Moringa is a plant native to Asia and Africa with many nutritional and medicinal uses. While many parts of the tree are used for both food and medicine purposes, the leaves are the most nutritious part of the plant, being a significant source of B vitamins, vitamin C, provitamin A as beta-carotene, vitamin K, manganese, and protein, among other essential nutrients.
Some of the calcium in moringa leaves is bound as crystals of calcium oxalate though at levels 1/25th to 1/45th of that found in spinach, which is a negligible amount.The leaves are cooked and used like spinach and are commonly dried and crushed into a powder used in soups and sauces.
When compared with common foods particularly high in certain nutrients per 100 g fresh weight, cooked moringa leaves have considerably higher concentrations of these same nutrients compared to other foods which is why some people call this a super food.
Moringa leaves
6 health benefits of
Moringa Leaves
Here are 6 health benefits of Moringa oleifera that are supported by scientific research.
Moringa oleifera Is Very Nutritious. …
Moringa oleifera Is Rich in Antioxidants. …
Moringa May Lower Blood Sugar Levels. …
Moringa oleifera May Reduce Inflammation. …
Moringa Can Lower Cholesterol.
Drumsticks
The immature seed pods, called “drumsticks”, are commonly consumed in South Asia prepared by parboiling, and cooked in a curry until soft.The seed pods/fruits, even when cooked by boiling, remain particularly high in vitamin C and are also a good source of dietary fiber, potassium, magnesium, and manganese.
Moringa seeds
The seeds, sometimes removed from more mature pods and eaten like peas or roasted like nuts, contain high levels of vitamin C and moderate amounts of B vitamins and dietary minerals.
Moringa seed oil
Mature seeds yield 38–40% edible oil called ben oil from its high concentration of behenic acid. The refined oil is clear and odorless, and resists rancidity. The seed cake remaining after oil extraction may be used as a fertilizer or as a flocculent to purify water. Moringa seed oil also has potential for use as a biofuel.
Moringa roots
The roots are shredded and used as a condiment with sharp flavor qualities deriving from significant content of polyphenols.
Moringa malnutrition relief
Moringa trees have been used to combat malnutrition, especially among infants and nursing mothers. Since moringa thrives in arid and semiarid environments, it may provide a versatile, nutritious food source throughout the year. Moringa leaves have been proposed as an iron-rich food source (31% Daily Value per 100 g consumed, table) to combat iron deficiency. However, further study is needed to test practical applications of using this dietary source and its iron bioavailability.
Moringa Leaves Pick Your Own NJ
At TIKSmart NJ farms in Pemberton NJ, we offer fresh moringa leaves for pick your own when available.
