MORINGA HAS BEEN CALLED A ‘SUPERHERO’ OF THE PLANT WORLD

MORINGA HAS BEEN CALLED A ‘SUPERHERO’ OF THE PLANT WORLD. SO WHAT IS IT, AND WHAT’S EARNED THIS TREE ITS STATUS?

Every part of the moringa tree is packed with nutrients or contains a powerful medicinal punch. Also called the drumstick tree, thanks to its long, thin seed pods, it has been part of Indian diets and used in traditional home remedies for centuries. Now the Western world is discovering its secrets too. Scientists have realised there’s much more to this tree than meets the eye. So not surprisingly, moringa is finding its way on to health store shelves and being added to everything from breakfast cereals to smoothies and salads.

Nutritional benefits

Moringa contains a smorgasbord of key nutrients. When the leaves are dried, they’re 30 per cent protein, which is why they’re a staple of schemes to fight malnutrition in India and Africa. The leaves are also rich in phytochemicals, including disease-fighting antioxidants. The Beijing Academy of Food Sciences saysmoringa has seven times more vitamin C than oranges, 10 times more vitamin A than carrots, 17 times more calcium than milk, 15 timesmore potassium than bananas and more iron than spinach. It’s also rich in folate,magnesium, phosphorous and zinc, and is low fat.

You’ll findmoringa in health shops in powder form, which you can add to cereals, smoothies, teas, soups, salads and curries. It has a slightly spicy, peppery flavour that makes it a tasty supplement to savoury dishes. You can also eat moringa leaves fresh and cook them like spinach, but they die within 24 hours, so must be eaten soon after picking. The young drumstick-shaped pods look like green beans and can be cooked and added to meals.

Therapeutic benefits

Moringa’s potential medicinal benefits are being studied around the world. US researchers have found it may one day help to manage type 2 diabetes, as the crushed leaves release compounds that have an anti-inflammatory effect. Rutgers University academics are investigating if the compounds, called isothiocyanates (ITCs), can counteract the chronic inflammation caused by diabetes. Other studies suggest moringa can help reduce blood glucose levels and the amount of sugar and harmful protein in urine. The US Food and Drug Administration says moringa may ease problems such as constipation and gastritis due to its antibacterial properties, which help slow the growth of the bugs that cause stomach upsets. Its high vitamin B content also aids digestion.

The antioxidant blend found in moringa is exciting researchers looking at heart health. They’re studying whether it can help improve cholesterol and lower blood pressure and so reduce the risk of heart disease. Moringa is also being examined for its effects on chronic asthma and respiratory conditions. There’s some evidence it improves lung function and breathing. For centuries, moringa seed oil has been used by Indian and African cultures to improve skin and hair. It’s rubbed on infections, sores and scars to help skin heal.

A word of caution

Before you rush to your local health food store to stock up on moringa, check with your pharmacist or GP that it won’t interfere with any pre- existingmedical conditions ormedication you’re taking. Some animal studies found moringa can reduce thyroid hormone levels and upset the effectiveness of thyroid hormone replacement drugs. There’s also a question mark over moringa’s safety for pregnant women, as some studies suggest it may trigger uterine contractions. But keep your eye on moringa. It’s a plant we’re going to see a lot more of.

sources: Good Health Choice, New Zealand, July 2018