good news – Conscious Consumer Network

Moringa has been known as a nutritional powerhouse for quite some time, it’s health benefits have been touted for centuries. But, what isn’t as well known about Moringa is how hardy it is to grow. It thrives in hot, dry climates where it grows like a weed. These trees not only grow fast, they grow tall, up to twenty feet! According to an article in the New Yorker, Mark Olson, a professor of evolutionary biology at the National Autonomous University of Mexico, believes that the Moringa tree is,

“uniquely suited to feeding poor and undernourished populations of the dryland tropics, especially in the era of climate change.”

With climate change upon us, statistics show that the hot and dry regions of the world are only going to become hotter and dryer. According to David Lobell, the deputy director of Stanford University’s Center on Food Security and the Environment, these regions are a nutritional hot zone.

“If you look at climate models, the conditions are projected to intensify more than in most other climatic regions,” Lobell said. “So the already hot, dry climates will become really hot and really dry, relative to their current state.”

With that being said, people living in these regions will most likely benefit the most from this exceptional tree. Because according to Olson,

“Nothing else in the plant kingdom really compares.”

So lets take a look at the nutritional data of the most common species grown, Moringa oleifera:

✔It’s leaves are unusually rich in:

Protein
Iron
Calcium
Nine essential amino acids
Vitamins A, B & C
Anti-inflammatory
Anti-diabetic properties
Protect against cancer

✔It’s seed pods, as thick as drumsticks, are high in:

Protein
Omega 3 fatty acids
Anti-inflammatory
Anti-diabetic
Protect against cancer

Vegetable oil is made out of the mature seeds by pressing them, then the left over pulp is used to purify water. Dry, crushed seeds are used for fertilizer. For a more in depth look at the health benefits of Moringa check out this article by Honey Colony

Some precaution:

While Moringa is safe and effective for most people to take, you should always consult with a doctor before starting any new exercise or nutrition plan and should immediately stop using if you feel any ill effects. In addition, Moringa is a mild laxative, so you should start with a small amount per day to see how your body reacts. Over time, you can increase the dosage, if you have no issues with it.

How to use it:

Moringa is a great addition to your daily green drink or smoothie–just add a few teaspoons to your favorite recipe and enjoy! Moringa powder can also be sprinkled on top of many dishes just before they are served (Moringa shouldn’t be cooked or it loses its strength). These include meats, stews, soups, and salads. However you enjoy it, make Moringa a part of your daily health regime!