Moringa oleifera is quickly making its way into nutritional supplements, energy bars, smoothies, and more. It has been deemed a “nutritional Swiss Army Knife” by The New Yorker, and has even earned the title of “The Miracle Tree” and a “new superfood” by many health industry experts. Although Moringa is just gaining attention in Western media, it has been a medicinal staple in many other cultures for thousands of years.
The Many Uses Of Moringa
From vitamins and minerals to protein and antioxidants, this plant has it all. Moringa is native to India, where it was first acknowledged for its numerous benefits around 2,000 B.C. Historically, the plant has been used throughout Asia and Africa to treat a wide variety of ailments, including:
- Anemia
- Cancer
- Thyroid disorders
- Low sex drive
- Bacterial infections
- Arthritis
- Kidney stones
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Diabetes
- Hormonal imbalances
- Acne
As Moringa’s popularity continues to grow, researchers have begun to study the plant extensively. These studies have found that Moringa may be useful in driving weight loss and even in fighting Alzheimer’s disease, among other things. The National Institute of Health has also reported an exceptionally strong presence of vitamins antioxidants in Moringa.
Moringa is a versatile plant, both in its high nutrient density, as well as in its uses. Gosia Reed, longtime Moringa user and Founder of Gosia’s Organics, notes that the plant itself can also be used in many different ways: “Every single part of the tree is edible and has its own individual benefits for your health.” Moringa is so versatile, in fact, that its seeds can even be used to purify water!
If you still aren’t convinced, keep reading. Here are our top 10 reasons to give Moringa a spot in your daily breakfast routine:
1. It’ll give you a boost of energy without caffeine
Moringa gives you a natural energy boost without making you feel jittery or unable to sleep. How? The likely answer is in its nutritional attributes – its vitamin B content in particular, which helps the body process food for energy. Because Moringa isn’t a stimulant, you won’t feel as energized as if you’d had a cup of coffee. However, it can be beneficial for those looking for a more subtle boost.
2. You’ll get a head start on your daily vitamin intake
Moringa has four times the vitamin A of carrots, three times the potassium of bananas, four times the calcium of milk, and seven times the vitamin C of oranges. Regular consumption is especially beneficial for vegans who often don’t get as much calcium in their diets as non-vegans.
3. It improves brain function and mood
Due to its high levels of vitamin E and vitamin C, as well as iron and zinc, Moringa is great for supporting brain function, concentration, memory, and mood. It’s also known for its tendency to increase consumers’ serotonin levels.
4. Your skin will glow
Moringa can improve skin health and can even reduce the appearance of aging. In addition to antioxidants, which prevent free radicals from damaging skin cells, Moringa contains nutrients that promote the development of new collagen, skin cells, and elastin, according to The Huffington Post.
5. Your immune system will thank you
To support your immune system naturally, look no further than Moringa which, as noted previously, is power-packed with vitamin C. Vitamin C is proven to have a strong influence on the immune system’s functionality due to its vital role in certain processes, such as the production of infection-fighting antibodies.
Last Minute Emergency’s Always Happen. Be Prepared With All The Essentials To Keep You Safe And Healthy
6. You can use it in a variety of ways
From smoothies to tea, there are many ways to incorporate your daily dose of Moringa into your meals. Reed states: “You can use it for tea. I add it to soups; I add it to smoothies; I add it to everything.” With so many possibilities, you can easily spice up your breakfast routine by finding new and creative ways to eat Moringa.
7. It may lower “bad” cholesterol
Evidence suggests that Moringa may have a positive impact on your cholesterol levels by increasing the amount of HDL (good) cholesterol and reducing the amount of LDL (bad) cholesterol in the body.
8. It can reduce inflammation
Researchers at the National Institute of Health found that three grams of Moringa per day for just three weeks could reduce lung inflammation in asthma patients. Its anti-inflammatory properties also extend to other parts of the body, making a great tool for anyone fighting inflammation.
9. It’s a great source of protein
For those with a plant-based diet or those who only occasionally eat meat, the protein content in Moringa alone should be enough to catch your attention. And with nearly 10 grams of protein per 100 grams, Moringa is a great source of plant-based protein. Adequate protein promotes muscle recovery and athletic performance, as well as hair and nail growth and blood health.
10. It’s packed with antioxidants
A study by the National Institute of Health found that Moringa has “potent antioxidant activity against free radicals.” Antioxidants are crucial in protecting the body from illnesses and diseases by fighting off free radicals which, many believe, play a large role in the onset of ailments and diseases, such as cancer and diabetes.
Getting Started
For those of you who are new to the idea of eating a mystery plant that tastes oddly like green tea, Reed has some advice: “It’s all about putting the body in a healthy place and finding its balance.” She suggest that new users start with a small amount and add more as their bodies grow accustomed to it.
Although Moringa is just beginning to gain mainstream attention, it is a highly nutritious plant with many uses and long-term benefits. To give yourself a boost in the morning and promote continuous health and longevity, you might consider giving Moringa a special place alongside your oatmeal.
Katie Young is a freelance lifestyle and wellness writer and digital marketer. In addition to writing, she loves being outside and active – whether she’s running, snowboarding or hiking.
Submit your story or essay to Buzzworthy Blogs.