What is Moringa?
Table of Contents
The Moringa (oleifera) tree is one of over eight species in the Moringaceae family. It’s often referred to as the “Ben oil tree,” “Drumstick tree,” “Horseradish tree,” or “The Miracle Tree.” The tree’s bark, flowers, leaves, nuts, pods seeds, tubers, and roots are all edible. The moringa tree parts are mostly utilized in dried and fresh grounded powdered form. Its benefits have spread like wildfire that commercial products are made readily available globally such as capsules, oils, and soaps.
It is the greatest when having family who lives in Kingston Jamaica, West Indies with ready access to moringa plant. It is always nice to get the actual product from its region where it’s not processed with endless amounts of chemicals. A few years back while suffering from a pituitary tumor that induced severe migraine, my bonus father mentioned moringa seeds. A man heavily into eating all-natural food while excluding fast food. He put most young men to shame in his golden age in terms of energy and strength. After doing some research I saw the many benefits. It always amazes me how richly cultivated the land is within my parents’ homeland.
Where to find
The moringa, a crucial crop graces regions (within countries) such as Asia (Philippines), East Africa (Ethiopia), North Africa (Sudan), and South Asia (India). The further cultivation of this crop has spread to the Caribbean, Latin America, the Pacific Islands, South Africa, and West Africa regions.
The tree can grow up to a height of 35 feet and have a diameter of up to 25 feet. The tree flourishes best within temperatures of 77 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit (25-35 degrees Celsius) in humid dry weather with less dense wet soil. It can survive short-term in temperatures at the height of 118.4 degrees Fahrenheit (48 degrees Celsius). So, it’s best recommended to keep indoors during winter months.
Nutritional Value
It encompasses its highest nutritional value when dried. It contains phytonutrients (phytochemicals) that are plant-producing compounds that present positive health benefits for the body. Its antioxidant provides protection against cell damage, helps reduce pain, and aids in the reduction of inflammation. It contains an anti-neoproliferative agent, which helps battle certain cancer cells. Moringa contains phytosterol, hormone precursors such as kampesterol, sitosterol, and stigmasterol that contribute to growth. According to a peer-reviewed article in the National Institute of Health Moringa oleifera plant contains,
- Calcium: 17 times more than cow’s milk
- Iron: 25 times more than spinach, 2 milligrams per 100 grams powdered from moringa leaf
- Potassium: 15 times more than a banana
- Protein: 9 times more than yogurt
- Vitamin A (beta-carotene): 10 times more than carrots
- Vitamin C: 7 times more than fresh oranges (will be a decrease in dried form)
- Zinc: 25.5-31.03 milligrams per kilogram
Medicinal Purpose
Research has been provided on the moringa plant and its useful health benefits on the different parts.
Bark
A cardiac stimulant which surprisingly is an anti-inflammatory agent contains alkaloids (morphine) and minerals (calcium and magnesium). It provides the muscles with relaxation and assists in fighting ulcers.
Flower
The spring-blooming white flowers provide aid in fighting common colds and urinary problems. They contain amino acids, calcium, and potassium.
They are often used for making tea.
Leaves
The green leaves are used in the treatment of asthma, bronchitis, blood pressure, combat flu, hyperglycemia (high blood sugar), and lowering cholesterol. They contribute to building muscle and speed up healing recovery time. It contains anticancer (isothiocyanates) and antioxidant (flavonoid) properties. Along with being rich in minerals Ca (calcium), Cu (copper), Fe (iron), Mg (magnesium), P (phosphorus), and K (potassium). It has Vitamin A (beta carotene), Vitamin B, and Vitamin B-1. It also includes amino acids arginine, histidine, leucine, lysine, methionine, and valine.
They can be used as an herb to bring a faintly peppery taste to meats. It is added in when preparing lentils and soups. It can be added to smoothies for a caffeine-free energy boost.
Pods (fruit)
Seed pods are used to reduce diarrhea, reduce joint pain, and treat liver problems.
It is considered to be lower in minerals and vitamins. On the other hand, they are an excellent source of fiber and vitamin C. The average day-to-day level of consumption sufficient to meet nutritional requirements of 97% to 98% of all healthy individuals is known as the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA). One pod exceeds the limit containing 157% of your RDA.
