SOME FACTS ABOUT MORINGA OLEIFERA - THE MIRACLE TREE
7 x the Vitamin C in oranges
4 x the Calcium in milk
4 x the Vitamin A in carrots
2 x the Protein in yoghurt
3 x the Potassium in bananas
Here are a few more facts about Moringa.
Moringa is a fast growing tree that can grow very lanky if left to its own devices.
It has been know to grow 2.4m in just 3 months.
It benefits from regular pruning when young to stimulate growth, keep it bushy and keep all the usable parts within easy reach, leaves & beans for fresh consumption or drying, twigs for cuttings, collection of seed etc. etc..
Ideally keep them cut back to 1.2 – 1.5m tall.
They make great living fence posts or imagine a hedge that would do you so much good when you consumed the clippings!
Unusually for a green leaf, the Moringa is an excellent source of protein & a very low source of fat & carbohydrates.
The leaves are incomparable as a source of sulphur- containing amino acids methionine & cystine which are often in short supply.
It responds well to mulch, water & fertilizer & can itself be used as a very high nutrient fertilizer.
Although not harmed by frost, it can be killed to the ground in freezes. It can recover, sending out new shoots from the ground.
It seems to thrive in impossible places, near the sea, in bad soil & in dry areas.
Seeds sprout readily in one or two weeks, or if you plant a branch, it too will establish within a week or two.
As hedging around vegetable beds they act as good wind breaks or left to grow as a tree produce a light shade which could considerably benefit many vegetables.
It is important to note that in many parts of the world, at the end of the dry season, food, (especially green food), is in short supply, the Moringa produces fresh green leaves at this time to provide a reliable food & nutrition source.
*All parts of the Moringa tree have practical, beneficial uses!
The Seeds produce not only a very fine oil, (Ben oil), considered on a par with olive oil nutritionally, but also if mashed up, the seed cake contains the active components for removing turbidity, (solid particles), from water. Because bacteria adhere to the solids, this seed cake also effectively removes bacteria. In tests Moringa not only proved as effective as Aluminium Sulphate, (Alum), in removing suspended solids from turbid water, it can also be produced locally, unlike Alum, & by using this natural substance would also remove a source of Aluminium contamination.
The Flowers can also be eaten but must be cooked. They have been shown to be rich in potassium & calcium & if steeped in boiled water for about five minutes are a very effective cold remedy.
The flowers & oil are also used to produce both soap & body cream. I have it on good authority that they are wonderful & some say with anti ageing properties, (I may be beyond that!).
The Pods, when immature, are widely used & a highly valued part of the tree. The pods are extremely nutritious and contain all of the essential amino acids along with many vitamins and other nutrients.
The immature pod can be eaten raw & prepared like green peas or beans.
The mature pods are usually fried and possess a peanut like flavour.
The mature pod including the seed, produce about 38-40% of Ben oil already mentioned.
The edible oil is sweet, odourless & never becomes rancid.
The Roots can be used like a horseradish, hence one of the trees common names. If not prepared properly however, it can produce harmful alkaloids. ** Do not do!!
I would suggest that it is best to let the roots do the job that they are excellent at and that is supporting the rest of this miraculous tree.
The Leaf, could in simple terms, take a massive step towards eradicating malnutrition in the developing world. Analysis of the leaf composition has revealed them to contain significant quantities of Vitamins A, B & C, Calcium, Iron & Protein, as well as immune system boosting amino acids.
According to Optima of Africa Ltd., a group that has been working with the tree in Tanzania, 25gms daily of Moringa leaf powder, will give a child the following % of their daily recommended allowances.
Protein 42%, Calcium 125%, Magnesium 61%, Potassium 41%, Iron 71%,
Vitamin A 272% and Vitamin C 22%.
These numbers are remarkable considering as previously mentioned, that this nutrition is available when other food sources may be scarce.
The leaves can be eaten fresh, cooked, or stored as dry powder for many months without refrigeration and reportedly without loss of nutritional value.
Our main challenge is overcoming scepticism, but there are many testimonies that can be gathered & education is most definitely the key.
I recently heard the story of an elderly lady who was very weak & in need of several operations in a matter of days. Unless she could build strength between each operation she would need blood transfusions. Powdered dry Moringa was sprinkled on what little food she could eat without her knowledge. She had all of the operations and gained strength each time without the need for transfusion. Her family, her daughter a doctor, give full credit to this miracle powder, Moringa, truly a gift from God!
In research carried out in Senegal & West Africa, Lowell Fuglie reports countless instances of life saving rescue that are attributed to Moringa.
To find out more contact Richard Geary by e-mail richardgeary@peaceandhope.org.uk
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