20/08/2015
malunggay
Moringa Tree – A Highly Promising Plant
This plant, also known as ‘the miracle tree of life’, is highly promising due to its nutritional value and wide range of medicinal uses. In fact, “it was recognized by the National Institutes of Health as the Botanical of the Year for 2007, and praised again in 2011 and 2012.” (Bollinger, T., 2015, Cancer Tutor). The MoringaOleifera tree has been used in many cultures in various parts of the world for hundreds or even thousands of years, but it has only started to gain in popularity in the U.S. and European markets recently. Read further to find out more about Moringa’s nutritional value and amazing health benefits. MoringaOleifera is native to northern India, Pakistan, the Himalayan region, Africa and Arabia, and it is also known as drumstick tree or horseradish tree. Every single part of this tree is edible and highly nutritious. This tree is a good source of minerals, proteins, vitamins, beta-carotene, amino acids and various phenolics, and is rich in moringine, moringinine as well as in quercetin, kaempferol, rhammnetin, zeatin, beta-sitosterol, and caffeoylqunic acid. The young fruits of Moringa tree can be eaten raw or be prepared the same way as green beans or peas, while fully grown fruits are usually eaten fried. The fruits of this tree contain around 40% of oil ingredients, which are used to produce cooking oil, also known as Ben oil, which is very similar to olive oil. Moringa leaves are consumed either in the form of fresh salad, drinks, or steamed as spinach. Even its flowers, which are rich in potassium and calcium, are very nutritious and consumed as food. In addition, Moringa fruits’ peel can serve as a natural replacement for sunscreen lotion. Even though all parts of Moringa tree are very healthy and nutritious, the most utilized part of it are its leaves which “seem to be getting the most market attention, notably for their use in reducing high blood pressure, eliminating water weight, and lowering cholesterol” (Kilham, C., 2014, FoxNews.com). What is truly amazing about the leaves of this tree is that they “contain 7 times the vitamin C found in oranges, 4 times the calcium in milk, 4 times the vitamin A in carrots, 2 times the protein of yogurt, 25 times the iron in spinach, and 3 times the potassium in bananas.” (Bollinger, T., 2015, CancerTutor.com) As Natural Healthcare for You website informs, one dose of this tree’s leaves contains: 125% of the daily dose of calcium 61% of daily dose of magnesium 41% of daily dose of potassium 71% of daily dose of iron 272% of daily dose of vitamin А 22% of daily dose of vitamin C Moringa tree has many health properties and thus it “can act as cardiac and circulatory stimulants, possess antitumor, antipyretic, antiepileptic, anti-inflammatory, antiulcer, antispasmodic, diuretic, antihypertensive, cholesterol lowering, antioxidant, anti-diabetic, antihelminitic, antiurolithiati, hepatoprotective, antibacterial and antifungal activities.” (MiracleTrees.org) Furthermore, there are studies that “show that moringa leaves possess anti-tumor and anti-cancer activities, due in part to a compound called niaziminin. Preliminary experimentation also shows activity against Epstein-Barr virus. Compounds in the leaf appear to help regulate thyroid function, especially in cases of over-active thyroid. Further research points to anti-viral activity in cases of Herpes simplex 1.” (Kilham, C., 2014, FoxNews.com) What’s more, “the glucose-modifying, anti-diabetic effects of moringa may prove of great use amidst a virtual epidemic of Type 2 diabetes and obesity. The liver-protective activities of the leaf and its extracts could make it a staple component of bitters formulas and various cleansing preparations.” (Kilham, C., 2014, FoxNews.com) The Moringa tree abounds in medicinal uses and health benefits, and each part of it can be used for different purposes. Here are some of the medicinal uses and benefits of Moringa tree listed in Miracle Trees website: Moringa Leaves Leaves rubbed against the temple can relieve headaches. To stop bleeding from a shallow cut, apply a poultice of fresh leaves. There is an anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory effect when applied to wounds or insect bites. Extracts can be used against bacterial or fungal skin complaints. Leaf tea treats gastric ulcers and diarrhea. Eating Moringa food products is good for those suffering from malnutrition due to the high protein and fibre content. * Leaves treat fevers, bronchitis, eye and ear infections, as well as inflammation of the mucus membrane. * The iron content of the leaves is high, and they are reportedly prescribed for anemia in the Philippines. * Dried Moringa leaves treat diarrhea in Malawi, Africa. Moringa Flowers Flower juice improves the quality and flow of mothers’ milk when breast feeding. Flower juice is useful for urinary problems as it encourages urination. * In Haiti, villagers boil Moringa flowers in water and drink the tea as a powerful cold remedy. Moringa Pods If eaten raw, pods act as a de-wormer and treat liver and spleen problems and pains of the joints. Due to high protein and fibre content they can play a useful part in treating malnutrition and diarrhoea. Moringa Seeds Used for their antibiotic and anti-inflammatory properties to treat arthritis, rheumatism, gout, cramp, sexually transmitted diseases and boils. The seeds are roasted, pounded, mixed with coconut oil and applied to the problem area. Seed oil can be used for the same ailments. Roasted seeds and oil can encourage urination. They can also be used as a relaxant for epilepsy. Moringa seeds are effective against skin-infecting bacteria Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. They contain the potent antibiotic and fungicide terygospermin. Moringa Roots, Bark and Gum The roots and the bark have all of the properties described above but are more concentrated. Therefore much more care should be taken if using them as medicines. * The roots and bark are used for cardiac and circulatory problems, as a tonic and for inflammation. The bark is an appetizer and digestive. * In Senegal and India, roots are pounded and mixed with salt to make a poultice for treating rheumatism and articulars pains. In Senegal, this poultice is also used to relieve lower…
12/05/2022
21/08/2015
24/05/2015
21/05/2015
20/05/2015
18/05/2015
18/05/2015
29/04/2015