Moringa is the only genus in the family Moringaceae. This genus comprises 13 species, all of which are grow in tropical and sub-tropical climates. The most popular species is Moringa Oleifera, a multi-purpose tree originally from Tamil Nadu / Kerala state of India, which is what, is commonly referred to when the name Moringa is used. The Moringa Oleifera species is said to have originated in the Himalayas, but although the current cultivars can withstand frost, they do not generally survive a hard freeze. It looses its leaves from December to January and new growth starts in February to March. Moringa produces cream colored flowers when it is 8 months old and the flowering season begins in January and continues through to March. The Moringa fruit ripens from April to June and the pods are triangular in cross section, 30 to 50cm long and contain oily, black, winged seeds. All Moringa food products have a very high nutritional value. You can eat the leaves, especially young shoots, young pods, flowers, roots. Leaves are low in fats and carbohydrates and rich in minerals, iron and vitamin B. The Moringa is valued mainly for its tender pods, which are relished as vegetable but all its parts bark, root, fruit, flowers, leaves, seeds and even gum are of medicinal value.
A nutrient is a chemical that an organism needs to live and grow or a substance used in an organisms metabolism which must be taken in from its environment. Our body requires numerous nutrient like protein, fat, fibre, Minerals, vitamins, anti oxidants etc., Proteins, the building blocks of our bodies, are made of amino acids. Usually, only animal products contain all of the essential amino acids. Amazingly, Moringa leaves also contain all the essential amino acids required for Human Protein Synthesis. It contains 2 times the Protein of Yogurt. Vitamin C strengthens our immune system and fights infectious diseases including colds and flu. Moringa leaves have even more. It contains 7 times the Vitamin C of Oranges. Potassium is essential for the brain and nerves. Bananas are an excellent source of potassium.
Moringa leaves contain 3 times the Potassium of Bananas. Vitamin A acts as a shield against diseases of the eyes, skin and heart, diarrhea, and many other ailments. Carrots are very high in vitamin A, but Moringa leaves are even higher. It contains 4 times the Vitamin A of Carrots. Iron is necessary for many functions in the body including formation of hemoglobin, brain development and function, regulation of body temperature and muscle activity. Lack of iron directly affects the immune system; it diminishes the number of T-Cells and the production of antibodies. Iron is essential for binding oxygen to the blood cells. The central function of iron is oxygen transport and cell respiration. Spinach is high in Iron; Moringa contains 3 times the Iron of Spinach. Calcium builds strong bones and teeth, and helps prevent osteoporosis. Milk provides a lot of calcium, but Moringa has 4 times the Calcium of Milk. It is prescribed for malnutrition
