Moringa Oleifera: Health Benefits of Miracle Plant
The Moringa Oleifera labeled as the Drumstick tree, Ben oil tree, or the Horseradish tree, is also known as the Miracle plant due to its various health benefits. The “Moringa” is native to the sub-Himalayan regions of south Asia-Pacific.
It grows best in dry sandy soil, and also sustains less fertile soil, including seaside areas. It is a quick-growing, drought-resistant plant, widely cultivated in Africa, South Asia, Central, and South America. It harvests fruit between April to June. Being the world’s most nutritious plant, almost every component can be used for food as well as health remedies.
Nutritional Value of Moringa
Moringa oleifera is abundant in nutrient contents ever found in plants. It contains vitamin B-Complex, vitamin C, copper, chromium, iron, magnesium, manganese, zinc, and phosphorus. It is rich in digestible proteins that are healthy for humans and livestock alike.
A study estimates that dry leaves of Moringa oleifera contain 7 times vitamin C than an orange,17 times calcium than milk,10 times vitamin A than carrot, 25 times iron than spinach, 9 times proteins than yogurt, and 15 times potassium than bananas. Moringa is an alternative to imported food nutrients to deal with malnutrition in underdeveloped countries.
It provides a rare combination of nutrients like amino acids, anti-aging, anti-oxidants, and anti-inflammatory properties used for nourishment and healing.
Medicinal Uses of Moringa Oleifera
Moringa oleifera (drumstick) has been used in several conventional medicines and Ayurveda. It is evaluated as an efficacious remedy for treating nervous system illnesses as well as memory-enhancing agents. It has been extensively utilized as a formal cure for headaches, cough, sore throat, fever, diarrhea, anemia, anxiety, asthma, abnormal blood pressure, blackheads, pimples, conjunctivitis, ear infection, skin diseases, intestinal worms, hysteria, pain in joints, respiratory disorders as bronchitis and tuberculosis, and diabetes. Moringa oil has great cosmetic importance as well and is used in body and hair care as a moisturizer and skin conditioner.
Moringa Leaf Extract (MLE)
Moringa leaves are the most nutritious part of this miracle plant. The leaves include substantial amounts of valuable vitamins, minerals, and a huge amount of protein. Because of these characteristics, many people believe Moringa to be a Vital Superfood.
Raw Moringa leaves are often boiled and consumed like spinach or are dried and powdered so they can be made into various soups and sauces. Dried moringa leaves are also used to make tasty and nutritious herbal tea.
A natural plant growth enhancer
The benefits of this miracle plant are almost enormous. Leaves of Moringa oleifera are wealthy in Zeatin, a cytokinin in addition to other growth-enhancing solvents like ascorbates, and minerals like Ca, K, and Fe that makes it a great crop growth enhancer. Its spray accelerated the development of fresh plants. Plants become powerful, more resistant to pests and infection, prolonged life-span, long roots, stems, and leaves; producing huge fruit and increase in yield 20–35%.
Moringa Oleifera Flowers
The flowers have such a fresh and soft composition, but once cooked, it takes a deeper strong flavor, similar to the flavor of mushrooms. Smells like creamy tuberose, gardenia, jasmine, and honey are all wrapped into one.
Moringa Oleifera as a Water purifier
Moringa to sterilize water replaces chemicals such as aluminum sulfate, which are hazardous to people and the atmosphere. seed powder is a good source for water purification.
Moringa seed pods are boiled and utilized as a component in soups and curries. The raw seeds can be cooked like peas or toasted and eaten like nuts. The acetone extract of the seed had a strong antibacterial activity. It reveals that the seed powder and its extract can control and reduce water-borne bacterial diseases.
Moringa Oleifera Roots Powder
Its roots are used to deal with even snake bits in Africa. The root powder act as colon detox, digestion regulator, a pain reliever for the back and joints, a hydrant for dry skin, and an immunity booster. It is notorious for its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties. The moringa root powder is recommended for educators and learners to enhance cognitive abilities, mental health, and overall physical well-being.
MORINGA Oleifera OIL
Moringa oil is pulled from the seeds and is known as Ben oil. Ben oil is edible. It is also utilized for making skin cream and greases for machines. Moringa is suggested for Agroforestry being farmer-friendly. Oil quantities (%) are better in Moringa seeds as related to that of Jatropha.
Moringa as Livestock Feed and Fodder
Moringa oleifera nutrients are important for animals for weight increase, digestibility, and increasing milk production. Biomass is used as fodder and is an assurance to increase milk production. Excess waste is also utilized for animal feed because of its high nutritional quality.
It is strongly recommended for Agroforestry all over the world. Being a deciduous plant, it does not have any side effects on crops. It has long deep roots and does not oppose crops for nutritious concerns. It helps to enhance soil fertility and keep a clean environment.
Future of Moringa
Moringa is classified as a leafy vegetable. Though today, African consumers are showing a rising interest in leafy vegetables, not only for their low expense but also for their health and fitness. Dried moringa leaves are easily stored and used by households who can then add the powder to their diet. The powder is also used by food industries to improve their products in nutrients.
Farmers in rural areas can start Moringa Plantation with little financial investment, and can be cultivated without using fertilizers. Refining is also a convenient activity that generates income for rural farmers. Sun drying is a cheap method utilized to achieve quality results.
The tips to a prosperous farm are trimming the trees to achieve a bushel and a regular leaf-growth, but a limited amount of water and organic waste. The fundamental factors of processing are hygiene and humidity control to ensure that the leaf powder remains dry until packaging. By following these recommendations, a Moringa plantation can produce leaves in excess all year-round.
