Moringa Oleifera is a plant that has been
praised for its medicinal values for
thousands of years. Almost all the parts
of the tree can be eaten or used as
ingredients for herbal medicine.
From the leaves of the tree to its seeds,
Moringa is said to have over 300
nutritional, therapeutic and medicinal
benefits. Little wonder, it is popularly
known as the ‘Miracle tree’. In fact, the
pseudonym somewhat derives from the
healing and therapeutic properties of
the plant.
Scientists have said that Moringa pods,
bark, flowers, fruits, leaves, roots, and
seeds are all useful. The plant is said to
contain various valuable nutrients,
antioxidants, as well as amino acids
which are essentially for many metabolic
processes in the body.
Moringa has been used in the last two
decades in different parts of the world
for the management of various
ailments, including diabetes, cancer,
poor eye sight, digestion, hypertension,
heart diseases and cardiovascular
diseases.
Its leaves and seeds were used by some
international organisations to combat
malnutrition at a time.
Moringa leaves are believed to be
loaded with nutrients that remain
preserved for many years, when stored
appropriately. It should be regarded as
the next super food and supplement for
healthy living and diet.
Highlighting its benefits, Chair,
University of Ilorin Moringa Plantation
Management Committee, University of
Ilorin, Kwara State, Dr. Ayo Afolabi-Toye
, says that Moringa plant products
possess protective and prophylactic
properties which have been found to be
helpful in the prevention and
management of some disease
conditions.
According to him, research shows that
Moringa leaves promote cardiovascular,
prostate, and neurological and visual
health when used appropriately.
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,
as well as other nutrients that aid many
metabolic and energy processes in the
body.
Afolabi-Toye who is also the Editor-in-
Chief, International Journal of Moringa
and Nutriceutical Research, a journal of
the International Moringa and
Nutraceutical Research Society, adds
that its leaves have antibiotic properties
which support the immune system of
the body.
Still on its antibiotic properties, Moringa
oil is popular in the treatment of some
infections, including abscesses, athlete’s
foot and gum diseases.
Moringa oil is sometimes applied
directly to the skin as a germ-killer or
drying agent. It is also used topically for
treating pockets of infection including
gingivitis, snakebites, warts, and
wounds.
Moringa is also said to have cholesterol
lowering properties, which is important
in maintaining the body’s overall well
being. It is particularly beneficial for
pre-diabetic and diabetic patients.
According to experts, the tree and its
other parts contain soluble fibre, anti-
oxidants and anti-inflammatory
compounds which directly and indirectly
contribute to lowering blood cholesterol
and improving blood lipids profile.
“The leaf of the Moringa Olifera trees,
when ground to powder, contains 26 per
cent proteins. It is also rich in vitamins,
biotin and folic acid.
“Moringa can serve as food, medicine
and it is seen as capable of curing all
diseases. It is also called the Miracle
tree. and the Yoruba of western Nigeria
call it ‘Gbogbonse (literally translated in
English, it means ‘Able to do all things’)
“A combination of factors, including
soluble fibre, antioxidant and anti-
inflammatory compounds in parts of the
plant, as well as the high proportion of
unsaturated fatty acids present within
its oil, may be responsible.
“Each of these factors can directly or
indirectly contribute to lowering
cholesterol in the blood. However, the
efficacy of Moringa in lowering blood
cholesterol levels and/or improving
blood cholesterol profiles will vary with
the amount of the product consumed.”
Afolabi-Toye explains.
Apart from the leaves, many medicinal
benefits abound in eating Moringa
seeds, which are developed inside the
pods produced by the tree.
Experts say the seeds are full of
nutrients, such as vitamin A, vitamin B,
vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, as well
as iron. It is said to contain more
vitamins in comparison with fruits, such
as oranges, carrots which are prime
sources of vitamins.
The good thing, however, is that it also
digests easily.
Afolabi-Toye, however, warned that its
use should not be substituted for
medication for those on other
prescriptions. The expert insists that it
should rather be seen as a food
supplement, not a herbal supplement
that should replace the doctor’s
recommendation.
Experts note that although it is safe to
ingest its leaves, fruits, nuts and seeds
by mouth, it is important to avoid eating
the root and its extracts.
Scientists warn that these parts of the
plant may contain a toxic substances
that can cause paralysis and other
serious complications when it is not
used appropriately.
Luckily for us, the weather in Nigeria
supports its growth. That is why its
seeds, leaves and other parts are readily
available. However, you must be
careful; there are adulterated Moringa
products out there.
Just in case you are thinking of how to
incorporate this highly medicinal plant
into your daily diet, look no further.
Moringa leaves can be eaten as
vegetables and when grounded, taken as
a beverage or tea every other day.
