Moringa and its health benefits

This is a tree that was long overlooked, but which has since seduced the world with its many virtues and qualities. Moringa, or Mouroungue in our country, is truly a tree of life and health!

Moringa oleifera, the tree of life

Moringa oleifera is a small tropical or subtropical tree belonging to the Moringaceae family. Native to Sri Lanka and India, it is now acclimatized in almost all tropical regions. It is said to be a tree of life, because it is both edible and medicinal . Bark, sap, roots, leaves, flowers, seeds, fruits... everything is beneficial, used in Ayurvedic medicine since the dawn of time and in indigenous medicines. Moringa leaves are also at the heart of projects to combat malnutrition.

The benefits of moringa

Medicinal properties

Moringa is a truly healthy plant, particularly for vegetarians, athletes and vulnerable populations (seniors, etc.), but not only...

• It has proven benefits for the liver (chlorogenic acid) ;
• Helps combat many deficiencies. It is recommended for calcium deficiencies , including lactose intolerance;
• The content and quality of its proteins make moringa an ally for vegetarians or vegans;
• It helps fight fatigue ;
• Helps stabilize cholesterol ;
• It has a positive action against diabetes and obesity ;
• Stimulates lactation ( breastfeeding );
• It has benefits for constipation ;
• Plays on high blood pressure ;
• It relieves insect bites (leaf juice);
• And has bactericidal, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and purifying properties...

Nutritional qualities of moringa

Moringa is also exceptionally rich in nutrients:

• Exceptional vitamin content (A, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B8, B9, C and E). For example, moringa contains 7 times more vitamin C than oranges, 30 times more B2 than almonds and 4 times more vitamin A than carrots!
• Exceptional mineral content also (rich in iron, calcium, potassium, magnesium, manganese, selenium, etc.);
• Contains many other beneficial nutrients (chlorophyll, carotenoids, flavonoids, plant sterols, etc.);
• Plant rich in antioxidants (more than 46) capable of cleansing the body of toxins and strengthening the immune system;
• Contains good fatty acids (omega 3, 6 and 9) and 18 amino acids including 9 essential ones (mainly in the seeds);
• Also contains a lot of protein (30% on dry leaves);
• Contains fiber (15% on dry leaves)...

The World Vegetable Research Center (AVRDC) tested and ranked moringa leaves as the top choice among 120 species for their taste, nutrients, antioxidant properties, and cultivation and processing.

Cosmetic virtues of moringa

The nutritional balance provided by moringa is also very beneficial for the beauty of hair and skin. In addition, the oil extracted from its seeds has remarkable moisturizing and restorative properties . It is used to accelerate healing and slow down aging . A path that is also closely followed by the cosmetics industry!

Advice and contraindications

As with any medicinal plant, excess moringa can have consequences. Consumption should therefore be moderate. It is a tonic plant, so it is best taken in the morning or at midday , while eating. Particular care must be taken during pregnancy (completely avoid the roots and stems) and while breastfeeding. Caution should be taken by people with hypoglycemia. Also note that a laxative effect is completely normal and should fade after a short period.

Source: Gerbeaud