What Is Moringa?
Moringa Oleifera are leaves that come from the Moringaceae tribe. This leaf has a very distinctive feature, which is oval-shaped, dark green with flat leaf edges. The small size is compounded in one stalk with a neutral taste and non-toxic.
In various regions in Indonesia, this leaf has several names, namely kelor (Sunda, Java, Lampung, Bali), maronggih (Madura), moltong (Flores), keloro (Bugis), and onggu (Bima area).
Moringa plants are native to sub-Himalayan regions such as India, Pakistan and Afghanistan. But in general, this plant can grow well in tropical, subtropical, to semi-savanna regions.
This plant usually grows wild in people’s gardens or forests in Indonesia. In eastern Indonesia, where the climate is drier, this plant is not only a shade for the yard but also a source of nutrition for the family during the long dry season which causes famine.
In Indonesia, Moringa leaves are mostly produced in the areas of Madura, West Java, Sulawesi, Flores, East Nusa Tenggara and Blora.
What are the Benefits of Moringa?
The benefits of this leaf have been known for hundreds of years, even in traditional medicine This leaf is called the “Magic Tree”. In some countries Moringa oleifera is often called drumstick tree, the miracle tree, the ben oil tree, or the horseradish tree. Moringa is believed to have many benefits and its uses range from health to helping prevent and cure diseases. The benefits of moringa include:
1. Source of Nutrition
The nutritional content in these leaves is very complete, from protein, various vitamins, to iron and zinc.
2. Increase Immunity
Its vitamin C content is 7 times more than oranges and is proven to boost immunity. In addition, the body can be protected from the Streptococcus aureus bacteria that causes pneumonia.
3. Smooth Breast Milk Production
The active compounds in these leaves are proven to increase the production of more breast milk.
4. Controlling Blood Sugar Levels
The active compounds contained in these leaves have also been shown to increase insulin production to prevent diabetes.
5. Inhibiting Cancer Cells
Its high antioxidant content has been shown to inhibit the growth of cancer cells and prevent cell damage.
6. Treating asthma
Moringa may help reduce the severity of some asthma attacks and protect against bronchial constrictions. It has also been shown to assist with better lung function and breathing overall.
7. Protecting against kidney disorders
People may be less likely to develop stones in the kidneys, bladder or uterus if they ingest moringa extract. Moringa contains high levels of antioxidants that might aid toxicity levels in the kidneys.
8. Reducing high blood pressure
Moringa contains isothiocyanate and niaziminin, compounds that help to stop arteries from thickening, which can cause blood pressure to rise.
9. Improving eye health
Moringa contains eyesight-improving properties thanks to its high antioxidant levels. Moringa may stop the dilation of retinal vessels, prevent the thickening of capillary membranes, and inhibit retinal dysfunction.
10. Treating anemia and sickle cell disease
Moringa might help a person’s body absorb more iron, therefore increasing their red blood cell count. It is thought the plant extract is very helpful in treating and preventing anemia and sickle cell disease.
and there are many more miracles given by moringa besides those we mentioned above
Tiny Leaves Enormous Benefits
From several research results, besides being easy to cultivate, Moringa has a very high nutritional content, the comparison per 100 gram portion of each can be seen in the picture,
- 9x the Protein of Yogurt
Protein is necessary for the maintaining of healthy muscles, skin hair, nails and brain cells,
- 10x the Vitamin A of Carrots
Vitamin A acts as a shield against a variety of diseases, including eye, skin and heart disease, and diarrhoea,
- 15x the Potassium of Bananas
Needed for the proper function of the brain and nerves,
- 17x the Calcium of Milk
Calcium builds strong teeth and bones, and helps in preventing osteoporosis,
- 1/2x the Vitamin C of Oranges
Vitamin C builds the immune system and fights infectious diseases, such as colds and flu,
- 25x the Iron of Spinach
Iron is necessary for many body functions including the formation of haemoglobin and brain development and function.
The World Health Organization (WHO) also crowned Moringa as a miracle tree, after conducting a study and finding that this plant served as a low-priced health enhancer for more than 40 years in the world’s poorest countries.
