MORINGA: A FOOD SUPPLEMENT FOR HEALTHY LIVING (PART THREE)

INTRODUCTION:

The second article in the series introduced the plant called Moringa. It gave a description of its characteristics and its general features and how it is grown.

There are many plants which are available to man for various purposes. For Moringa the source of the nutrients the body requires is located in the leaf. This is not to suggest that other parts of the plants are of no use. On the contrary that is not the case. For instance the Moringa seeds are useful for the extraction of oil which can be used in the manufacture of soap etc. Also the residue from the oil extraction process is known to be used for water purification.

For our purpose in these of articles, our attention will be focused on the Moringa leaf.

This paper discusses the nutritional benefits which the Moringa leaf provides.  The benefits as discussed below are backed by scientific research evidence.

ESSENTIAL NUTRIENTS

As a preamble to our discussion on the Moringa leaf, we draw our attention to the five nutritional elements.

Essential nutrients are important nutritional elements that we get or are supposed to get, from our diet, either from food or from supplements for optimal health.

Unfortunately, a typical modern diet does not provide enough of the essential nutrients. The deficiencies are exacerbated by the manner in which the food is prepared, including the modern day dependence on fast foods.

These essential elements are discussed below.  

1.     Vitamins and Minerals: Vitamins and minerals are required for everything from building our physical bodies to blood coagulation and energy production. Most of the vitamins and all of the minerals required for optimal health are classified as essential.

2.    Amino Acids:  Our bodies are built from proteins that are constructed with eight basic building blocks called essential amino acids.

3.    Antioxidants:  Every day our bodies are bombarded with pollutants, pesticides and numerous other toxins, and this creates many of the destructive free radicals in our bodies. Antioxidants are important because they are our only defense against free-radical damage.

4.    Anti-inflammatory Compounds: Chronic inflammation has been recently associated with almost every major detrimental process in human health. Anti-inflammatory compounds are our only protection and line of defense. Unfortunately, anti-inflammatory prescription medications have some of the worst side effects.

5.    Essential Fatty Acids:  Omega-3 and omega-6 are the essential fatty acids, or the good fats, that are essential for optimal cellular health.

MORINGA NUTRITIONAL BALANCE

The human body is incredible. It can, on its own, heal cuts and even mend broken bones and prevent diseases. But our bodies need the proper nutrition to be able to do that. Vitamins, minerals, amino acids, proteins, antioxidants and more are the tools our bodies need to maintain good health and vitality. 

Moringa is not a cure for anything, but it does provide the nutrition our bodies need. If the body is lacking in nutrition then it won't have the tools it needs to repair it and prevent diseases.      

Health is a state of balance where the many complex processes in the body work together to keep the body working well.

The body needs food which is composed of nutrients as fuel and when the body receives these nutrients it uses them to keep itself healthy. If it does not get these nutrients insufficient quantities it struggles and some processes cannot be done and body health suffers. Many nutrients help the body with processes to clean it. The body also gets many things in the food which it does not need. It has to work to get rid of them out of the blood and tissue, this takes energy and when it needs a lot of energy for the cleaning itself, one has less energy to for living.

The figure below summarises the metabolic process which is explained above.

WHAT MAKES MORINGA ASUPER FOOD

We classify Moringa a super food because it contains many nutrients which the body needs. Its consumption is therefore necessary because of the benefits it offers.

Moringa leaves contain:-

·       All the amino acids including the eight (8) essential ones

·       Most minerals including essential minerals.

·       All vitamins

·       46 anti-oxidants

·       36 anti inflammatory nutrients.

·       All essential fatty acids, omega 3and omega 6.

The rich amino acids’, vitamins and minerals profile make up of Moringa leaves gives them a great natural energy booster.

COMPARISON WITH OTHERFOODS.

Fresh Moringa leaves contain (gram for gram)

1.    7 times the vitamin C of oranges

2.    4 times the vitamin A of carrots

3.    4 times the calcium of milk

4.    3 times the potassium of bananas

5.    2 times the protein of yogurt

6.    ¾ times the iron of spinach

On the other hand, dried Moringa leaves contain (gram for gram)

1.    25 times the iron of spinach

2.    17 times the calcium of milk

3.    15 times the potassium of bananas

4.    10 times the vitamin A of carrots

5.    9 times the protein of yogurt

6.    ½ times the vitamin C of oranges

From the above summary, it can be seen that the benefits of consuming Moringa leaves, whether fresh or dried are enormous.

Further can be seen from the above analytical information Moringa leaf stands as a single source of mostly the nutrient a human body requires.

MORINGA DIETARYSUPPLEMEMNT OFFERS

The first step for goodhealth is through eating correctly. It involves eating what the body needs sothat there is less work in the cleaning process.

MORINGA is the idealdietary supplement because it has the nutrients to support the body balance forboth processes of feeding and cleaning without exerting undue pressure on it. Italso facilitates the absorption of plant nutrients which the body needs.

Moringa health benefits

The list below gives comprehensive summary of the benefits which the consumption of Moringa provides.

·        Increases body energy

·       Gives a batter working digestion

·       Sharpens mental abilities and concentration

·       Improves diabetic condition

·       Helps one to sleep well

·       Gives a huge range of important vitamins and minerals

·       Effectively combats free radicals

·       Enhances blood circulation

·       Provides extremely high degree of fibers

·       Detoxifies the body

·       Improves the immune system

·       Beautifies the skin

·       Helps prevent arteriosclerosis

·       Reduces inflammation

·       Increases sexual drive &

·       Enhances sexual function

·       Combats a wide range of different cancers

·       Enhances the working of the heart

·       Improves vision

Helps reverse the aging process.

It is never too late both Malnutrition can be reduced or even wiped out in our communities.

PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN CURE

As we conclude this article,let us remind ourselves about the wisdom which is contained in old adage prevention is better than cure

The material contained in thearticle is based on the thesis that while recognizing the importance of medical facilities around us, it must be appreciated that there are a number of illnessthat we can avoid in the first place. By looking after ourselves in a manner which sustains our wellness, we can live more productive lives and become less dependent on medical drugs.

It is a well known fact that our eating habits and life styles generally do not lend themselves to good health. Not only are we in the habit of eating for the purpose of removing hunger, regardless of the nutritional value of the food we eat, but also the manner in which the food is prepared raises a lot of questions on how we look after ourselves.

It is for the above reason that the consumption of the Moringa as food supplement is being advocated.

Moringa consumption provides an avenue by which we can prevent many health challenges which are prevalent today; God helps those who help themselves.

References:

The Book Miracle Tree by author Monica. G. Marcu. Pham. D. PH.D

Nutra ingredients –usa.com(2012) Moringa Oleifera trumps super food rivals in ORAC tests[online] Available at http//www.nutraingredients- usa.com/Consumer Trends/ Moringa oleifera-trumps in ORAC-tests[Accessed. 17 Sep2012]

http//naturallyhealthymoringa.info/video-gallery.html

Author Stanley Gever Ngulube

Stanhil Moringa farm

Postal Box 22458

KITWE

Address 9 Kai Close , Nkana East Kitwe.

Cell phone numbers +260 955 789003; +26096678 9003; +260 979789004

Email stanleyngulbe @ gmail.com ; stanzo9@yahoo.com,

Website Visit. http://stanhilmoringa.weebly.com

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