What
is moringa? Moringa also known as the Miracle
Tree is a multipurpose plant, as the leaves, pods, fruits, flowers,
roots and bark of the tree can be utilized. It is also referred to as
Drumstick Tree by the Britishers.In
the Philippines, they are referred to asmalunggay
or malungay.Others refer to
moringa as horseradish tree, benzolive tree, kelor, marango, mlonge, moonga,
nébéday, saijhan, sajna or Ben oil tree.
What
are the health benefits of moringa? Scientific research confirms that these humble
leaves are a powerhouse of nutritional value. Gram for gram, Moringa
leaves contain: SEVEN times the vitamin C in oranges, FOUR times the
Calcium in milk, FOUR times the vitamin A in carrots, TWO times the
protein in milk and THREE times the Potassium in bananas.
Moringa is rich in Vitamin A. It
contains four times more Vitamin A or beta-carotene than carrots.
It is also a rich source of
Vitamin C many times
more than oranges.
Normally milk is said to be
a rich source of calcium but the amount of calcium present in
moringa leaves is way higher than in milk.
The moringa leaves are said
to contain two times the protein present in milk.
Bananas are a rich source
of potassium. But moringa leaves contain several times more
potassium than bananas.
Along with potassium, zinc
is also found in large quantities in moringa.
It contains three times more
iron than spinach.
Essential Amino acids are also
found in moringa.
Moringa leaves can be
consumed to stimulate metabolism.
The paste of the moringa
leaves is said to beautify the skin and is hence applied by women
regularly.
It can also be used as a
water purifier.
Moringa contains more than 90 nutrients and 46 types
of antioxidants. With all the health benefits of moringa, it can easily
be termed as the most nutritious plant on the face of the earth. There
are no side-effects of moringa tree leaves which have been proved till
date. At the same time it can be consumed by small children and adults
alike. Therefore, many people have started using it in porridge, pastas,
breads, etc., to reap the everlasting health benefits of the
extraordinary 'Moringa'.
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