MORINGA OLEIFERA

"the miraculous tree"

Moringa oleifera , also called "miraculous tree" , is a plant native to the Indian subcontinent, widespread in the tropical and equatorial areas of the planet. . The whole plant is edible, but it is mainly its leaves that are used for human nutrition . It is absolutely of great importance that the protein content of the parts of the plant is complete and balanced in the whole range of amino acids, even the valuable ones; this fact is almost unique among plants.

Moringa leaves are rich in vitamins (A, B1, B2, B3, B6, B7, C, D, E and K), proteins (25%) and minerals. In particular, they contain a very high percentage of proteins: as much as eggs, or twice as much milk; four times the amount of vitamin A in carrots, four times the amount of calcium in milk, seven times the amount of vitamin C in oranges, three times more potassium than bananas, significant amounts of iron, phosphorus and other elements (Source: C . Gopalan et al. 1994, Nutritive Value of Indian Foods, National Institute of Nutrition, India). The flavor is slightly spicy, a cross between watercress and radish, and can be eaten both raw in salads and cooked, if boiled they can be added to soups and other various dishes. They are also used as forage for all herbivores.

The seeds of the ripe pods are acquiring great importance on a scientific level thanks to their ability to purify water , they are among the best known natural flocculants.
They too are edible, have a taste similar to chickpeas, and can be consumed after a short boiling in salted water (the sheath is opened and the seeds are extracted) or they can be eaten roasted, and are very nutritious.
The seeds contain 30 to 50% oil , which is sweet and flavorful, suitable for human nutrition. The oil extracted from the seeds is of high quality, in fact it contains from 65% to 76% of oleic acid , a value similar to that of olive oil. . It can also have interesting applications in the lubrication of mechanisms and in the manufacture of soap and cosmetics. This oil burns without producing smoke and is therefore suitable as a fuel for lamps and for the direct operation of diesel engines such as Elsbett or Lister. The by-products derived from the seed can be used as a natural fertilizer thanks to their high nitrogen content.

Once the oils have been extracted from the seeds, the residual paste contains 60% of valuable proteins ; an enormous quantity if we consider that the residue of the analogous treatment of soy (a product of good vegetable protein quality) produces from 30 to 35% of proteins. The residual pasta proteins are excellent for human nutrition. If the leaves are used as fodder together with the residual pulp when the oil is extracted, they constitute a vigorous food tonic for herbivorous animals, inducing a noticeable improvement in vital conditions; they are an excellent post-partum support for cows that maintain extremely high milk yields, and for the growth of calves.

The roots are also edible and have a spicy flavor like radish, the spicy aroma of the roots is more pronounced than that of the leaves: the use of the roots is as a flavoring, (analogous to horseradish), but, due to the presence of an alkaloid , the spiroquine, which would interfere with nerve transmission, its use in excessive quantities is not recommended. The alimentary use of the roots, in moderate quantities, is frequent in the countries of origin.

The flowers are edible, as a rule they are prepared in salads. Moringa flower honey is excellent.

In the countries of origin, Moringa is used for the most diverse applications: the leaves are very useful in the production of biogas; shredded are used as a cleaning agent. Fibers suitable for processing arches, mats and doormats are extracted from the bark. A blue dye of industrial interest is extracted from the wood. A rubber with various applications is also extracted from the bark; tannin is also extracted from this rubber and bark, which is used in the leather tanning industry.

Property

The beneficial properties attributed to Moringa are very numerous. It is rich in antioxidant and anti-inflammatory substances, which make it effective in protecting the immune system, promoting good circulation and healthy digestion, rebalancing the metabolism , regulating hormone levels , treating acne and ensuring softer skin. Its curative uses in natural medicine range from the treatment of colds and fever to use in the treatment of inflammation and digestive problems or hypertension. A single tablespoon of chopped Moringa leaves, if ingested during breastfeeding, can provide breast milk with 14% higher protein, 40% calcium, and 23% iron. In many areas of Africa Moringa seeds are recognized as having therapeutic value in the treatment of diabetes. It seems that it is enough to take only one seed a day on an empty stomach to have a positive effect on the glycemic rate.

Some data on Moringa (Excerpts from the book "The Miracle Tree" by Monica G.Marcu, Pharm.D., Ph.D.)

• 92 nutrients
• 46 antioxidants
• 36 anti-inflammatories
• 18 amino acids, 9 essential amino acids
• stimulates the immune system
• promotes circulation
• supports normal glucose levels
• natural anti-aging
• anti-inflammatory
• promotes digestion
• promotes and enhances mental clarity
• increases energy without caffeine
• promotes the balance of metabolism
• makes the skin softer
• it is curative for acne
• regulates hormone levels

Comparative table of the nutritional content of Moringa oleifera leaves with other foods for every 100 grams of edible part (Source: C. Gopalan et al. 1994, Nutritive Value of Indian Foods, National Institute of Nutrition, India)

• Vitamin A (mg) Moringa: 1130 - Carrots: 315
• Vitamin C (mg) Moringa: 220 - Oranges: 30
• Calcium (mg) Moringa: 440 - Cow's milk: 120
• Potassium (mg) Moringa: 259 - Bananas: 88
• Protein (mg) Moringa: 6700 - Cow's milk: 3200

How to use

2 capsules 2 times a day with plenty of water

Format: 180 capsules