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Super food: Moringa leaves, seeds

From the leaves to its seeds, moringa is said to have over 300 nutritional, therapeutic and medicinal benefits. With this, one need not wonder why it is called the ‘miracle tree.’

Moringa pod, bark, flower, fruit, leaf, root and seed are all useful – according to scientists. It is said to contain various valuable nutrients, antioxidants, as well as amino acids which are essential for many metabolic processes in the body.

Moringa Oleifera has been used in the last two decades in many climes in the management of various ailments, including diabetes, cancer, poor eyesight, digestion, hypertension, heart diseases and cardiovascular diseases.

Its leaves and seeds were used by some international organisations to combat malnutrition at a time.

Moringa leaf, according to scientists in a journal entitled, ‘Moringa Oleifera: A review of the medical evidence for its nutritional therapeutic and prophylactic properties, Part 1, is loaded with nutrients that remain preserved for many years when stored appropriately; hence, it should be considered as the next super food and supplement for healthy living and diet.

Highlighting its medicinal and nutritional benefits, Chair, University of Ilorin Moringa Plantation Management Committee, University of Ilorin, Kwara State, Dr. Ayo Afolabi-Toye, says moringa plant products possess protective and prophylactic properties which have been found to be helpful in the management of some disease conditions.

He says a moringa leaf meal, which can be prepared like the African vegetable and egusi soup, is bound to deliver loads of amino acids, proteins, phenols, beta-carotene, chlorophyll, minerals and fibre – nutrients that aid many metabolic and energy processes in the body.

Its leaves have antibiotic properties which support the immune system.

It is popular in the treatment of some infections, including abscesses, athlete foot and gum diseases.

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