This is No Normal Tree! It's a Lesser-Known, Health-Boosting Plant!

A plant that you’ve probably never heard about may just be the most nutritious tree on the planet. Moringa oleifera is a plant that has been praised for its health benefits for thousands of years, but it’s not commonly talked about in the United States. After reading about this super food, you might want to add it to your diet!

Moringa is Very Nutritious

Every part of the Moringa can be eaten or used as an ingredient in traditional herbal medicines. The leaves and pods are commonly eaten in parts of India and Africa, and boast amazing nutritional properties. They contain protein, Vitamin B6, Vitamin C, Iron, Riboflavin, Vitamin A and magnesium.

A study from the National Institute of Nutrition in Hyderabad, India showed that 1 gram of fresh Moringa leaves contains seven times the Vitamin C of oranges, four times the Vitamin A of carrots, four times the calcium of milk, three times the potassium of bananas and two times the protein of yogurt! Dried and powdered leaves were shown to contain even more nutrients. In Western countries, dried leaves are sold as dietary supplements in powder or capsule form, but for those in developing nations, Moringa leaves are an important source of many essential nutrients.

Moringa is Rich in Antioxidants

Several antioxidant plant compounds have been found in Moringa leaves, including quercetin, a powerful antioxidant that can help lower blood pressure, and chlorogenic acid, which can help moderate blood sugar levels. One study found that taking 1.5 teaspoons of Moringa leaf powder every day for three months significantly increased blood antioxidant levels in women.

Moringa is Versatile

The Moringa grows extremely fast. One plant can grow from a seed up to three meters in its first year. It produces leaves year round, and its leaves can be stored for up to a year. In developing countries, this means available food and nutrients for a family despite the weather or monetary hardships. Since every part of the Moringa tree can be used, it is one of the most sustainable, natural, edible food and medicine sources. The leaves, pods, flowers, bark, gum and roots can be used for food or medicine. The seeds can be used to create cooking oil and they can also be used as a tool to naturally purify water.

Kuli Kuli has become the first company to introduce Moringa to the United States market in the form of a food product. The company supports women farmers, enabling them to earn a living while growing Moringa trees and still keeping some for their families and villages. The Moringa used by Kuli Kuli is harvested from women-owned farms in West Africa, where the women are able to earn money and support their families.

The health benefits of Moringa are many. It can lower blood sugar levels, reduce inflammation, lower cholesterol levels and protect the body from toxins while being a source of natural antioxidants and nutrients that the body needs to stay healthy.

Purchasing it can also help to support local economies in developing countries. You can find Moringa powder at health food stores or online.