The pods are picked while bearing a green appearance and then cooked or eaten fresh.
Seeds
Crohn’s disease (chronic gastric intestinal inflammation), epilepsy (reoccurring seizures), hyperthyroidism, and gout (arthritis inflammation of the joints) are a few illnesses for which the seeds are utilized as a source of treatment. It has anti-inflammatory (flavonoids) and antimicrobial (pterygospermin) properties. Along with fiber, minerals, proteins, Vitamin A, Vitamin B, and Vitamin C. The seeds are utilized as a source in controlling blood sugar in diabetic people.
The seeds are often eaten raw and have a bitter taste. (Trust me I know from experience 😊 ) They can also be roasted and ground into a powder. This form can be used in curry cuisine and utilized as a tea.
Seed Oil
The oil is composed of oleic acid greater than 70%. A positive when wanting to be heart healthy and/or gearing to inflammation reduction. The seed oil is great to add to cuisines as it is sweet and resistant to rancidness. It is also used in haircare and skincare products.
Risk
Always consult your medical provider when introducing new products into your diet. As it may interfere with the current medications provided and cause negative effects. Examples of such are blood pressure may become too low, blood sugar may decrease to dangerously low levels, counteract thyroid medication, and in some cases cause infertility. The direction of staying safe while adding supplements when needed is always the way to go.
A recipe shared by the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations on https://www.fao.org/traditional-crops/moringa/en
Moringa Leaf Korma Recipe
Equipment: Pressure cooker, knife, large spoon, medium-sized skillet
Servings: 2
Ingredients
- 2 cups of tender moringa leaves (chop, wash, and drain)
- ½ cup of split green grams with skin-on, (washed, then soaked in 2 cups water)
- 1 carrot (peeled and chopped)
- 5 to 6 French beans (chopped)
- 3- 4 green chilies
- 1 potato (scrubbed, washed, then grated)
- 1-inch piece ginger (grated)
- 1 stalk curry leaves
- 2 pinch asafoetida powder
- ¼ teaspoon turmeric powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon mustard seed
- salt to taste
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Preparation
- Heat half the oil in a pressure cooker.
- Add carrots, drained gram, French beans, the chopped green chili and stir fry for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add potatoes, leaves, and ginger, stir, then add 2 cups of hot water.
- Next, add asafoetida, turmeric, salt, and mix well. Then put the lid on and allow to cook for 2 whistles.
- Cool cooker, remove lid, then add salt and lemon juice to taste.
- In a separate pan, heat the remaining oil in a small pan, then add cumin and mustard seed.
- Once they begin to splutter, add curry leaves, and remaining chilies (halved).
- Then, once it has started to sizzle immediately pour into korma. Stir gently and serve hot with steamed rice.
*Note: If using standard/ non-standard American or European pressure cookers, this may cause cook time to vary.
Where to Purchase 
There are local herbal stores and vitamin shops that sell moringa products. You can purchase online, live 10 to 15-inch high moringa oleifera plants on Amazon.com for about $40. Powdered forms are also available on the same website such as Kuli Kuli Moringa Oleifera Leaf Powder, 10.6 oz for approximately $15. There are other sites such as Walmart.com, Wholefoodsmarket.com VitaminShoppe.com, and Nuts.com selling Moringa Powder for approximately $14 for a 1 bag to $220 for a 20-pound case. You can also purchase it in capsules anywhere from 60-count priced around $8 to 180-count for $20.
Conclusion
Therefore, gaining the opportunity to experience the added benefit of an all-edible tree is worth it. Minerals and vitamins are abundant and are provided by the bark, flowers, leaves, pods, roots, seeds, and oil. This is a tree provided by mother nature that assists in malnutrition on a global level. Now you can purchase it and have it shipped to your doorstep. When adding as a dietary supplement it’s a healthy option. Certainly, consult with your dietitian/physician to check for any health concerns and adverse effects. In the meantime, try out the shared recipe above containing moringa leaves in this cultural dish Korma.