Imagine a tree in your backyard that can meet all your nutritional needs, be your medicine, and purify water for you. This tree actually exists! For centuries, the natives of northern India and many parts of Africa have known of the many benefits of Moringa oleifera. Its uses are as unique as the names it is known by, including Clarifier tree, Horseradish tree, and Drumstick tree (referring to the large drumstick shaped pods). In East Africa it is called "Mother's best friend". Virtually every part of the tree can be used.
Native only to the foothills of the Himalayas, it is now widely cultivated in Africa, Central and South America, Sri Lanka, India, Malaysia and the Philippines. Though little known in the Western world, this tree is nutritional gold, having literally hundreds of uses. This little-known tree has potential to improve nutrition, boost food security, foster rural development, and support sustainable landcare.
Moringa Powder: Nutritional Gold
In developing tropical countries, Moringa trees have been used to combat malnutrition. Leaves can be eaten fresh, cooked, or stored as dried powder for many months without refrigeration, and without loss of nutritional value. Moringa is especially promising as a food source in the tropics because the tree is in full leaf at the end of the dry season when other foods are typically scarce.
Pods: The immature pods are the most valued and widely used parts of the tree. The pods are extremely nutritious, containing all the essential amino acids, along with many other vitamins and other nutrients.
Leaves: The young moringa oleifera leaves are sterilized with ozone and dried at low temperatures, preserving the vital nutrients contained in the leaves. The leaves are highly nutritious, being a significant source of beta-carotene, Vitamin C, protein, iron, and potassium.
Analyses of the leaf composition has revealed them to have significant quantities of vitamins A, B and C, calcium, iron and protein.
25 grams daily of Moringa Leaf Powder offers the following recommended daily allowances: Protein 42%, Calcium 125%, Magnesium 61%, Potassium 41%, Iron 71%, Vitamin A 272%, and Vitamin C 22%.
Moringa: Lactation Support
Moringa leaves and pods are helpful in increasing breast milk in the breastfeeding months. One tablespoon of leaf powder provides 14% of the protein, 40% of the calcium, 23% of the iron and most of the vitamin A for the needs of a child aged one to three.
Six tablespoons of leaf powder will provide nearly all of the woman's daily iron and calcium needs during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Specifications:
Source: India. Cold Water Extraction performed in Karnataka, India.
Ingredients: Organic Moringa Powder, taken from the young leaves.
Container Size: 4 oz.
Servings Per Container: Depends on serving size.
Serving Size: If you are completely new to this herb, it is best to start small (1/16-1/8 teaspoon), and gradually build up as your body adapts to its potency to 1/2 teaspoon or more.
Suggested Usage: Add to your favorite smoothie, elixir, soup or sauce. Perfect for adding into your homemade salad dressings!
Storage Instructions: Keep tightly sealed. Store in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight.
