“The miracle tree”
Moringa is the common name of a genus of flowering plants in the family Moringaceae. The names moringa is derived from genus name murungai which mean twisted pod , or malayalam word murinna both of which refer to the tree and its parts, The scientific name called Moringa oleifera, There are 13 species types are found but The most commonly known species is Moringa oleifera,we will see also these one Moringa oleifera , In some regions, moringa is also known by other names, such drumstick tree horseradish tree,” or ben oil tree
Parts of moringa tree and its uses
moringa tree has many parts each have their own role, parts are includes:
1.Leaves of Moringa tree
Moringa tree has leaves which are a highly nutritious part of the tree. They are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. The leaves can be consumed fresh, cooked, or dried. They are used in a variety of dishes such as salads, soups, stir-fries, and can also be ground into a powder to make moringa leaf powder, which is used as a nutritional supplement.
2. Pods/Drumsticks
The long, slender green pods of the tree, often referred to as drumsticks, are also edible. They are commonly used in cooking and can be added to curries, stews, and vegetable dishes. The pods are rich in fiber and contain essential nutrients like vitamin C, vitamin A, and potassium.
3. Seeds of Moringa tree
Moringa seeds are found inside the pods and have multiple uses. They can be pressed to extract oil, known as moringa oil or ben oil. Moringa oil is edible, has a high smoke point, and is used in cooking, as a salad dressing ingredient, and as a base for cosmetics and skincare products. The seeds can also be eaten directly or roasted and can serve as a coagulant for clarifying water when crushed into a powder.
4. Bark of Moringa tree
The bark of the moringa tree has medicinal properties. It is used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as fever, inflammation, and digestive disorders. The bark is typically dried, ground into a powder, and used in herbal remedies.
5. Flowers
Moringa tree has flowers which are fragrant and have both culinary and medicinal uses. The flowers can be cooked and eaten as a vegetable, added to salads for a touch of flavor, or brewed into tea. They are also known for their antioxidant properties and can be used in traditional medicine.
6. Roots
The roots of the moringa tree have been utilized for their medicinal properties, particularly in traditional medicine systems. They are commonly used to treat digestive issues, joint pain, and various infections.
7. Wood
The wood of the moringa tree is lightweight, soft, and porous. While not as commonly utilized as other parts of the tree, it can be used for crafting small items, such as utensils, handicrafts, and even musical instruments.
8. Gum
The moringa tree produces a gum-like substance called gum moringa. It can be extracted from the tree and used as a binding agent in various food products. Gum moringa can also serve as a natural adhesive.
Did You Know The Nutritional and Healthy Benefits of Moringa
Moringa have so many Nutritional Benefit including;
1. Rich in vitamins
Moringa tree is truly offers a wide range of uses through its various parts, making it an incredibly valuable and versatile plant.
- Vitamin A is essential for growth and development, immune function, and reproduction .
- Vitamin E: Acts as an antioxidant and supports skin and hair health.
- Vitamin C: Important for skin health, immune support, and antioxidant properties.
- Vitamin B1 or thiamine is essential for glucose metabolism and nerve, muscle, and heart function. People may need supplements if their diet does not provide enough B vitamins, during hemodialysis, and for other reasons.
- Vitamin B2 is an essential B vitamin for human health. People may also refer to it as riboflavin. Health benefits of vitamin B2 include supporting cellular functions that provide the body with energy, allowing it to work efficiently.
- Vitamin B-3, or niacin, is 1 of 8 B vitamins. It plays a role in converting the food we eat into energy. It helps the body to use proteins and fats, and it keeps the skin, hair, and nervous system healthy.
2. Rich in minerals
Calcium is a nutrient that all living organisms need, including humans. Dietary sources of calcium include dairy products, green leafy vegetables, nuts, seeds, and fortified products.
Potassium is one of seven essential macrominerals. It helps maintain fluid levels in the body and supports the functioning of the kidneys, heart, muscles, and nervous system.
Iron is a mineral vital to the proper function of hemoglobin, a protein needed to transport oxygen in the blood and perform other various processes.
Zinc Vital for immune function and wound healing
Magnesium plays a role in over 300 enzyme reactions in the human body. Magnesium functions include helping with muscle and nerve function, regulating blood pressure, and supporting the immune system
Phosphorus plays a role in a number of essential functions in the body. Possible health benefits of phosphorus include keeping bones and teeth strong, helping muscles contract, and more.
3. High in Antioxidants
Moringa tree is high in antioxidants, Antioxidants are compounds that help neutralize free radicals in the body, which can prevent cellular damage and reduce inflammation. The nutrient values can vary depending on whether the leaves are fresh, dried, or powdered. Moringa powder, for example, tends to have higher concentrations of nutrients due to its dehydrated form.
The main antioxidants found in moringa tree includes
- Quercetin : A powerful antioxidant that can help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease.
- Chlorogenic Acid : Found also in coffee, this compound can help moderate blood sugar levels after meals.
- Beta-Carotene: A precursor to vitamin A, important for vision, skin health, and immune function.
- Polyphenols: These compounds have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can protect against various diseases.
- Flavonoids: These compounds have been shown to have anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and antiviral benefits.
The high concentration of these antioxidants in moringa tree makes it a valuable addition to the diet for enhancing overall health and preventing oxidative stress.
- Supports Immune Function: The high vitamin and mineral content of moringa tree supports a healthy immune system, helping the body fight off infections and illnesses.
- Protein Source: Moringa leaves and seeds are good sources of plant-based protein, making them valuable for vegetarians and vegans.
