Magnificent Moringa!
Have you caught the Moringa madness yet, or are you a little late to the party? If you’re still not sure what all the buzz is about, it’s time you learned about the amazing benefits of the mighty Moringa!
Moringa (moringa oleifera) is a potent plant native to India and Africa, and grown all across the world. All parts of the plant are used for different medicinal purposes (leaf, flower, root, immature pods, fruit, bark, seed, and seed oil). Of special note are the rich amount of phytonutrients found in the plant including flavonoids, isothiocyanates, and phenolic acids; more specifically, caffeoylquinic acid, zeatin, beta-sitosterol, quercetin, glucosides, glucosinolates beta-carotene, and kaempferol, among others. It is also rich in amino acids, minerals, and vitamins.
HOW TO ADD MORINGA TO YOUR DAILY ROUTINE
There are over 1,300 scientific studies demonstrating the health benefits of the Moringa plant. It has been a staple in traditional Ayurvedic medicine for over 4,000 years. In some parts of the world it is used as a nutritional supplement due to its high content of Vitamin C, potassium, beta-carotene, calcium, iron, and protein.
There are numerous ways the Moringa plant can be used:
- Ground into a fine powder and added to recipes, drinks, and smoothies
- As a poultice for topical first aid
- Eaten whole in salads, pasta’s or soups
- Juiced or blended
- As an oil for skin and hair nourishment
- And, of course, enjoyed as a moringa tea, like in Wise Ape’s Blueberry Time Machine Antioxidant Tea.
HEALTH ADVANTAGES OF MORINGA
Thanks to its impressive nutrient profile, Moringa has been shown to support almost all systems of the body. Research has shown remarkable results, specifically among the leaves, in supporting the following functions:
- maintaining healthy cholesterol levels
- reducing and regulating blood sugar levels
- improving energy and vitality
- supporting healthy metabolism and insulin function
- supporting detoxification and liver tissue
- maintaining healthy blood pressure
- supporting healthy inflammatory responses
- aiding digestion and gastrointestinal function
- promoting a healthy libido
- supporting healthy hormone levels
- and a lot more.
Though Moringa has one of the most impressive herbal profiles of any herb, as a Holistic Nutritionist, I love it in the Blueberry Time Machine Tea because of its potent antioxidant punch. In today’s world, we’re bombarded with oxidative stress from so many sources: stress, poor sleep, toxic chemicals, EMFs, GMOs, air pollution, poor diet, and a whole lot more. Even if we have the best diet, exercise, and stress management practice in the world, we can’t escape living in the modern-day. This is one reason why I’m so passionate about Wise Ape’s herbal blends, especially the Blueberry Time Machine. The combination of the Darjeeling Green Tea, Organic Moringa Leaf, Organic Bilberry Leaf, Organic Amla Berry, and Organic Butterfly Pea Leaf provides outstanding antioxidant support – something we all need.
ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS OF MORINGA
In addition to Moringa’s health benefits, it’s also known for its positive environmental aspects. The plant is extremely hearty and resilient, making it capable of growing in virtually every climate, even in dry and depleted soil. This means it can grow in the most desolate of places, offering dense nutrition to people that otherwise have little access to nutrient-dense food sources.
The roots of the plant help to stabilize the surrounding earth and help prevent soil erosion. Nourishing the surrounding soil with nutrients and providing stabilization makes Moringa one of the best reforestation tools available.
The processed leaves make an excellent fertilizer, adding minerals and nutrients to encourage diversified plant growth. It also grows very quickly, providing nutrition in as little as nine months. The tree can be harvested without cutting it down, which makes it very economical for small farmers.
And if all that wasn’t enough, Moringa seeds can also be used in water purification. The seeds are positively charged and bind with negatively charged particles like heavy metals, silt, and other toxins. These particles settle to the bottom and are then filtered out. It is also believed that the seeds have antimicrobial properties, lending another layer of ‘cleaning’ questionable water.
With all of these benefits, it’s no wonder the plant is known to many as ‘the miracle plant’. Not only will Moringa grow anywhere, provide much-needed nutrition to people that desperately need it, improve the environment and support a healthy, vital body, but it tastes amazing to boot! Now you can see why so many the world over love the magnificent Moringa! If you’re as impressed as I am, then you should definitely give the Blueberry Time Machine Antioxidant Tea a try. Your tastebuds, your body, and the earth will thank you!
*Moringa has been shown in scientific research studies to lower blood pressure and blood sugar. Because of this, anyone who takes medications for blood pressure, hypoglycemia, or other blood sugar issues should use caution when taking Moringa. It’s always a good idea to speak with your doctor before introducing new food or supplements. It should also be avoided during pregnancy as not enough data exists to confirm its safety during this time.
Wise Words Written By: Cathy Cooke is the founder of Whole Home and Body Health. She is a Board Certified Holistic Nutritionist with the National Association of Nutrition Professionals, a Certified Building Biology Environmental Consultant and Certified Electromagnetic Radiation Specialist with the Building Biology Institute. Connect with Cathy and learn more about her work here.
References:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5745501/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31453658/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17089328/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25374169/
https://draxe.com/nutrition/moringa-benefits/
https://www.celim.it/en/progetto/moringa-between-environment-and-nutrition/
https://blog.kulikulifoods.com/2017/04/25/moringa-solves-worlds-biggest-problems-reforestation/
https://miracletrees.org/moringa-water-purification/