The Mighty Moringa! Could Easily be the Best Superfood on the Planet

 

Introduction

Superfoods are those foods which are endowed with a plethora of varied nutrients that are highly beneficial to health. These nutrients may include high levels of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and other beneficial substances.

One of the primary causes of illness, especially non communicable illnesses, is homeostatic imbalance. A disruption or disturbance in the normal equilibrium or balance within the body's internal environment is what is known as homeostatic imbalance.

Homeostatic balance is maintained by the ingestion of both macro and micronutrients in their appropriate proportions, and the ability of the body to process and absorb those nutrients. A diet that is capable of maintaining homeostatic balance must:

•      Provide a source of ingredients needed for protein synthesis in the body;
  
  
•      Provide a source of ingredients needed for energy production in the body;
  
  
•     Provide a source of ingredients needed for strengthening the immune system;
  
  
•     Provide a source of ingredients needed for production of specialized cells in the body;
  
  
•     A source of ingredients needed to catalyze some essential metabolic processes; and
  
  
•     A source of ingredients needed to detoxify harmful byproducts of metabolism

If all these attributes can be found in a single food, or at least most of them can be found in a single food, then that food qualifies as a super food with flying colors.

This article will focus on one of these super foods, viz., moringa oleifera (its scientific name) or simply moringa plant. Other common names for this plant are drumstick tree, horseradish tree and miracle tree. Moringa oleifera, is a fast-growing tree that is native to the Indian subcontinent. However, it is now cultivated and grown in various regions around the world due to its nutritional and medicinal value.

Why is Moringa a Super food?

Experts consider Moringa to be a superfood because it contains most of the above-mentioned attributes and because of these attributes it offers tremendous healing capabilities. It is so potential some have even nicknamed it ‘a tree pharmacy’! Various parts of the plant have healing properties. However, the leaves contain most of the nutrients that dieticians and health and wellness promoters can be interested in.

Moringa: Nutritional Profile

A.   Nutritional Content of Fresh Moringa Leaves Compared to Other Foods

Nutrient Type		Concentration in Comparison to Other Foods (Gram/Gram)
1	Vitamin C	7 Times greater than orange
2	Calcium	4 Times greater than milk
3	Potassium	3 Times more than ripe banana
4	Protein	2 Times more than yogurt
5	Vitamin A	4 Times more than carrot
6	Iron	¾ Times the level in Spinach

B.   Nutritional Content of Dry Moringa Leaves Compared to Other Foods

Nutrient Type		Concentration in Comparison to Other Foods (Gram/Gram)
1	Vitamin C	1/2 Times the level of orange
2	Calcium	17 Times greater than milk
3	Potassium	15 Times more than ripe banana
4	Protein	9 Times more than yogurt
5	Vitamin A	10 Times more than carrot
6	Iron	25 Times more than in Spinach

C.        Amino Acid Content in every 100 grams of  Moringa Leaves 

Amino Acid		Quantity (Fresh Leaves)	Quantity (Dry Leaves)
1	Arginine	406.6 mg	1,325 mg
2	Histidine	149.8 mg	613 mg
3	Isoleucine	299.6 mg	825 mg
4	Leucine	492.2 mg	1,950 mg
5	Lysine	342.4 mg	1,325 mg
6	Methionine	117.7 mg	350 mg
7	Phenylalanine	310.3	1,388 mg
8	Threonine	117.7 mg	1,188 mg
9	Tryptophan	107 mg	425 mg
10	Valine	74.5 mg	1,063 mg

   

D.   Minerals and Vitamins Content in every 100 grams of  Moringa Leaves

Vitamins, Minerals		Quantity (Fresh Leaves)	Quantity (Dry Leaves)
1	Carotene (Vitamin A)	6.78 mg	18.9 mg
2	Thiamine (Vitamin B 1)	0.06 mg	2.64 mg
3	Riboflavin (Vitamin B2)	0.05 mg	20.5 mg
4	Niacin (Vitamin B 3)	0.8 mg	8.2 mg
5	Vitamin C	220 mg	17.3 mg
6	Calcium	440 mg	2,003 mg
7	Calories	92 cal	205 cal
8	Carbohydrates	12.5 g	32.2 g
9	Copper	0.07 mg	0.57 mg
10	Fat	1.70 g	2.3 g
11	Fiber	0.9 g	19.2 g
12	Iron	0.85 mg	28.2 mg
13	Magnesium	42 mg	368 mg
14	Phosphorus	70 mg	204 mg
15	Potassium	259 mg	1,324 mg
16	Protein	6.7 g	27.1 g
17	Zinc	16 mg	3.29 mg

 

Some of the health conditions that can be alleviated by the use of Moringa leaf powder include:

•       Inflammation;
  
  
•      Cancer;
  
  
•      Diabetes;
  
  
•      Anemia;
  
  
•      Arthritis;
  
  
•      Asthma and other allergies;
  
  
•      Constipation;
  
  
•      Diarrhoea;
  
  
•      Stomach ache;
  
  
•     Stomach Ulcers;
  
  
•     Nervous disorders;
  
  
•     Chronic headaches;
  
  
•     Cardiovascular diseases;
  
  
•     Kidney stones;
  
  
•      Edema;
  
  
•     Thyroid disorders;
  
  
•      Low libido;
  
  
•      Poor eyesight;
  
  
•        Low immunity; and
  
  
•     Diseases related to protein malnutrition

Safety

Studies show that moringa powder is completely safe. However, in large doses it softens the stool and might be a cause of concern for some people. Because of this it is recommended to use not more than one tea spoon per day.

How to use

Moringa powder can be added to smoothies, soup, porridge, or even prepared as a herbal tea.

Who can benefit most from Moringa?

Because of it ability to offer protection and its wide healing powers, moringa use is recommended for everyone. However, it is most important for the following groups:

• .      The elderly;
  
  
• .      Children;
  
  
• .      Those suffering from body malaise; and
  
  
• .      Pregnant women.

Conclusion

Superfoods are powerful as they can be used to heal and reverse many adverse health conditions. However, superfoods are not created equal. Some, like moringa, offer much greater health benefits than others. Using super foods for prevention and treatment of diseases is safer and far more cheaper compared to conventional treatments. Taking time to study and incorporate various superfoods in your daily dietary routine may be one of the best investments you have ever made in your life.