Why the Indian moringa has left all superfoods behind
Foreign superfoods have serious competition from an indigenous food called moringa, made from the leaves of the drumstick, which has been a part of our traditional diet in India for ages now. The drumstick tree is often referred to as a miracle tree due to the sheer amount of nutrients it delivers.
Every part of this tree is a nutritional powerhouse in itself but it's in the leaves that they are most concentrated; 90 nutrients are already known to date, with the possibility of more to be identified.
Moringa is a rich source of vitamins, minerals, and contains significant amounts of vitamin A, B, (folic acid, pyridoxine and riboflavin), C, and E, calcium, manganese, magnesium, potassium, phosphorous, zinc and protein.
It delivers all the eight essential amino acids our body needs and is actually one of the few plant foods that contain all the eight.
Moringa has traditionally been used for treating and preventing multiple diseases, and as a natural energy booster. Not really a surprise as it is loaded with antioxidants; it contains flavonoids, polyphenols and ascorbic acid - all potent antioxidants and free radical terminators. The polyphenols in it also help protect our liver against oxidation, toxicity and damage.
Its anti-inflammatory properties are well documented too. Moringa reduces inflammation by suppressing inflammatory enzymes and proteins in the body, and thus cuts the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes, respiratory problems, cardiovascular disease, arthritis and obesity — which occur due to inflammation.
Moringa is a unique food that helps reduce both sugar and lipid levels in the body, and is great for our heart because apart from aiding blood lipid control, it helps prevent plaque formation in the arteries and cuts cholesterol levels.
High content of vitamins E and C in moringa is great news for our brain too as these help prevent cognitive decline. Its role in Alzheimer's prevention is also very promising, and the fact that it helps up neurotransmitters serotonin, dopamine and noradrenaline in the brain explains its positive role in boosting our memory and mood.
It's a natural beauty tool too as the power pack of nutrients in it delivers a healthy glowing skin and strengthened hair. Moringa leaves also have natural blood-purifying properties which naturally help in acne reduction.
Moringa is actually a "must eat" because it belongs to the niche group of adaptogens, the new stress-fighting superherbs, which have the nutrition world excited. Some plants have superpowers that can help the body adapt to stress and handle it in a healthy way (instead of letting it run us down) - these wonder foods are called adaptogens, and they help tone, strengthen, rebuild and nourish the body. Moringa tops the list of adaptogens.
Fresh moringa leaves can also be cooked in the same way as spinach and other saags. If you have access to them, cook fresh or have the dried powder or flakes. The best news is that you need very little - about three grams per day - to score the benefits. Add to your smoothie or cereal, soups and stews or just mix it with water and gulp it down. It has an earthy and grassy taste, so you can add some honey, maple syrup or cinnamon too in order to mask the flavour, but have it all the same - for the unlimited benefits it packs.
Sometimes, all we need to do is look in our backyard to find the superfood we need in order to score health and combat modern day diseases.
And moringa is just that superfood.