Moringa Oleifera is the best known of the thirteen species of the genus Moringacae. Moringa was highly valued in the ancient world.The Romans, Greeks and Egyptians extracted edible oil from the seeds and used it for perfume and skin lotion. In 19th century, plantations of Moringa in the West Indies exported the oil to Europe for perfumes and lubricants for machinery. People inthe Indian sub-continent have long used Moringa pods for food. The edible leaves are eaten throughout West Africa and parts of Asia.
For centuries, people in many countries have used Moringa leaves as traditional medicine for common ailments. Clinical studies have begun to suggest that at least some of these claims are valid. With such great medicinal value being suggested by traditional medicine, further clinical testing is very much needed. India: Traditionally used for anemia, anxiety, asthma, blackheads, blood impurities, bronchitis, catarrh, chest congestion, cholera, conjunctivitis, cough, diarrhea, eye & ear infections, fever, glandular swelling, headaches, abnormal blood pressure, hysteria, pain in joints, pimples, psoriasis, respiratory disorders, scurvy, semen deficiency, sore throat, sprain, tuberculosis Malaysia: Traditionally used for intestinal worms Guatemala: Traditionally used for skin infections and sores Puerto Rico: Traditionally used for intestinal worms Philippines: Traditionally used for anemia, glandular swelling and lactating
Family: Moringacae
Range: Native to the Indian sub-continent and naturalized in
tropical and sub-tropical areas around the world Description: Deciduous tree or shrub, fast-growing, drought resistant, average height of 12 meters at maturity Other twelve (12) varieties of Moringa species
Many of the listed vitamins, minerals and amino acids are very
important for a healthy diet. An individual needs sufficient levels of
certain vitamins, minerals, proteins and other nutrients for his
physical development and well-being. Actual need for different
vitamins, etc, will vary depending on an individual’s metabolism, age, sex, occupation and where he/she is residing. Recommendations for daily allowances (RDA) also vary according to whom is doing the study. WHO/FAO recommend the following daily allowances for a child aged 1-3 years old and a woman during lactation
Leaves and pods of Moringa Oleifera can be an extremely valuable
source of nutrition for people of all ages. Moringa Leaves can be dried
and made into a powder by rubbing them over a sieve. Drying should
be done indoors and the leaf powder stored in opaque, well-sealed
plastic container since sunlight will destroy Vitamin A. It is estimated
that only 20-40% of Vitamin A content will be retained if leaves are
dried under direct sunlight, but that 50-70% will be retained if leaves
are dried in the shade. This powder can be used in place of fresh
leaves to make lead sauces, or few spoonfuls of the powder can be
added to other sauces just before serving. Addition of small amounts
of leaf powder will have no discernible effect on the taste of a sauce.
In this way, Moringa leaves will be ready available to improve
nutritional intake on a daily basis
