The world is slowly waking up to a new super food, one that’s native to India and that we have consumed for centuries. Moringa oleifera – better known as the drumstick tree has been used in Ayurveda for years now. Moringa health benefits include treating and preventing diseases such as diabetes, anemia, arthritis, liver and heart disease, respiratory, skin and digestive disorders. The bark, leaves, flowers, fruit, seeds and oil of this tree can be used. The leaves are the most nutritious part of the plant. Fresh leaves are dried and then crushed to a powder. Apart from containing vitamins, minerals, calcium and potassium, it is rich in amino acids. United States Department of Agriculture research has shown that Moringa contains 18 of the 20 amino acids – building blocks of proteins found in the human body. Moringa is one of the few plants that contain “all of the 9 essential amino acids the body cannot produce”. The leaves have 7 times more vitamin C than oranges and 15 times more potassium than bananas. It also has calcium, protein, iron, and amino acids, which help your body, heal and build muscle. It’s also packed with antioxidants, substances that can protect cells from damage and may boost your immune system. For these reasons, Moringa trees have been used to combat malnutrition, especially among infants and nursing mothers
