It’s been a couple weeks since returning from my trip from El Salvador, and there is a particular superfood that I learned about while down there that I have continued to incorporate into my daily routine at home in Vancouver. One of the most potent superfoods I’ve had the pleasure of trying has been Moringa. There’s a large Moringa tree that grows outside of my aunts house where I was staying in El Salvador. They have the benefit of harvesting both the leaves and seeds of the tree which provides an incredible combination of antioxidants and phytonutrients. Although this tree is native to India and Africa, it is now widespread in a lot of tropical countries in Central America and South America. It has been used for hundreds of years for its medicinal and nutritive benefits which are numerous. People use Moringa in a variety of ways in order to obtain its valuable health benefits. The most common use is from the actual Moringa leaf. The leafs are dried up and used for tea or they are processed to make into the green powder to add to smoothies or coconut water. The powdered form can be found in most health food stores. I love adding the powder to my smoothies for extra protein and vitamin supplementation especially post workout and mornings. The energy boost I get is awesome and it reduces post workout muscle soreness. The long sticks that you see below are called drum sticks which contain the seed pods inside them. They are dried up and then opened up to take the seeds out. These are most commonly used to make teas and are dried up for to extract the powerful oil as well for its healing benefits to the skin and hair and several organs. Here are some of the numerous benefits of Moringa:
•Contains 2X the amount of protein of yogurt. The protein content is very rich and has a large amount of amino acids that help to build and repair cells and muscle tissue. For this reason it is used in many nations as a way to supplement their diet. •Contains 4X the amount of Vitamin A as carrots Essential for healthy bone growth and the maintainance of ocular health. It also supports healthy skin cell regeneration. •Contains 3X the amount of potassium as bananas Potassium helps support blood pressure, cardiovascular health, bone strength and muscle strength. •Contains 7X the amount of Vitamin C as oranges This vitamins is a powerful antioxidant essential for a healthy immune system and vibrant skin cell regeneration. It is recommended to take high levels of Vitamin C to combat free radical damage, prevent illness and to treat more chronic infections and illnesses •Helps Balances Hormones and moods Studies have shown that it helps to balance the estrogen levels in post meneoausal women. The compounds and amino acids such as tryptophan help regulate and stabilize moods •Powerful anti-inflammatory This is one of the main benefits of Moringa which is absolutely valuable when it comes to proactively preventing several diseases and serious conditions such as heart disease and arthritis. It is great for overall healthy cell function and reducing inflammation both acute and chronic. •Contains potent compounds that help prevent cancer In several studies Moringa has shown to be of great benefit to reduce cancer cell growth. The powerful combination of numerous antioxidants, phytonutrients and chemical compounds are quite unique and help reduce chances of cancer development as a healthy proactive measure. The alkalizing effects of Moringa also wards off cancer cells which feed of an acidic cell state. •Helps improve digestive health The high level of fibre and antioxidants found in Moringa help to maintain healthy digestive health. Moringa oil is also used in the diet to help detoxify the liver and kidneys. •Moringa Oil Improves skin complexion and suppleness+helps to maintain healthy hair growth It contains antibacterial, antifunagal and antiviral compounds that help protect the skin from several akin infections and conditions such dryness ans dandruff. The oil acts a hydrating lubricant which moisturizer the skin and scalp when used in a regular basis and because of its high antioxidant levels is nourishing to the skin when it is applied directly. When massaged into the scam it adds nutrients to the hair bulb and stimulates micro circulation. •Balances blood sugar levels and helps fight diabetes Moringa contains an acid called chloregenic acid that has been shown to help control blood sugar levels and helps the body to release glucose as needed. I would highly recommend that you consider adding some form of Moringa into your diet and daily routine. There are so many benefits of this superfood and it’s simplicity in taste makes it accessible and easy to incorporate!
1 Comment
|