What is a Moringa Tree – A Highly Promising Plant!
Moringa tree, or ‘the miracle tree of life’, is a plant with a wide range of medicinal uses and high nutritional value. The nutritional value and amazing health benefits of the plant MoringaOleifera tree have been recognized and used in many cultures in various parts of the world for hundreds or even thousands of years.
Yet, only recently it has gained popularity in the U.S. and European markets. Moreover, “it was recognized by the National Institutes of Health as the Botanical of the Year for 2007, and praised again in 2011 and 2012.” (Bollinger, T., 2015, Cancer Tutor).
Origins of Moringa Tree
This miraculous plant is native to northern India, Pakistan, the Himalayan region, Africa and Arabia, and it is also known as drumstick tree or horseradish tree. MoringaOleifera tree is a rich source of vitamins, minerals, proteins, beta-carotene, amino acids and various phenolics.
Furthermore, it is also abundant in moringine, moringinine as well as in quercetin, kaempferol, rhammnetin, zeatin, beta-sitosterol, and caffeoylqunic acid.
As stated before, this plant has a wide range of healthy properties, so it “can act as cardiac and circulatory stimulants, possess antitumor, antipyretic, antiepileptic, anti-inflammatory, antiulcer, antispasmodic, diuretic, antihypertensive, cholesterol lowering, antioxidant, anti-diabetic, antihelminitic, antiurolithiati, hepatoprotective, antibacterial and antifungal activities.” (MiracleTrees.org)
Health benefits
All its parts are high in nutrients and are edible. Moringa leaves are consumed either in the form of fresh salad, drinks, or steamed as spinach. Its flowers are rich in potassium and calcium, and are very nutritious and consumed as food.
The young fruits of Moringa tree can be eaten raw or be prepared the same way as green beans or peas, while fully grown fruits are usually eaten fried.
The fruits of this tree contain around 40% of oil ingredients, which are used to produce cooking oil, also known as Ben oil, which is very similar to olive oil. In addition, Moringa fruits’ peel can serve as a natural replacement for sunscreen lotion.
Although all its parts are beneficial and healthy, the most utilized part of it are its leaves which “seem to be getting the most market attention, notably for their use in reducing high blood pressure, eliminating water weight, and lowering cholesterol” (Kilham, C., 2014, FoxNews.com).
These remarkable leaves “contain 7 times the vitamin C found in oranges, 4 times the calcium in milk, 4 times the vitamin A in carrots, 2 times the protein of yogurt, 25 times the iron in spinach, and 3 times the potassium in bananas.” (Bollinger, T., 2015, CancerTutor.com)
Moringa leaves are said to contain:
1271% of daily dose of iron
272% of daily dose of vitamin А
22% of daily dose of vitamin C
5% of the daily dose of calcium
61% of daily dose of magnesium
41% of daily dose of potassium
Promising anti-tumor and anti-cancer activities
Moreover, a number of studies “show that moringa leaves possess anti-tumor and anti-cancer activities, due in part to a compound called niaziminin.
Preliminary experimentation also shows activity against Epstein-Barr virus. Compounds in the leaf appear to help regulate thyroid function, especially in cases of over-active thyroid. Further research points to anti-viral activity in cases of Herpes simplex 1.
The glucose-modifying, anti-diabetic effects of moringa may prove of great use amidst a virtual epidemic of Type 2 diabetes and obesity. The liver-protective activities of the leaf and its extracts could make it a staple component of bitters formulas and various cleansing preparations.”” (Kilham, C., 2014, FoxNews.com)
This tree abounds in medicinal uses and health benefits, but each part of it can be used for different purposes. The Miracle Trees website lists some of the benefits and medicinal uses of the different parts of this excellent plant.
Moringa Seeds
Moringa seeds are used for their antibiotic and anti-inflammatory properties to treat cramp, sexually transmitted diseases,arthritis, rheumatism, gout and boils. They can also be used as a relaxant for epilepsy. The seeds should be roasted, pounded, mixed with coconut oil and applied to the problem area.
Moringa seeds contain the potent antibiotic and fungicide terygospermin, so they are effective against skin-infecting bacteria Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Seed oil can be used for the same ailments as seeds. Roasted seeds and oil can encourage urination.
