Benefits of Moringa Oleifera Tree; a Misconception
When we talk about the benefits of moringa oleifera, most people equate them to the benefits to moringa leaves. Not only this, some bloggers have been proposing that only leaves contain most of the benefits of moringa oleifera while other parts like flowers, pods, and seeds of moringa devoid them.
It is strange to see some bloggers promoting the idea. They are making this mistake, most probably, for not going deep into critical researches being conducted throughout the world. It has been proved in many scientific studies that the health benefits of moringa are not limited to moringa leaves as other parts of the tree like flowers, pods, and seeds also contain various nutrients and minerals which are essential not only to keep you healthy but also to cure various diseases including cancers.
Parts And Benefits of Moringa Oleifera Tree
Moringa Leaves
Admittedly, the moringa leaves contain most of the benefits of moringa oleifera. They are rich in protein, nutrients, minerals, and substances which can help the patients to treat their chronic diseases, including cancers.
According to some studies, there is some difference in quantities of the various nutrient when we analyze fresh leaves, dry leaves, and leaf powder. For example, the fresh leaves of 100 grams have only 92 calories. When we dry the leaves, the calories increase to 329, which further decrease to 205 on converting dried leaves into moringa leaves powder. However, when we see the quantity of protein, some researches show that fresh leaves of 100 grams contain only 6.7 grams of protein. When we dry the leaves, the protein increases to 29.4 gram out of 100 grams (that famous 30%).
Moringa Seeds
While examining the benefits of moringa oleifera seeds, we find them containing zero calories. However, 100 grams seed contain about 36 grams of protein which is higher than even the dried moringa leaves. Similarly, moringa seeds carry 38.67% of healthy fats while other parts of moringa have much less of that.
Interestingly, moringa seeds are extensively used in water treatment in many parts of the world. Moringa seeds’ sedimentation, coagulation, and flocculation properties help us to use them for water treatment. The coagulation properties destabilize particles through chemical reactions between coagulant and colloids.
The flocculation properties help us to transport the destabilized particles, which can otherwise cause a collision with floc.
“Flocculation and sedimentation are widely employed in the purification of drinking water as well as in sewage treatment, storm-water treatment, and treatment of industrial wastewater streams. Typical treatment processes consist of grates, coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation, granular filtration, and disinfection.”
The moringa oleifera tree can be grown in abundance. The moringa seeds’ sedimentation, coagulation, and flocculation properties make them natural, cost-effective, and more accessible solution for water purification. They can save humans from waterborne diseases.
“One cup (140 g) of moringa seeds contains:
• Calories = 37
• Carbohydrates = 8.5 g
• Protein = 2 g
• Fat = <1 g
• Vitamin C = 235% daily value
• Iron = 350% daily value
• Potassium = 13% daily value
• Magnesium = 28% daily value
• Calcium = 3% Daily Value”
Moringa Pods
We have been using moringa pods not only for cooking but also for pickle purposes of enjoying moringa taste and benefits of moringa oleifera. The above study shows that moringa pods of 100 grams contain 137 mg of sulfur which is the highest from all other parts of the moringa tree. Similarly, the pods contain more 3.1% which is much more than in moringa leaves and lower than in moringa seeds.
Some other studies show that moringa pods are rich with fiber and beneficial to thwart colon cancer. Some other researches show that immature moringa pods contain around 46.78% fiber and 20.66% of proteins. Furthermore, the baby “pods have 30% of amino acid content, the leaves have 44%, and flowers have 31%. The immature pods and flowers showed similar amounts of palmitic, linolenic, linoleic and oleic acids.”
Moringa Flowers
The moringa flowers are cooked in our moringa tree abundant areas when they have still to blossom. In some cultures, the fully blossomed moringa flowers are also included in dishes not only being a delicacy but also for the benefits of moringa oleifera. In some places the moringa flowers are brewed into tea or in smoothies to consume them to acquire the benefits of moringa oleifera. The folk doctors have been suggesting people drink moringa flower juice to treat urinary tract infections.
The above discussion proves that the benefits of moringa oleifera are not limited to one part of the moringa tree. The moringa leaves have been tested for the most beneficial for medicinal as well as dietary purposes. However, other parts of moringa tree-like moringa seeds, pods, bark, and roots also contain almost the same ingredients but in different quantities.
300 Medicinal Benefits of Moringa
Why doctors not prescribe moringa?
Medicinal Benefits of Moringa Flowers
Share Your Story of Moringa Here
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