It is one of the miracles of the herbal world – a tree that is universal, but which again is a rarity in its medicinal properties. It is a complete package of goodness. The leaves, flowers, seeds, and roots are all rich in essential antioxidants and nutrients that allow your body to grow, develop and thrive.
An Edible Tree Right Down To The Bark And Roots
The moringa tree, widely used in meals in the southern parts of India, is generally found throughout India and in Southeast Asia. It grows in the wild in Central and South America and also in Africa. The flowers, the fruits, the roots, the pods, and the leaves are all edible while the seeds are used to extract oil. Even the bark is edible and a storehouse of nutrients. Dried and crushed leaves of the Moringa are used to make a powder that is stored and used as an additive to soups and sauces.
Now here’s an interesting snippet. Moringa contains more iron than even spinach, unbelievably three times as much. The oil extracted from its seeds, called Ben Oil, is similar in nutritive qualities to olive oil. It is a storehouse of antioxidants and comes with no expiry date.
This Super Plant Beats The Leaders Hands Down In Its Richness
Leave aside your cup of morning coffee and start your day with a cup of hot tea made with dried moringa leaves. Start your day with a massive boost to your energy level. Do away with the multivitamins and enjoy the benefits of moringa supplements. Extracted from leaves and pods of the moringa tree, they beat outright anything found in the market.
It surpasses carrot by four times in its content of vitamin A. It has an abundance of beta-carotene, two times more protein per gram than yogurt, and three times more potassium than even bananas. The vitamin C content is an incredible 7 times that of oranges, and calcium, 4 times that of milk.
At The Forefront In The Fight Against Cancer
A rather exciting find is what this extraordinary and versatile plant can do to fight and prevent cancer. There is substantial evidence to suggest that moringa attacks cancer cells directly. Several substances with antioxidant properties have been discovered that can help and prevent cancer – Quercetin, chlorogenic acid, vitamin C and beta-carotene. Studies have found that even low doses of quercetin can inhibit the progression of cancer cells.
The presence of kaempferol in moringa confirms its antioxidant properties and it is being considered as a possible cancer treatment. Studies done on colon and breast cancer have shown that extracts from the bark, leaves, and seeds increased the number of cancer cells which can self-destruct like healthy cells.
Where To Find Moringa?
A farming cooperative from Haiti and Ghana named Kuli Kuli foods sell moringa products. Moringa plant products are also available in South-Indian grocery stores.
There are no known side effects associated with the moringa. This is one super plant that is a storehouse of nutrients and antioxidants. Its contribution to the fight against cancer is still being documented. And the tender fruit and the flowers are versatile to cook and are delicious too.
Start adding it to your dishes and spread the good word around.
