough information to know whether it is safe for a nursing infant.