The Tree that Saves Lives
"Let thy food be thy medicine and thy medicine be thy food." ~Hippocrates
The "Miracle Tree"
Is there such a thing as a “Miracle Tree?” According to the Ancients, such a tree existed. It was used by the Romans, Egyptians, Greeks, and East Indians (Ayurvedic Medicine). And to get a glimpse of how powerful this tree can be, it was used to treat 300 different diseases and disorders! In addition, the tree’s seeds were used to purify water. In recent times, the tree’s leaves treated malnutrition in West Africa. In India, the people referred to the tree as the “Drumstick Tree,” due to the fact that its seed pods resembled drumsticks. In Africa, the people referred to the tree as the “Never Die Tree.” Perhaps this is due to the trees ability to survive in arid and tropical climates. The Africans also referred to the tree as “Mother’s Milk.” It is true that the leaves of the tree help a mother to produce more milk, but this Miracle Tree offers the world’s people much more. In fact, some even refer to it as the “Divine Tree.”
The World's Most Nutrient Rich Plant
As far as the experts know, there is no food that surpasses the Miracle Tree in nutrients. The Miracle Tree, or its scientific name, Moringa Oleifera, contains: 90+ nutrients; 46 anti-oxidants; 18 amino acids, including the 9 essential; and 36 anti-inflammatories. In addition, Moringa is rich in vitamins, minerals, chlorophyll, enzymes, essential fatty acids (Omega 3 and 6), protein, and fiber. Now, how does Moringa’s nutrients compare to other foods?
An Ounce for Ounce Comparison
We all know the orange is famous for its high Vitamin C content. However, Moringa has 7 times more Vitamin C than an orange. Then, there is Popeye’s spinach that gave him the incredible strength to defeat Bluto. Spinach is known for its high Iron content. But if we compare the two, Moringa has 3 times more Iron than spinach. And, if Popeye knew this amazing fact, I’m sure he would have incorporated Moringa into his daily routine. Then, there is milk. Children are often told by their parents to drink their milk due to its high calcium content. However, Moringa has 4 times more Calcium than milk. Let’s share some more ounce for ounce comparisons:
Moringa has 3 times more Potassium than bananas.
Moringa has 4 times more Vitamin A than carrots.
Moringa has 3 times more Vitamin E than almonds.
Moringa has 2 times more protein than yogurt.
What are some of the benefits Moringa offers?
Moringa's Leaf Powder Benefits
- Increased energy (Dr Oz has discussed Moringa’s energy benefits on television)
- Regulates cholesterol
- Detoxifies
- Supports liver and kidneys
- Assists digestion (High enzyme activity)
- Regulates blood sugar
- Nourishes the brain and eyes
- Promotes a healthy circulatory system
- Gives a feeling of wellness
- Healthy hair and skin
- Immune system support
- Bone health
- Anti-bacterial; anti-fungal; anti-viral; anti-depressant; anti-inflammatory
- Cellular hydration (Perfect electrolyte balance of potassium, magnesium, and calcium)
- Alkalizing (Rich in chlorophyll)
Rich in Vitamins and Minerals
Moringa contains significant amounts of Vitamin A, B1 (Thiamine), B2 (Riboflavin), B3 (Niacin), B6, B12, Folate, Vitamin C and Vitamin E. It is also rich in minerals: Calcium, Potassium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, and Zinc.
- Vitamin A is essential for eye health.
- Vitamin B1 is vital for the production of energy in each cell.
- Vitamin C strengthens our immune system; helps fight infectious diseases.
- Vitamin E is a potent anti-oxidant that helps prevent premature aging.
- Potassium is essential for brain and nerve health.
- Iron is essential for the production of hemoglobin and red blood cells which carry oxygen to the vital organs.
- Calcium is essential for strong teeth and bones.
What happens if the body is deprived of vitamins and minerals?
Moringa Oleifera - Documentary
Our Cells Need the Proper Nutrients
If this deficiency goes on too long, then this will set up an individual for illness and disease, due to the fact that minerals and vitamins play a very important role in the body. It doesn’t matter if we consume the right number calories per day, or have a cupboard full of food. What matters is that we feed our body on a cellular level. According to naturopathic doctor, Joel Wallach, 95% of Americans are mineral deficient. He goes on to say that obesity is not a disease of excess, but a disease of deficiency. The body is literally starving for the essential nutrients. Since the body is not being given the proper nutrients, it stores the food as fat. It’s as if the body is saying, “Give me something else. That’s not what I need.” It is clear that more and more people are becoming obese. The numbers are rising every year. In a 2009 article, Moringa: The Miracle Tree Part 2: A Deeper Look, Cheryl Laures, states that 32% of Americans were diagnosed as being obese, while 34.8% were diagnosed as being morbidly obese. Nutritional Food Formulator and Scientist, Russell Bianchi, believes that “The number-one reason for cardiovascular issues and obesity in America today is high-fructose corn syrup.”
