SPOTLIGHT ON MORINGA
It’s the new ‘superhero’ of the plant world. So what is it and why is it so special?
The moringa tree is packed with nutrients and contains a powerful medicinal punch. So it’s no surprise it’s finding its way onto health store shelves and being added to everything from cereals to salads.
Introducing moringa
There are 13 types of moringa, but the most common is Moringa oleifera. The trees thrive in places like Malaysia, Indonesia, and Mexico – the site of the world’s largest collection of moringa trees. The leaves, pods, seeds, bark, flowers and roots of the plant can all be used for medicine, food and even fertiliser. Even the sludge left over after the seeds are pressed for their oil isn’t wasted. It contains a specific protein that can purify drinking water.
Nutritional benefits
The Beijing Academy of Food Sciences says moringa has seven times more vitamin C than oranges, 10 times more vitamin A than carrots, 17 times more calcium than milk, 15 times more potassium than bananas and more iron than spinach. It’s also rich in folate, magnesium, phosphorous and zinc, and is low fat. You’ll find moringa powder in health shops, which you can add to cereals, smoothies, teas, soups, salads and curries. It has a slightly peppery flavour that makes it a tasty addition to savoury dishes. The moringa plant’s pods look like green beans and can also be cooked.
Therapeutic benefits
US researchers have found moringa may one day help to manage type 2 diabetes, as the crushed leaves release compounds that have an anti-inflammatory effect. Other studies suggest it can help reduce blood glucose levels. 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. Researchers are also studying whether the antioxidant blend found in the plant can help improve cholesterol and lower blood pressure, and so reduce the risk of heart disease.