There have been many foods and plants awarded ‘superfood’ status over the years, but did you know about all the super, health-promoting qualities of Moringa oleifera?
Green Trading’s Certified Organic Moringa Powder is from the prized native tree of India and has been used for centuries by local communities and health professionals as an important source of nutrition and medicine. Also known as the drumstick tree, horseradish tree or ben oil tree, the fast growing and easily cultivated nature of Moringa makes it a highly sustainable plant resource.
Every part of the tree can be used in some way (bark, flowers, pods etc), but it is the leaves that are most often used, as they hold within them highly nutritious and therapeutic compounds.
Nutritional value of Moringa
Nutritional analysis of Moringa oleifera leaves has shown them to be highly nutritious and are a rich, plant-based source of:
- Protein
The protein ratio within Moringa leaves is the highest of any plant. Moringa can be considered a source of ‘complete’ protein, as it contains all 8 essential amino acids that we as humans must obtain from our food, as well as 18 others.
Sources of complete protein are extremely important for those following a vegetarian or vegan diet, and can help support optimal growth, development, and recovery from illness.
- Vitamins A, B, C, & E
Moringa leaves are such an excellent natural source of vitamins and exceed levels found within other natural foods. For example, per gram, Moringa leaves contain a higher concentration of Vitamin A than carrots and more Vitamin C than oranges.
These vitamins have a positive impact on our hair, skin, eye health and immune responses.
- Minerals – calcium, potassium, zinc, magnesium, iron & copper
Yet again, Moringa packs more minerals into their leaves than other common vegetables and fruits. Per gram, Moringa leaves hold more Potassium than bananas, more Iron than spinach and more calcium than cow’s milk.
Because Moringa is a rich source of potassium (& Vitamin E), it may play a supportive role in helping to achieve health blood pressure and fluid balance within the body.
- Antioxidant phytochemicals
The variety of antioxidant compounds within Moringa leaves may help to protect the body against negative effects of oxidative stress and inflammation.
It is the combination of protein, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidant compounds that are said to be responsible for the natural ‘energy boost’ often experienced after taking Moringa leaf extract or powder.
Health benefits of Moringa
As well as being an excellent source of nutrition, Moringa leaf has numerous therapeutic actions and is a remedy that has long been recognised in Ayurvedic healthcare systems.
Traditionally, the leaves were used for hormonal support, boosting libido, lifting mood and managing infectious conditions of the throat and lungs. It was also used as a topical remedy for sores and boils.
Modern research has suggested Moringa oleifera to play a supportive role in:
- Healthy blood sugar control
- Liver health
- Optimal digestion
- Cardiovascular health
- Inflammatory conditions
How to use
The flavour of Green Trading’s Certified Organic Moringa Leaf Powder is similar to that of a mild radish, with a subtle ‘green’ taste, making it easy to incorporate into savoury and sweet dishes or beverages.
If using the powered to add to food, start out small and adjust to your flavour preference.
You can add it to:
- Salad dressing
- Dips
- Soups
- As a replacement for spinach in cooking & baking
- Smoothies
- Raw sweet snacks
- Alternative to matcha in hot drinks
You can find our Moringa Bliss Truffle recipe on our Green Trading Facebook and Instagram pages.