Why Moringa Is Good For You
Most parents tell their children to eat as much green, leafy vegetable
as they can because it will make them healthy. Not all parents, however,
really know why green, leafy vegetables are beneficial for a person’s
health. The simple explanation for this is that vegetables contain a lot
of nutrients and vitamins that the body needs to fight against
infections or diseases. These components are also important for boosting
a person’s energy level to enable him or her to do tasks without
getting tired or fatigued easily. Vegetables, unlike meat, are simply
eliminated from a person’s body after its nutrients are extracted and
does not cause any build-up of harmful substances such as cholesterol.
Since it cannot be digested by a person’s system, its by-products also
help in cleansing a person’s digestive tract. Among the different green,
leafy vegetables, however, there is one that specially stands out above
the rest. It is scientifically called Moringa oleifera or in common
terms the drumstick tree, horseradish tree, malunggay in the
Philippines, or sijan in India.
A lot of researchers who have spent some time studying about the health
benefits of Moringa label the plant as the miracle tree. Most people who
use this vegetable as part of their daily consumption are usually those
who are in the lower socio-economic status, thus, it has also earned
the label “poor man’s food.” The Moringa tree is easy to cultivate and
easily grows even in areas that do not have much water for plant
sustenance. This is why even in countries such as Senegal in West Africa
where malnutrition and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) are
widespread, it can be accessed by a lot of people as a source of
nutritional supplements. It is also fast-growing and drought-resistant,
thus, can be utilized immediately if needed and sustainable for a longer
period of time.
Most sources indicate that the Moringa tree contains vitamin C which is
seven times more than the amount found in oranges, has four times
calcium content and twice more protein amount than milk, four time the
amount of vitamin A than in carrots, and three times the
potassium-content of bananas. One study conducted in the Philippines has
proven that malunggay, the Filipino name of Moringa, when consumed
daily by malnourished children, can solve most of the malnutrition
problem in the country. Aside from these components, Moringa is also
known to contain a lot of iron, beta-carotene, and anti-oxidant. Another
study has discovered that Moringa can help poor women during their
pregnancy and their babies remain healthy by providing most of the
nutrients needed for their growth and by increasing the milk production
of the mothers during lactation. Aside from these, the plant can also be
used to treat or relieve infections, inflammations, arthritis pain,
diabetes, and cancer. It is also said to be an effective skin antiseptic
and good for stabilizing blood pressure. It has a soothing effect that
it is also used by native people as a treatment for anxiety.
What makes this miracle tree and vegetable really wonderful is its
affordability and accessibility. Unlike most medicine or treatments, it
can be utilized even by those who have financial limitations to prevent
or cure illnesses. In countries like India and Philippines, the
government already includes in their programs the inclusion of growing
these trees especially in rural areas to be consumed by the people. They
have also provided campaigns to educate the people about the
nutritional benefits of the Moringa and various ways of cooking it and
using it as treatment. Now, because of this tree, even the poorest of
the poor can be healthy and free from ailments. The provision of this
highly beneficial plant, especially among financially-challenged people,
is almost like divine intervention which is probably why it is indeed a
miracle tree.
