Moringa oleifera is known as the tree of life in many cultures around the world, including Nigeria. TEMITOPE OJO writes on its health benefits and the need to have it in the diet daily.
Described as one of the most nutritious plants ever discovered, with most of its benefits concentrated in its small green leaves, moringa oleifera is called the miracle tree for good reasons. It is also known as the tree of life in many cultures around the world, including Nigeria.
It has many names based on its many uses: clarifier tree, horseradish tree and drumstick tree (referring to the large drumstick shaped pods), and in East Africa, moringa is known as “mother’s best friend”.
Due to its popularity, moringa has different names in different parts of the word, and here in the Nigeria, it is known in Fulani as gawara, gaware, konamarade, rini maka, habiwal hausa; in Hausa as bagaruwar maka, bagaruwar masar, barambo, koraukin zaila, rimin nacara, rimin turawa, samarin danga, shipka hali, shuka halinka, zogalle, zogalla-gandi; in Igbo as odudu oyibo, okwe oyibo, okwe olu, uhe, oku-ghara-ite, okochi egbu (cannot be killed by the dry season); in Nupe as Chigban Wawa; and Yoruba as adagba malero, ewele, ewe ile, ewe igbale, idagbo monoye (tree which grows crazily).
Experts say about 300 diseases can be cured with this supplement, along with hundreds of other health benefits. This is due to its more than 90 nutrients, 46 different antioxidants, and eight essential amino acids.
Scientific studies have also shown that it contains specific antioxidants and health-promoting ingredients that offer palliatives to malnutrition, hunger and diseases.
According to Mrs. Sumbo Ayodele, an alternative medicine practitioner, moringa is rich in many nutrients, including Vitamin A, several forms of Vitamin B, Vitamin C, Vitamin D and Vitamin E. In fact, it has more of these vitamins than a variety of foods that all claim to be excellent sources of them, such as carrots, oranges and milk. These vitamins provide a number of recognised health benefits.
Moringa leaves also have a few specific health benefits.
Protein is a vital nutrient found in the leaves of this tree.
According to Ayodele, there is twice as much calcium in moringa leaves than in milk. “Iron is found in large quantities in moringa leaves as well. In fact, there is three times as much iron in this plant than in spinach.”
She also revealed that along with these specific nutrients, the leaves can be consumed to stimulate metabolism, thus aiding in weight loss.
Her words: “This is possible because moringa provides energy without sugar. The leaves can also be used to beautify your skin, thus they are commonly taken as supplement by women looking for healthier skin. Moringa seeds have a number of benefits specific to them as well.
“They contain iron, just like the leaves, and they also contain amino acids along with anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. That means if you have minor injuries like bruises, cuts or burns, you will heal faster when you take moringa supplements.
“Along with these specific health benefits, its seeds can even put in dirty water and they will attract the impurities and make the water drinkable. As far as science is concerned, moringa is an all-time find.
“The powder has a ‘spinachy’ taste; so is ideal for mixing into smoothies or juices, sprinkling onto salads, adding to soups and fortifying both sweet and savoury dishes.”
Ayodele highlights others reasons moringa needs to be added to daily diet:
Energy release
Moringa is an excellent source of vitamin B6, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, riboflavin (B2) and a source of thiamine (B1) and niacin (B3), all essential vitamins and minerals that contribute to normal energy-yielding metabolism.
Healthy skin
It is rich in anti-oxidants and skin-loving vitamins A, E, riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3) as well as zinc, promoting healthy, radiant skin. Also an excellent source of phosphorus, which contributes to the essential functioning of the skin, including the ability to self-repair cells that are damaged by external aggressions.
Anti-ageing
Moringa’s exceptional anti-oxidant profile, with six times the anti-oxidant content of goji berries and more antioxidants than green tea, blueberries, acai and pomegranates is another reason.
The anti-oxidants, vitamin E, riboflavin and zinc in moringa contribute to the protection of cells from oxidative stress to help battle against ageing.
Healthy immune system
Moringa is an excellent source of vitamins A and B6, and a source of iron and zinc – all of which contribute to the normal functioning of the immune system.
Reduction of fatigue
Moringa is especially high in vitamin A (325 per cent RDA per 100g) and iron (468 per cent RDA per 100g), which support the reduction of tiredness and fatigue. Vitamin A is needed for normal production of red blood cells, and iron contributes to normal formation of red blood cells and haemoglobin, the substance in red blood cells that transports oxygen around the body.
If the body lacks enough iron, it has to work harder to get the energy it needs, which can leave one feeling tired. The high iron content also makes moringa ideal for vegetarians, fighting fatigue and iron-deficiencies.
Growth and maintenance of muscles
Regular exercise is an important part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle and we need to make sure that we give our bodies the right nutrients to both prepare and recover.
Anti-stress
Moringa is an excellent source of vitamin B6, magnesium and potassium and a source of niathin (B3) and thiamin (B1) – essential nutrients that contribute to the normal functioning of the nervous system.
Healthy nails and hair
It is a source of zinc which contributes to the maintenance of normal nails and hair.
Detoxifying
The modern day, fast-paced, often unhealthy lifestyles place a huge strain on the body, mentally and physically.
Detoxification is a natural process, which allows the body to eliminate environmental and dietary toxins, ensuring that the system is cleansed, re-energised and able to function optimally.
Moringa is an excellent source of 13 essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B6, which helps to repair damage and heal the body. A high concentration of minerals helps to speed up the detoxification process by producing energy.
Moringa is high in fibre, which is good for digestive health and helps to promote healthy bacteria in the gut, essential during cleansing. Vitamin B6 helps the liver to detoxify, which in turn eliminates many environmental toxins.
Normal blood pressure
High blood pressure is not usually something one can feel or notice, but according to experts, an estimated 56 million Nigerians are living with high blood pressure.
Moringa is an excellent source of riboflavin (B2), vitamin B6, potassium, vitamin K, calcium and iron. Riboflavin and vitamin B6 contribute to the formation and maintenance of normal red blood cells; potassium contributes to the maintenance of normal blood pressure; vitamin K and calcium contribute to normal blood clotting and iron contributes to normal oxygen transport in the body.
