Moringa Oleifera Information-Uses and Benefits

Moringa oleifera is a tree which satisfies many nutritional requirements and also works as a medicine for many diseases. This plant is commonly found in areas of Africa as well as in the northern regions of India. Almost every part of this tree can be used for different purposes. Although this tree is a native of Himalayas, but now it can be found in South and Central America, India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Philippines, and Africa. This tree is known for providing great nutritional values.

The undeveloped pods of the parts of this plant contain more nutritional values than to the ripped ones. These pods contain vitamins, essential amino acids and other vital nutrients which make these pods very nutritious. These pods can be eaten raw as green beans or green peas. The ripped pods can be cooked or fried and tastes like peanut. These pods have edible, non drying oil which is called Ben Oil. About 38-40% of this Ben Oil is present in these pods. This oil is odorless, sweet, and clear and never becomes sour. The nutrition value of this oil is very much similar to olive oil. The leaves of this tree can be used as salad, greens, pickles, seasonings and in vegetable curries. These leaves are also used in cleaning walls and utensils. The flowers of this tree are enriched with calcium and potassium and are cooked with other food stuff to get a better taste and nutrition value.

Moringa trees are enriched with nutritional values and are the best source for curing malnutrition. The leaves contain vitamin A, B and C along with protein, calcium and iron. A research says that 25 grams of Moringa tree leaf powder can provide about Calcium 125%, Potassium 41%, Protein 42%, Magnesium 61%, Vitamin A 272%, Vitamin C 22% and Iron 71% which is hard to find in any other food stuff.

The seed leftovers which are left after extracting oil from seeds are also used in cleaning water. This is one of the best and natural ways to clean water. Many researches conclude that different parts of this tree can be used in curing different diseases. According to Ayurveda, about 300 diseases can be cured with the help of various parts of this tree.

Since this tree provides not only nutritional values but also medicinal help, it would be better to call it a Miracle Tree.