Organic Moringa (Moringa oleifera) or horseradish tree, because of the flavor of its roots, is very widespread in subtropical countries and more particularly in India. It is not found in the conditions necessary to grow in the West, but that does not prevent us from recognizing and using its medicinal, nutritional and cosmetic virtues.
The tree of life or the tree of miracles
In the tropics, Moringa is a small tree (10 m maximum) with deciduous foliage, resistant to drought and growing quickly. Its pods and tripinnate leaves are mainly used, although the seeds and bark are not left out.
Malnutrition, often a scourge in poor countries, can be alleviated thanks to the local cultivation of Moringa which makes it possible to remedy anemia and nutrient deficiencies which are particularly serious for infants and breastfeeding women.
Water purification would be another advantage of Moringa, the seeds of which contain an active product which filters the water by flocculation and makes it drinkable.
These two aspects explain why it is called the tree of life!
The medicinal properties of Moringa
Moringa leaves are rich in vitamins A, C, E and B. A high content of calcium and potassium should be noted as well as magnesium, manganese, selenium, iron. They also contain good fatty acids and the 8 so-called essential amino acids (isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, valine). They are, on the other hand, low in phosphorus and lipids. Beware, however, of their oxalate content, a natural oxidant contained in particular in spinach.
Moringa leaves will help deficient or tired people regain significant energy that could rival that provided by carbohydrates.
Moringa leaves also have antitumor, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, but they would also have neuroprotective properties aimed at improving brain function, in terms of memory and cognitive functions in the event of Alzheimer's disease.
The high fatty acid content of Moringa is found in the seeds: oleic acid (omega 9), palmitoleic acid (omega 7). These fatty acids act in a preventive way against cardiovascular diseases, by raising the good cholesterol and lowering the bad, avoiding the metabolic syndrome leading to obesity. They also have a blood glucose lowering action, particularly interesting for people with a diabetic tendency.
In Ayurvedic medicine, Moringa has been well known for centuries for the antiseptic virtues of its sap for external use, its boiled bark against kidney stones but also its root, rich in polyphenols, against malaria, asthma or joint pain.
Moringa oleifera is mainly presented in powder and capsules sold in health food stores and organic stores such as www.biologiquement.com, in packaging protected from air and light.
Let's not forget that it is a plant that allows a nutritious food crop in poor countries, so if you buy it make sure that the product is stamped fair trade and above all 100% natural or 100% pure powder, without any additives or chemicals.
The plant in the kitchen
Moringa oleifera, tree of life, in the kitchen
All parts of Moringa are eaten (fruits, seeds, leaves, flowers, roots), but in different ways depending on the country and region.
Curries, stir-fries, vegetable dishes, soups, sauces, donuts, seasonings, condiments, omelettes, salads, oils, drinks…
Moringa and its cosmetic virtues
The oil extracted from Moringa seeds has remarkable moisturizing and restorative properties, useful for accelerating the healing of the skin and for slowing down the aging of the skin and the appearance of wrinkles. The cosmetics industry is closely interested in its properties to prevent dryness of the mucous membranes.
