First it was spinach, then it was kale. And now it’s moringa - a tree native to South Asia that goes by the name of the ‘miracle tree.’ Although it may look decidedly weed like, there is certainly a lot to attest its miracle moniker.
So why is moringa being hailed the new 'It' superfood...
Redefining nutritional, this tree comprises over 90 nutritients including calcium, Vitamin C and Vitamin A. According to Mercola, 100 grams of dried moringa leaves contains:
•9 times the protein of yogurt
•10 times the vitamin A of carrots
•15 times the potassium of banana (athough bananas have their own superfood potential - they've hit headlines as they may one day be the key to tackling AIDs, hepatitis C and influenza)
•17 times the calcium of milk
•12 times the vitamin C of oranges
•25 times the iron of spinach
For diets in developing countries that lack nutrition, moringa has it all. Humanitarian organisations are actively encouraging the use of moringa to first alleviate, and then combat world hunger. Remarkably, even during droughts in West Africa, moringa still grows, and it also purifies water.
It’s a word we have all come to dread. Cholesterol: nasty fatty deposits floating around in our blood. Well, Moringa has been scientifically proven){href='/wp-admin/(http:/topnutritionals.ca/blog/cholesterol-too-high-moringa-may-be-the-cure.html)' } to lower cholesterol by blocking its absorption.
There’s little to no wastage too, as the pods, leaves and seeds can all be eaten or used. What’s more, it’s as versatile as you like. Fresh, cooked or dried. Although we would have to journey far to pick up fresh leaves, we can get hold of dried ones in droves. Sold as dietary supplements in powder and capsule form and on their own, try adding the latter to your signature dish to notch up some health foodie points.
There have been no recorded adverse reactions to moringa and it has no known impurities.
Oh, and did we mention it's used as an aphrodisiac!
Expect to start seeing this ingredient on every smoothie board around, it’s the stuff of superfood dreams. Instagram, get ready!
Words by Phoebe McDowell