According to an ancient saying, “Moringa leaves prevent 300 diseases.” I’ve recently been adding just 1/2 a teaspoon of moringa powder to my morning smoothies and was so pleasantly surprised by the energy boost that I decided to research a little more about the leaves of this amazing tree. Moringa is the superfood you’ve never heard of! Until now.

Moringa tree

Moringa leaves come from the moringa tress, native to India.

I first heard about moringa being used to combat malnutrition in India, and my curiosity was piqued. I discovered it was super rich in vitamins, antioxidants, phytonutrients, minerals, and amino acids. Great for bringing the body into balance and combatting deficiencies. Moringa leaves are considered one of the most complete, nutrient dense plants. Most notable to me: the energy boost! On the days I add moringa to my smoothie, I feel like I’ve had a shot of espresso without the jitters! I feel a noticeable improvement in wellbeing on the moringa days. Pretty amazing.

While I usually rely on spirulina for my supergreens boost, I’m going to rotate moringa in for a time to boost nutrient stores in my system. It’s great to give your body a variety of health boosting superfoods.

Photo credit: http://www.tentree.com/

Various parts of the moringa plant such as the leaves, roots, seed, bark, fruit, flowers and immature pods act as cardiac and circulatory stimulants, possess antitumor, antipyretic, antiepileptic, anti-inflammatory, antiulcer, antispasmodic, diuretic, antihypertensive, cholesterol lowering, antioxidant, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, antibacterial and antifungal activities, and are being employed for the treatment of different ailments in the indigenous system of medicine. (source) I use the ground powder to add to smoothies. It has a vegetal, grassy taste. I’ll try adding it to grain free cookies or homemade energy bars next. It’s also easily available to take as a tea. I love the Tulsi-moringa tea because you get the supportive benefits of Tulsi (holy basil) combined with moringa.

Nutrient Profile

• Contains over 90 nutrients, 46 antioxidants and abundant minerals
• Particularly rich in vitamins A, C (contains SEVEN times more vitamin C than an orange), and B vitamins
• Excellent source of calcium (4 times more than milk!) and iron (3 times the iron content of spinach!)
• Rich source of the amino acids needed for brain health and tissue recovery. Contains all 9 essential aminos
• Good source of minerals (calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus)
• Rich in trace minerals (zinc, copper, manganese, selenuim, iron)
• Rich in oxygenating chlorophyll
• Very alkalizing
• Rich in plant phytochemicals like quercetin, which reduces seasonal allergy symptoms

Moringa Benefits

• Contains antioxidants and minerals that support healthy thyroid function
• Excellent for combatting anemia and overall deficiencies
• Supports the body’s detox function
• Supports healthy blood sugar balance and lipid profile
• All day energy boost! Say goodbye to the 3pm crash.
• May support healthy blood pressure
• Boosts immunity
• Supports healthy and beautiful skin
• Anti-inflammatory
• General wellness
• Builds red blood cells to boost energy and deliver nutrients and oxygen efficiently throughout the body

The more superfoods you can add to your diet, the better disease fighting capacity you’ll have. (read my list of “unusual” superfoods here). Try moringa for 30 days and see if you notice an improvement in health and wellbeing. Add to smoothies or coconut water, or use however you’d use spirulina.

Mary Vance, NC

Mary Vance is a Certified Nutrition Consultant and author specializing in digestive health. She combines a science-based approach with natural therapies to rebalance the body. In addition to her 1:1 coaching, she offers courses to help you heal your gut and improve your health. Mary lives in San Francisco and Lake Tahoe in Northern California. Read more about her coaching practice here and her background here.