Moringa or moringa oleifera is a tree that has been used for many years in India. It’s been used for both cooking and as a medicine. This miracle plant has its roots in the Himalayas. The moringa plant is also more commonly known as the drumstick plant or ben oil tree.
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Why is Moringa called Tree of Life?
The moringa plant definitely lives up to its name – the miracle tree. It has health benefits in all parts of the tree. And likewise, all parts of the plant can be consumed. This includes the leaves, the drumstick-like vegetable pods, the seeds, flowers and even the roots.
The most common parts of the moringa plant that is used in India are the leaves and the drumsticks. Both parts are used in curries and stews and are a common staple “vegetable dish” in Indian cuisine.
Origins of the Moringa Plant
While the plant has its history in the Himalayan mountains, it is grown all around the world today. In the U.S., Asian and Indian grocers will carry both the fresh “drumsticks”, fresh leaves, and also packets of leaf powder.
Recent hype in our society has caused an increase in demand of moringa. This increase in demand has caused pharmas to create pills, and social media influencers to tout a “better product product” as a part of sponsorships or collaborations with companies who pay them. Don’t buy into that hype. Go to your local Indian/Asian grocer and buy the fresh produce for dirt-cheap.
Benefits of Using Moringa Powder
Whether you are using the powder, the leaves or the “drumsticks”, there are significant benefits to using this plant as a staple in your home. As we know by now, to get any benefit from change, we need to be consistent with it. Having said that, you will see or feel the benefits of using moringa within weeks of daily intake. This article by the National Institute of Health details the benefits of using moringa oliefera oil (MOO) in the treatment and healing of many diseases.
Individual results will always differ, but the moringa plant is effective in the treatment of:
- Diabetes
- Inflammation
- Weight loss
- Skin diseases
- Heart disease
- Liver function
- Hypertension
- Typhoid fever
- Malaria
- Wound healing
- Cancer
- Arthritis
- Gastric issues
- Hair Growth
Is Moringa Good for Hair Growth?
The moringa plant is rich in vitamins A, zinc, iron, and essential amino acids that assist in the repair and treatment of hair loss. Due to the high quantity and quality of ingesting moringa, the benefits of hair growth seem more likely than not.
Hair loss caused by oxidative stress is also circumvented by the richness of vitamin A and C that exists in the moringa plant.
What Vitamins exist in Moringa?
Simply put, the moringa plant contains the following vitamins:
- Calcium
- Iron
- Potassium
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin E
In addition to these vitamins, moringa is also rich in:
- Proteins
- Minerals
- Amino acids
- Antioxidants
- Flavonoids
Is it Safe to Consume Moringa Powder?
Ayurveda has used moringa powder as a supplement in food for years. In recent years, there have been no reported cases of moringa powder being unsafe or causing side effects.
However, it is recommended to consume a few tablespoons a day (1-2) or use the vegetable in your stews as much as you like. The body will flush out any “excess” from the body safely. However, again, there have been no reported side-effects of moringa consumption.
Disclaimer: For your safety, please consult with your doctor before using any product listed here.
Uses of Moringa Powder
Indian homes generally use the leaves and the drumstick-like vegetable in their curries. The leaves replace mustard greens or spinach. The vegetable with the pods can be added to stews or curries and need to be cooked before you can consume them.
Other uses of moringa powder are in smoothies, shakes, plain warm water, curries, or in tablet form too.
There are many YouTube videos with easy to make Indian moringa recipes for you to try and incorporate into your cooking. Here is a simple moringa drumstick and potato recipe that is simple and tastes amazing.
Related:
- 9 Ayurvedic Herbs and Spices for Health
- 5 Herbal Teas for Stress and Anxiety
- How to Make Homemade Masala Chai
Conclusion
Moringa is definitely a superfood and it is definitely here to stay. The best way to purchase it is to get it from your local grocer. Do not pay extra to the big brands or pharmas that tout their efficacy. If you buy the organically grown plant (leaves and the drumsticks) and incorporate that into your diet, you will be on the path to healing your body.
What part of the moringa plant are you going to try?
Featured photo courtesy of pexels.com
