You might have never heard of moringa before – and if that’s the case, sit back and prepare to learn exactly why it’s worth knowing about! Native to Africa and Asia, the moringa tree is one of the most nutrient-rich plants in the world.
Moringa powder is made from naturally dried moringa leaves. It has a distinct spinachy green flavour, which makes it ideal for boosting curries, stews, casseroles, soups, salads, green smoothies and more.
Moringa is 25 percent plant protein including all 9 essential amino acids, containing roughly 24 percent of your daily fibre intake. It’s also a rich source of iron, vitamin K and E, vitamin A, and calcium, as well as being high in antioxidants.
As moringa powder is a natural source of a broad range of nutrients, it’s highly bioavailable, so our bodies can absorb the benefits more easily than by taking synthetic supplements.
Stay tuned to learn of the top 13 health and beauty benefits of moringa.
1. Reduction of tiredness and fatigue
At any given time, 1 in 5 people feel unusually tired, and 1 in 10 of us are dealing with chronic or prolonged fatigue. A single serving of moringa powder, at 10 grams or 2 to 3 teaspoons, provides roughly 32 percent of your daily iron requirement and 19 percent of your daily vitamin A requirement.
Your body needs iron to produce haemoglobin, the protein molecule in red blood cells that carries oxygen to every part of your body, making you feel more alert. Iron is, for that reason, essential for the reduction of tiredness and fatigue in the body.
Similarly, vitamin A supports the metabolism, helping it to ensure a greater uptake of iron. Adding moringa to your daily diet is an effective, natural way to prevent tiredness and fatigue, counteract anaemia, or simply provide a natural iron source for vegans and vegetarians.
2. Promotes healthy skin
Moringa powder is jam-packed with skin-loving vitamins, including vitamin A and vitamin E. Vitamin A is essential for healthy, radiant skin. It helps to speed up healing, prevent breakouts and support the skin’s immune system and it promotes natural moisturising – which means it helps to hydrate the skin effectively, giving it a radiant glow. It also assists in promoting and maintaining a healthy dermis and epidermis; the top two layers of your skin.
Vitamin E helps support the immune system, cell function, and skin health. It’s an antioxidant, making it effective at combating the effects of free radicals produced by the metabolism of food and toxins in the environment. Vitamin E may be beneficial at reducing UV damage to skin
Moringa also has one of the highest antioxidant contents of any food. In fact, it’s thought to have 6 times the antioxidants of goji berries, and comparable levels to the antioxidant powerhouse matcha. Antioxidants are essential for protecting, repairing and preventing cell damage, minimising the ageing process of the skin in the long-term. They help counteract oxidative stress and the effects of free radicals, preventing skin dryness, fine lines, wrinkles and premature ageing.
3. Boosts immunity
One of the best moringa benefits is its super immune-boosting powers. Maintaining a healthy immune system is essential for helping our bodies stave off infections and illnesses. Moringa powder is an extremely rich source of iron and vitamin A.
Studies have found that people with low iron levels are more susceptible to illness and infection, as a lack of iron affects the body’s natural defence system. On the other hand, getting enough iron will help to boost your immune system and fight off illness. Vitamin A is known as an anti-inflammation vitamin because of its critical role in enhancing immune function.
4. Aids muscle growth and development
Moringa leaves are almost 25 percent protein, an unusually high content for a plant. Moringa powder contains a whole host of essential amino acids, making it a complete source of protein, supporting the growth and maintenance of muscle mass.
The high protein content of moringa makes it particularly beneficial for vegans and vegetarians who can struggle to get a sufficient protein supply. Our bodies also use protein to make enzymes, hormones, and other important chemicals, so it’s essential that we get the right amount of it to stay in peak health.
Try adding moringa powder into a smoothie for a post or pre workout boost, or simply sprinkle some onto your roasted vegetables for an easy way to increase your protein intake.
5. Anti-stress properties
A recent study confirmed that the leaves of the moringa tree are a powerful, natural adaptogen. Adaptogens are herbs or plants that protect the body from the toxic effects of stress. Used for centuries in Chinese medicine, they help reduce stress and improve attention and endurance, preventing fatigue. Studies indicate that adaptogens not only help the body to cope with stress, but can enhance general health and performance.
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