Overview:

Moringa is a fast-growing and drought-resistant tree of the Moringaceae family.
It is commonly known with several names including moringa, drumstick tree (for the long and slender seedpods), horseradish tree (for the roots taste resembling horseradish), ben oil tree (being rich in behenic acid), and miracle tree (for the medicinal properties).
Moringa  oleifera is the most popular of the thirteen species in the genus Moringa, the unique of the family Moringaceae.
Moringa oleifera is one of the most popular plants that can grow in a variety of environments due to its ability to resist to harsh conditions such as high temperatures and limited water availability.
Therefore, it grows in a variety of soils including semi-dry, desert, or tropical soils and rainfall conditions.

Benefits:

• The antioxidants found in moringa may prevent premature wrinkles and possibly help you live longer.
• Moringa powder contains three grams of protein per tablespoon and contains all of the essential amino acids necessary for energy production, muscle repair, and more.
• Moringa leaves are rich in amino acids, the building blocks of proteins.
• 18 types of amino acids are found in them and each of them makes an important contribution to our wellbeing.
• Moringa has been shown to reduce lipid and glucose levels and regulate oxidative stress in lab studies.
• Moringa leaves are natural cleansers and help to detoxify the system. This helps to keep the body and increase immunity against various infections.
  They also increase the energy levels in the body.
• Moringa leaves are antiseptic and fight off many bacterial infections.
• Moringa contains high concentrations of polyphenols that reverse oxidation in the liver.
• Preliminary research has shown that moringa can also reduce symptoms of liver fibrosis and protect against liver damage.
• Moringa leaf powder contains high amounts of fiber that’s critical for digestion and may even reduce your risk of disease.
• Moringa leaves improve the health and appearance of skin and hair.
• They add suppleness to the skin and shine to the hair.
• The antioxidants present in moringa leaves reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles on the skin.
• Moringa leaves were used to increase lactation in nursing mothers.
• The damage caused by free radicals is responsible for many chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes, heart problems and Alzheimer’s.

Moringa For Pregnancy & Breast Feeding:

Consumption of moringa oleifera increased the quality of breastmilk, especially the amount of protein.
Another study found that Moringa oleifera leaves increased the production of breastmilk on postpartum days 4 to 5 among mothers who delivered preterm infants.

How to Use:

• The good thing about the leaf-powder is that you can use it in almost anything you want.
• You can consume the leaf powder daily, taking a teaspoon each day.
• You can increase your daily intake to two teaspoons as your body gets used to it.
• If you don’t like the taste of the leaf-powder, you can add it to your regular meals especially in soups and stews, before or after cooking.
• However, cooking the leaf-powder can alter the composition of Moringa Oleifera.
• If you don’t like the taste of cooked Moringa, you can sprinkle it directly on your food or blend it along with your favorite smoothie or shake.
• A popular and well-known combination is mixing Moringa-Powder with apple juice.
• Likewise, you can blend it with any of your favorite fresh juices.
• The powder can be consumed by using it with warm water as well or drink in tea.
• This is suitable for people who find the taste of the powder too strong for their taste buds.

Side Effects:

• Moringa oleifera has laxative properties.
• In large quantities, it can cause stomach upsets, gaseous distension, diarrhoea and heartburn.
• If you don’t like the taste it may activate your gag reflex.
• Avoid consuming too much as it can cause nausea.
• Moringa leaf and seeds are possibly safe when used as medicine, short term.
• People have used moringa leaf products for up to 6 months.
• People have used moringa seed products for up to 3 weeks.
• Moringa root and root bark are possibly unsafe.
• The roots and root bark contain toxic substances.

Moringa roots and barks side effects may include:

A 100-gram serving of moringa leaf powder  contains: