If you've read the newspaper, watched TV or surfed the internet lately, chances are, you've probably come across a story about this miraculous, multipurpose tree.
Moringa grows easily and amazingly fast, and is almost entirely edible by humans or farm animals. An important food source in developing countries, it has been aptly named the "tree of life." Moringa is also highly sought-after worldwide for its numerous health benefits. Its seed meal can even be used for purifying water.
The nutritional value of moringa is off the charts. A single fruit contains seven times more vitamin C than oranges, four times more vitamin A than carrots, four times more calcium than milk, three times more potassium than bananas and twice as much protein as yogurt.
Moringa isn't a new discovery. The fruit from the moringa tree was highly valued by ancient Roman, Greek and Egyptian civilizations. It is native to the foothills of the Himalayas in northwestern India.
Cultivation of the moringa tree is currently on the rise in Africa, Asia, South America, Jamaica, and throughout the tropics. Moringas can be grown year-round in tropical and sub-tropical climates, and annually in more temperate zones. It’s the sole genus in the flowering plant family moringaceae. The two most widely cultivated species are oleifera and stenopetala.
Moringa does well here in Southwest Florida, as it is drought-tolerant and loves warm weather and sunshine. However, be forewarned, it will die in a freeze. But like most Florida-friendly plants, it will come back.
Did I mention that the moringa tree grows very fast? It does. In order to keep it manageable and encourage branching, pinch back some top growth and cut the branches in half, length-wise. I recommend maintaining its height at around 6 to 12 ft. A smaller stature will come in handy when it's time to harvest its fruit, seed pods (also known as drumsticks) and blossoms. If the Moringa's growth is left unchecked, before you know it, you'll have a really ugly tree on your hands, with sparse lower branches and unreachable fruit.
Moringa has a taproot similar to carrots and small feeder roots, but no problematic branching roots. Moringas can be grown as hedge or a specimen trees. If you choose the container method, make sure the pot you select is deep enough, and use well-draining sandy soil.
For you chefs out there, the flower buds should be cooked before eating. The seeds can be eaten either raw or cooked. Leaves can be eaten raw directly from the tree, or shredded into salads, etc. Take a pass on the root, though. It supposedly tastes horrible, and in fact, can be fatal.
If only 50 percent of the amazing nutritional claims about moringa are true, I'm going to start incorporating its seeds, oil and leaves into every meal I eat. I started using moringa about two weeks ago and have found it to be working as an appetite suppressant. As far as the arthritis in my hands, knees and shoulder ... nothing, yet. Stay healthy and keep butterflying!
What are the benefits?
Moringa is believed to have many benefits and its uses range from health and beauty to helping prevent and cure diseases. The benefits of moringa include:
1. Protecting and nourishing skin and hair
Moringa seed oil is beneficial for protecting hair against free radicals and keeps it clean and healthy. Moringa also contains protein, which means it is helpful in protecting skin cells from damage. It also contains hydrating and detoxifying elements, which also boost the skin and hair.
It can be successful in curing skin infections and sores.
2. Treating edema
Edema is a painful condition where fluid builds up in specific tissues in the body. The anti-inflammatory properties of moringa may be effective in preventing edema from developing.
3. Protecting the liver
Moringa appears to protect the liver against damage caused by anti-tubercular drugs and can quicken its repair process.
4. Preventing and treating cancer
Moringa extracts contain properties that might help prevent cancer developing. It also contains niazimicin, which is a compound that suppresses the development of cancer cells.
5. Treating stomach complaints
Moringa extracts might help treat some stomach disorders, such as constipation, gastritis, and ulcerative colitis. The antibiotic and antibacterial properties of moringa may help inhibit the growth of various pathogens, and its high vitamin B content helps with digestion.
6. Fighting against bacterial diseases
Due to its antibacterial, antifungal, and antimicrobial properties, moringa extracts might combat infections caused by Salmonella, Rhizopus, and E. coli.
7. Making bones healthier
Moringa also contains calcium and phosphorous, which help keep bones healthy and strong. Along with its anti-inflammatory properties moringa extract might help to treat conditions such as arthritis and may also heal damaged bones.
8. Treating mood disorders
Moringa is thought to be helpful in treating depression, anxiety, and fatigue.
9. Protecting the cardiovascular system
The powerful antioxidants found in Moringa extract might help prevent cardiac damage and has also been shown to maintain a healthy heart.
10. Helping wounds to heal
Extract of moringa has been shown to help wounds close as well as reduce the appearance of scars.
11. Treating diabetes
Moringa helps to reduce the amount of glucose in the blood, as well as sugar and protein in the urine. This improved the hemoglobin levels and overall protein content in those tested.
12. Treating asthma
Moringa may help reduce the severity of some asthma attacks and protect against bronchial constrictions. It has also been shown to assist with better lung function and breathing overall.
13. Protecting against kidney disorders
People may be less likely to develop stones in the kidneys, bladder or uterus if they ingest moringa extract. Moringa contains high levels of antioxidants that might aid toxicity levels in the kidneys.
14. Reducing high blood pressure
Moringa contains isothiocyanate and niaziminin, compounds that help to stop arteries from thickening, which can cause blood pressure to rise.
15. Improving eye health
Moringa contains eyesight-improving properties thanks to its high antioxidant levels. Moringa may stop the dilation of retinal vessels, prevent the thickening of capillary membranes, and inhibit retinal dysfunction.
16. Treating anemia and sickle cell disease
Moringa might help a person’s body absorb more iron, therefore increasing their red blood cell count. It is thought the plant extract is very helpful in treating and preventing anemia and sickle cell disease.
Lots of benefits with just a single tree. I remember when my sister had birth to her son, she was taking moringa supplements to increase the production of her milk