Moringa Oleifera is widely known to have an exceptionally potent mix of essential and disease-preventing nutrients, which are unusually better than most other food sources.
The moringa plant is nutritionally dense. Along with it’s ability to thrive in harsh climates, this makes it a popular crop to cultivate in areas where food is scarce. Moringa leaves contain high levels of Vitamin C, calcium, potassium, iron, beta carotene, and protein.
For this reason, Moringa oleifera leaves are often used as a primary food source or supplement for preventing malnutrition in children and nursing mothers. According to the Philipine Bureau of Plant Industry, “Moringa leaves have the calcium equivalent of 4 glasses of milk, the vitamin C content of 7 oranges, potassium of 3 bananas, 3/4 times the iron of spinach, 4 times the amount of vitamin A in carrot, and 2 times the protein in Yugort.”
In addition to the leaves, the moringa seeds and fruit are highly edible and nutritious as well. The seed pods (sometimes called drumsticks) are protein-rich and contain every essential amino acid, making them useful as a primary protein source. Even the flowers can be cooked and eaten, and contain high amounts of calcium and potassium.
Moringa root is also used as a condiment in some areas of the world, but the practice has become discouraged as it contains certain alkaloids that may be toxic. However, all other parts of the moringa tree are safe to eat.
Popularly known among pregnant and breastfeeding women, Moringa Oliefera has the ability to prevent malnutrition, alleviate anemia, increase production of milk, and promote overall health of child. Studies also reveal that Moringa helps in the prevention of Mastitis – a common problem with breastfeeding women in which breasts become inflamed due to the blockage of milk ducts. Moringa has also been known to contain an antibacterial peptide, which is highly effective in combating the infection of Staphylococcus Aureus in breastfeeding women. Moringa leaves can also provide them with a significant amount of calcium, iron, sulfur, copper and B-vitamins.
Moringa has lived up to its name, the "Miracle Tree". What with all the vitamins and nutrients it contains, it is considered an almost complete food supplement. It could practically wipe out malnutrition in our planet.
The nutritional properties of Moringa oleifera are virtually unequaled in the plant kingdom. Just 25 grams of moringa leaf powder will satisfy the following nutritional requirements for an average child:
- Protein 42%
- Vitamin C 22%
- Calcium 125%
- Potassium 41%
- Magnesium 61%
- Vitamin A 272%
- Iron 71%
Experts believes that long-term solution to malnutrition is the use of foods rich in the essential nutrients often lacking in people's diet. Modern scientific research is proving that Moringa leaves are one of the richest sources of such nutrients. Even small amount of the leaves could protect thousand of people from suffering and death.
People in several countries have found that Moringa leaves are quite acceptable to taste, especially when added to common food.
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