- Promotes Skin Health: Moringa’s vitamin E content, along with its antioxidant properties, can contribute to healthy skin by protecting it from oxidative stress and promoting cell regeneration.
- Aids Digestion: Moringa leaves and pods contain fiber, which supports digestive health by promoting regular bowel movements and aiding in the absorption of nutrients.
4. Anti Aging properties
Moringa tree have Cytokinins hormones which promote cellular growth and delay the aging process. Cytokinins stimulate cell division, delay the aging and destruction of tissues, protect against cell oxidation, and postpone cell death. When the diet includes these plant nutrients, the body as a whole can fight aging, starting at the cellular level called zeatin.
Zeatin is found in most plants, it is more abundant in Moringa plants than any other. Zeatin is powerful of all cytokinins.
Zeatin helps promote small cell size, a key component to more youthful skin.It also influences the structural and functional integrity of the cell, and prevents accumulation of macromolecular damage in the cell. The study found that zeatin increases the activity of some antioxidants ( we are looking at the above about antioxidant help to protect the skin health in short )enzymes, counteracting the free radical-induced oxidative damage incurred during cell aging.
Antioxidants allow the skin to focus on building new collagen and other tasks (such as getting rid of old skin cells) that keep it looking young. Cytokinins have proven to delay biochemical modifications, Moringa not only contains thousands of times more zeatin than any other known plant, it is also the most nutritious plant discovered to date, with over 90 nutritional compounds, including 46 antioxidants and 36.
5. To Improve cholesterol
Having healthy cholesterol levels is crucial in preventing heart disease. The good news is that “moringa has the potential to decrease cholesterol,” Smith says. According to one study, moringa has hypocholesterolemic (lipid-lowering) and antiatherescotic (prevents the buildup of plaques in artery walls) activities which helps a healthy heart. Because of so many Merits it’s called “The Miracle tree”
Types of Moringa tree where they are found and what’s their difference
There are 13 Moringa species as studies evidence, These includes:
There 13 moringa species let’s look each
1. Moringa oleifera
This is one of the well known types or family Morangaceae which is found Native to the Indian subcontinent; widely cultivated worldwide, it’s known for its high nutritional value, including vitamins ( A,E,C), minerals, amino acid, and antioxidants.
2. Moringa stenopetala
This is also the Family of Morangaceae, which is found Native to Ethiopia and Kenya. Its Leaves are larger and thicker compared to M. oleifera. Contains similar nutrients but in different concentrations, and is more drought-resistant.
3. Moringa peregrina
The family of Morangaceae which is found Native to the Arabian Peninsula, Horn of Africa, and parts of the Red Sea region. The Seeds are high in oil, especially oleic acid. The tree is adapted to arid environments and has slender, long pods.
4. Moringa arborea
It’s the family of Morangaceae which is found, Native to Northeast Africa, particularly Somalia. Which have Less in common, with less extensive documentation on its properties. Known for its adaptation to arid climates.
5. Moringa borziana
It’s the family of Morangaceaewhich is found Native to Kenya and Somalia. It has Smaller leaves and pods compared to M. oleifera, adapted to dry regions. Limited research on its chemical composition.
6. Moringa Concanensis
It’s the family of Morangaceae which is found Native to the Indian subcontinent, primarily India and Pakistan. It is Similar to M. oleifera but often found in more arid regions. Shares many nutritional properties with M. oleifera.
7. Moringa drouhardii
It’s the family of Morangaceae which is found,Native to southwestern Madagascar. Known as the “bottle tree” due to its swollen trunk for water storage. Leaves are thicker, and it is highly drought-resistant.
8. Moringa hildebrandtii
It’s the family of Morangaceae found, Native to southwestern Madagascar. Similar to M. drouhardii with a swollen trunk, but has different leaf morphology and is also adapted to arid conditions.
9. Moringa longituba
It’s the family of Morangaceae found, Native to Kenya and Tanzania. Known for its long tuberous roots. It has less foliage compared to other species and is adapted to semi-arid regions.
10. Moringa ovalifolia
It’s the family of Morangaceae,found, Native to Namibia and southwestern Angola. Similar to M. drouhardii with a swollen trunk. Leaves are oval-shaped, and it thrives in arid environments
11. Moringa pygmaea
It’s the family of Morangaceae, found Native to Somalia. One of the smallest species, adapted to very dry conditions. Limited research on its specific properties.
12. Moringa rivae
It’s the family of Morangaceae, found Native to Kenya and Ethiopia. Known for its bushy appearance. Leaves and pods are smaller, and it is adapted to semi-arid regions.
13. Moringa ruspoliana
It’s the family of Morangaceae,found: Native to Ethiopia, Kenya and Somalia. It is Similar in appearance to M. peregrina, with long, slender pods. Adapted to dry climates and less studied in terms of chemical composition.
However All types of moringa trees are share some common characteristics, such as drought resistance and nutritional benefits, each species has unique adaptations and properties that make it suited to specific environments and uses. Moringa oleifera remains the most extensively researched and utilized species due to its wide cultivation and comprehensive nutrient profile.
Conclusion
Moringa is a flowering plant is the family of Moringaceae which have rich in vitamins and minerals and the one thing that kes it different is it have cytokinesis hormones this hormone play crucial role on human health, It have anti aging property, ant cancer,It have also skin moisturizing properties, I was mentioned on top for more.
Us my suggestion you should have to use Moringa us you liked if you may have like to drink tea or habits of drinking tea you could use the dried leaves of it, you can also use the powder of the leaves on your meals, Thank you for reading my article if you have any suggestion you can send me because it build my works.
Thank you!
Good explanation thank you.
Nice job. Thank you for sharing the important inf_
Well good information thank you.