Russell explains why high-fructose corn syrup is bad for the body:
“We knew back then that it’s not converted into blood glucose or energy, it’s converted into body fat (adipose tissue), or it jacks up the triglycerides in your bloodstream.”
I believe that obesity is combination of poor food choices and lack of exercise, along with being mineral deficient. Now, I will share an example of what may happen if our body is Vitamin A deficient:
According to Mark Mandela, in his article entitled Moringa: The Miracle Tree, “The lack of Vitamin A due to malnutrition causes 70% of all childhood blindness. That translates to 500,000 children going blind around the world every year.”
We also know that malnutrition is serious problem that affects many across the globe. This can lead to illness, disease, and even death if not corrected. But all isn’t lost. In the countries where malnutrition is at its highest, is where Moringa is the most plentiful. This is a beautiful gift from Nature to its citizens to live a healthier life. All that is required is for knowledgeable individuals to teach the people how to incorporate Moringa into their lives in the most nutritional manner. In the Discovery Channel documentary about Moringa, it was revealed that traditional methods of treating malnutrition can take up to several months to alleviate, whereas Moringa can treat it in as little as 10 days. This should not come as a surprise, since Moringa is considered the most nutrient-dense plant on the planet.
Moringa Is Rich in Anti-Oxidants
Moringa leaf powder contains 46 anti-oxidants. These powerful allies protect the body from free-radical damage. If left unchecked, free radicals can damage cells, leading to premature aging, illness, and disease. The fact that Moringa contains a large number of anti-oxidants makes it an excellent choice for cellular health and protection.
Moringa Contains a High Amount of Tryptophan
Tryptophan is an essential amino acid that is used in the body to produce Serotonin (the feel good hormone) and Melatonin (for restful sleep). Tryptophan naturally occurs in turkey and soy; however, Moringa contains higher levels. What is very interesting about Moringa is the fact that it helps the body produce more energy, but relaxes the body at the same time. It also helps to control depression and balance moods.
Moringa Is Alkalizing
Human blood has a pH of 7.4. This is slightly alkaline. Neutral pH would be 7. Anything under 7 would be acidic; and anything above 7 would be considered alkaline. Most fruits and vegetables fall on the alkaline side, whereas meats and most grains fall on the acidic side. Health advocates suggest that we consume 5 to 10 servings of fruits and vegetables per day. However, in our fast-paced society this can be a big challenge. Therefore, adding a half teaspoon of Moringa Leaf Powder to one’s morning smoothie, and perhaps drinking a cup of Moringa Tea in the afternoon, can make a huge difference in keeping an individual on the alkaline side of the fence.
Moringa Contains a High Amount of Chlorophyll
Chlorophyll is the “blood of the plant”. It oxygenates the blood, as well as supports the liver and detoxification of the body. And what is really interesting about chlorophyll is the fact that its molecular structure is very similar to the hemoglobin of human blood. “Hemoglobin is our body’s oxygen transporter” (Moringamutual.org). Let’s compare the hemoglobin and chlorophyll structures:
Hemoglobin is composed of 4 elements: Carbon, Hydrogen, Oxygen, and Nitrogen. They are organized around a single atom of Iron.
Chlorophyll also contains the same 4 elements: Carbon, Hydrogen, Oxygen, and Nitrogen. However, they are organized around a single atom of Magnesium.
The best sources of chlorophyll are Moringa, Wheat Grass, and Barley Grass.
Moringa Is Rich in Anti-Inflammatories
Moringa Leaf Powder contains 36 anti-inflammatories. This is very important for those that suffer from arthritis, as well as other inflammatory conditions.
Moringa Contains the Essential Fatty Acids
Moringa Leaf Powder contains both the essential fatty acids: Omega 3 and 6. It also contains the non-essential fatty acid: Omega 9. This can be manufactured by the body provided you are taking in enough Omega 3 and 6.
The essential fatty acids are important for the skin, respiratory system, circulatory system, brain, joints, and organs.
Moringa's Seeds Can Purify Water
In the developing world where clean water is hard to come by, the seeds of the Moring’a tree can be used to purify water. Amazingly, 1 seed kernel can clean 1 liter of water. In addition, the oil from the seeds can be used for cooking, cosmetics, and lubrication.
Moringa in the West
In the article Moringa: The Miracle Tree, Mark Mandela, states that “Moringa is known and prized in 82 countries, by 210 different names.” It is only a matter of time before the Western World embraces this “Miracle Tree” whole heartily. As I already mentioned, Dr. Oz has praised Moringa for its energetic qualities. However, Moringa is much more than that. I believe it is a very special tree that can transform lives.