Moringa Oleifera – sources, health benefits, nutrients, uses and constituents at NaturalPedia.com

Moringa oleifera is a fast-growing, drought-resistant tree native to northwestern India. It is the most well-recognized and most widely cultivated member of the Moringaceae family, and can be found in Asia, Africa, and select parts of North America. The vast distribution of moringa oleifera can be attributed partly to its ability to acclimate to tropical and subtropical climates, as well as its reputation as a “miracle tree”. The ancient Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians revered moringa oleifera for its medicinal qualities, and even now it continues to be used in natural remedies and therapies.

List of known nutrients

The unique nutrients of moringa oleifera are concentrated in the leaves and pods, which are loaded with beneficial components like:

• Calcium
• Copper
• Flavonoids
• Iron
• Magnesium
• Manganese
• Oleic acid
• Polyphenols
• Protein
• Selenium
• Vitamin A
• Vitamin B1 (Thiamin)
• Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)
• Vitamin B3 (Niacin)
• Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid)
• Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)
• Vitamin C
• Zinc

The leaves are packed with essential minerals and vitamins ranging from vitamin A, protein, and potassium to vitamin C and manganese. The vitamin A concentration is especially dense: just 100 grams of fresh moringa oleifera leaves can provide 252 percent of the recommended daily value.

The pods are just as healthy due to the high amounts of B-complex vitamins and vitamin C. A 100 g serving of moringa oleifera pods is enough to supply the human body with 235 percent of the daily recommended value of vitamin C.

Medicinal uses for moringa oleifera

Moringa oleifera can be used to remedy or alleviate the symptoms of:

• Acne
• Alzheimer’s disease
• Anemia
• Asthma
• Diabetes
• Eczema
• Edema
• Gastrointestinal disorders
• Hypertension
• Inflammation
• Insomnia
• Psoriasis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Urinary tract infections
• Urolithiasis

Moringa oleifera can suppress inflammatory proteins and enzymes, reducing inflammation in turn. The anti-inflammatory qualities of this plant are such that the leaves can greatly lower inflammation on a cellular level.

The wealth of potent antioxidants make moringa oleifera very helpful in the prevention of hypertension. These antioxidants work together to keep arteries from thickening and to maintain optimal cholesterol and blood pressure levels.

Moringa oleifera oil is non-irritating and moisturizing, so when combined with the plant’s anti-inflammatory properties, it can be used to control psoriasis and eczema.

Body systems supported by moringa oleifera

Moringa oleifera is believed to be good for:

• Brain
• Cardiovascular system
• Immune system
• Kidney
• Liver
• Ocular system
• Skeletal system

Thanks to their detoxifying and diuretic properties, the roots of moringa oleifera can be used to improve kidney function and alleviate urinary tract infections. Extracts derived from moringa oleifera roots are notable for their effect on kidney stones: apart from flushing out excess calcium in the kidneys, the extracts can reduce the pain and inflammation as well.

The high amounts of vitamin A and antioxidants can keep the eyes healthy by inhibiting capillary membrane thickening and preventing retinal vessel dilation.

Ways to use moringa oleifera

Unlike some plants, the active plant components in moringa oleifera don’t lose their effectiveness when the plant is boiled, dried, or ground. As such, the leaves need not be fresh in order to be healthy. So if no fresh leaves are readily available, even dried and powdered moringa oleifera will do.

Moringa oleifera can be taken in numerous ways, like as a tea, smoothie, curry, or stew.

The cuisines of India, Pakistan, and the Philippines feature moringa oleifera in plenty of native recipes.

Where to learn more

• Moringa – the Food of Nutrition that can Support your Health
• Moringa Health Benefits – The New Miracle Tree
• Moringa Oleifera: The King of Superfoods
• Moringa Oleifera: The Miracle Tree
• Moringa plays an important role for breastfeeding mothers, in diabetes, in cancer, and more

Summary

Moringa oleifera is a plant loaded with all sorts of nutrients and benefits, particularly in the leaves, though the pods and roots are important as well. The versatile moringa oleifera can serve as a natural remedy to alleviate the symptoms of ailments like hypertension, eczema, and inflammation.

Sources include:

Nutrition-And-You.com
Mindbodygreen.com
OrganicFacts.net
NaturalLivingIdeas.com
SuperFoodify.com