Moringa Oleifera: Effect and application of the miracle plant
The tropical plant Moringa Oleifera is said to have a whole cornucopia of wonderful effects. Providers praise you as a miracle of nutrients and a medical all-round talent. We have collected essential information about Moringa for you.
Moringa leaves: effects due to special nutrient content
The Moringa O Liefera plant originally comes from areas of the Himalayas. It is now found in many tropical areas - mainly Asia and Africa. The roots as well as the fruits and seeds, but especially the leaves of the plant are used for nutrition and as a remedy.
- In this country, Moringa O Liefera is used as a nutritional supplement: the dried, powdered leaves of Moringa collect considerable amounts of vitamins, minerals and trace elements .
- Moringa powder can support the supply of calcium, for example. With a daily dose you can consume 200 to 400 mg calcium. Your bones need this mineral. Especially vegans or people with low milk consumption benefit from it.
- Vitamin E is also said to be present in significant amounts in the leaves of the plant. However, very few providers provide reliable values. The values vary depending on whether older leaves (which may contain more) or younger shoots have been processed.
- A star is Moringa powder in terms of its vitamin B2 content : you can add about 2 milligrams of the vitamin with 10 grams of the powder. Vitamin B2 improves the complexion, strengthens the nerves and promotes the growth of nails.
- The powder can also make a daily contribution to the supply of iron, magnesium and vitamin A.
- The protein content of the powder form is estimated to be quite high at 25 percent. However, with 10 grams of daily intake, this is a maximum of 2.5 grams of protein. You can judge the leaves as a positive addition because it contains some valuable branched chain amino acids that are particularly important for muscle building.
- Moringa is a good natural nutritional supplement. Nevertheless, you should carefully reconsider all information about the nutrient content of dried leaves, which are published primarily by suppliers . After all, you take a maximum of 10-20 grams a day of this supplement.
Traditional remedy in Southeast Asia
Ayurvedic teaching alone reports about 300 effects of the "miracle tree" Moringa Oleifera. The local enthusiasm for the traditional remedy prompted neutral observers, who quickly put the exaggerated representations into perspective. A few studies - mainly on animals and in cell culture - are supposed to prove the effectiveness of the tree, but are currently not classified scientifically as sufficient.
- Moringa O Liefera and watery and alcoholic extracts from it can have an antibacterial effect . In tests, the agents were found to be effective against Staphylococcus aureus and other infectious germs.
- The green powder is said to help normalize blood glucose levels, triglyceride and cholesterol levels . Therefore, when used specifically, it may play a role in preventing diabetes or cardiovascular disease, as well as obesity.
- A cancer-inhibiting effect of Moringa O Liefera was observed in cell cultures. The German Cancer Research Center Heidelberg is still cautious about herbal dietary supplements.
- In animal experiments, a liver cell protective effect and a protective effect against the toxin arsenic were observed.
- The high content of antioxidants in the powder speaks for a strengthening effect on the entire organism and the immune system as well as possible regulating effects in inflammatory processes.
- The plant growth hormone zeatin could also play a role. Moringa Oleifera has much more of it than other plants. Exact mechanisms of action are not yet known.
Use of Moringa Oleifera
As numerous as the potential effects of the moringa tree are, its application possibilities are as diverse.
- Moringa Oleifera is not approved as a natural medicine. Most will be satisfied with the powder of the dried Moringa leaves as a dietary supplement . There are powders, capsules or pellets for this.
- Proponents recommend taking Moringa daily in the morning. For example, you can mix the powder into a smoothie or sprinkle over your muesli or porridge. Try out what the spinach-like, slightly spicy taste of the powder goes with.
- Of course, this addition is also conceivable for other meals. However, be careful not to heat the food afterwards. For example, stir the powder into a savory dip or spread.
- If you want to use Moringa powder: To get used to it, start with half a teaspoon and then increase this amount to about 2 teaspoons a day.
- Of course, fresh leaves can also be used in its growing countries. Locals also cook the seeds of the Moringa tree as vegetables. They are served as so-called "drumsticks".
- Fresh roots of the tree also serve as a substitute for horseradish in the countries of origin. However, the roots must first be peeled before use. They contain more mustard oil glycosides than the leaves.
- You can also buy Moringa Oleifera Oil (behen oil). You can use the oil both as food and for cosmetic purposes as well as a soothing remedy for joint problems. To do this, rub the affected parts of the body with a handful of the oil and massage the skin region.
- Among other things, you can order the seeds of the Moringa plant from suppliers on the Internet. These are particularly valuable if you are planning an "outdoor" trekking tour with an unsafe water supply. You can effectively use the crushed seeds for water treatment and clarification.
If you want to call a "miracle tree" your own, we have described in the next practical tip how you can plant Moringa Oleifera yourself. However, please note that the active ingredient and nutrient content of your plant can differ significantly from the original plants of the countries of origin.