ABOUT MORINGA
Moringa has become quite a trend in health stores these days because of its many benefits. Although the plant has been used for thousands of years for its healing properties, it is just now gaining popularity as a superfood!!! Pretty much all parts of this plant are nutritious and beneficial. It contains proteins, vitamins, and minerals. And as an antioxidant, it seems to protect cells from damage. It’s leaves, bark, flowers, fruit, seeds, and root are all used to make medicine. In other words, this plant packs a punch!!!
It is a plant native to India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan. But it also grows in certain parts of Asia, South Africa, and South America. It is mostly grown in the tropics, as it thrives in hot climates. Hence the only forms of it available in the north western part of the world are – capsule supplement, powder, and oil form.
It is also an important food source in some parts of the world. Because it can be grown cheaply and easily, and the leaves retain lots of vitamins and minerals when dried, moringa is used in India and Africa in feeding programs to fight malnutrition.
BENEFITS OF MORINGA! WHY CONSUME IT?
Moringa seems to offer a world of health benefits, and also helps resolve many common health issues. The following is just a small list from it’s growing claims of benefits:
- Packed with healthy compounds: Vitamin A, Vitamin B1, B2, B3, B6, Folate, Vitamin C, Calcium, Potassium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Zinc. (It is extremely low in fats and contains no harmful cholesterol.)
- Good source of complete plant protein
- Provides antioxidants and has anti-aging properties
- Acts as a natural anti-inflammatory agent, and also helps with arthritis
- Supports cardiovascular health
- Promotes liver health
- Promotes good digestive/gut health
- Excellent source of iron for people with anemia
- Helps manage diabetes by balancing blood sugar levels
- Supports brain health
- Balances hormones
MY TAKE AND PURCHASING SUGGESTIONS…
The fact that Moringa is an “all natural” ingredient that offers a heap of holistic benefits, surely makes it worth a try!!! But be careful when making your purchase. As with everything you buy, you want to make sure that you are getting the true ingredient with “NO ADDED FILLERS”. So check the labels of the moringa powder, supplement, or whichever form you purchase. Make sure that it reads – 100% pure moringa, and does not included any added fillers/ingredients. I would also highly recommend purchasing an organic form.
WARNING MESSAGE!!!
What’s the warning message?
Oh, nothing too serious. But the fact that the moringa “powder form” is unbearable to taste!!! I am generally the kind of person who is willing to sacrifice taste for a healthier food choice. But even for me, the moringa powder was very hard to gulp down. So if taste isn’t a sacrifice you can make, then I suggest you opt for the moringa supplement or oil form. This way you are not buying the powder one day, and tossing it away the next day.
The powder packaging will say that it can be added to smoothies, soups etc. But if your powder is made from pure moringa, then believe me, it will destroy the taste of whatever you add it to.
So if buying the powder form, I’d say – mix it with some warm water and just gulp it down (while thinking of all the benefits you are gaining from it.) 😉
Now you’ll ask me – why didn’t I just opt for the supplement form? (a) Because when I made the purchase, I didn’t know that the powder was going to taste this strong. (b) I was not able to locally find a brand that sold 100% pure “organic” moringa in a capsule form with “no added fillers”.
Perhaps I will research more online and find a moringa capsule supplement brand that I can trust. And if you happen to find one in the meantime, please share in the comments below!!!