Moringa Oleifera contains more than 92 nutrients and 46 types of
antioxidants. Moringa is said to cure about three hundred diseases and
almost have all the vitamins found in fruits and vegetables. Even in a
larger proportions. With all the health benefits of this miracle herb,
it can easily be termed as the most nutritious herb on Earth. There are
no side-effects which also has tried, tested, documented and proved
evidence to
support the same. It can be consumed by small children and
adults. Today, millions world over have started using Moringa based
products in porridge, pastas, bread and to reap the everlasting health
benefits of the extraordinary ‘Moringa’ herb.
Some Facts about Moringa- (Excerpt From The Book “Miracle Tree” by Author Monica G.Marcu,Pharm.D., PH.D.)
• 92 Nutrients
• 46 Antioxidants
• 36 Anti-Inflammatories
• 18 Amino Acids, 9 Essential Amino Acids
• Nourishes The Immune System
• Promotes Healthy Circulation
• Supports Normal Glucose Levels
• Natural Anti-Aging Benefits
• Provides Anti-Inflammatory Support
• Promotes Healthy Digestion
• Promotes Heightened Mental Clarity
• Boosts Energy Without Caffeine
• Encourages Balanced Metabolism
• Promotes Softer Skin
• Provides Relief From Acne
• Supports Normal Hormone Levels
Rare for a plant source -Moringa leaves contain all the essential amino acids to build strong healthy bodies.
Examples of some few nutritional value of Moringa- ( Gram-for-gram comparison of nutritional data)
2times -the Protein of Yogurt
3times – the Potassium of Bananas
4times – the Calcium of Milk
4times – the Vitamin A of Carrots
7times -the Vitamin C of Oranges
The Vitamin component of Moringa Leaves:
Moringa
has Vitamin A (Beta Carotene), Vitamin B1 (Thiamine), Vitamin B2
(Riboflavin), Vitamin B3 (Niacin), Vitamin B6 Pyrodixine), Vitamin B7
(Biotin), Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid), Vitamin D (Cholecalciferol),
Vitamin E (Tocopherol) and Vitamin K.
Vitamin A (Beta Carotene),
Vitamin A is a vitamin which is needed by the retina of the eye in the
form of a specific metabolite, the light-absorbing molecule retinal.
This molecule is absolutely necessary for both “Scotopic”scotopic and
color vision. Vitamin A also functions in a very different role, as an
irreversibly oxidized form retinoic acid, which is an important
hormone-like growth factor for epithelial and other cells.
Vitamin
B1 (Thiamine) helps fuel the body by converting blood sugar into
energy. It keeps the mucous membranes healthy and is essential for
nervous system, cardiovascular and muscular function.
Vitamin
B2 (Riboflavin) is required for a wide variety of cellular processes.
Like the other B vitamins, it plays a key role in energy metabolism,
and for the metabolism of fats, ketone bodies, carbohydrates, and
proteins. It is the central component of the cofactors FAD and FMN, and
is therefore required by all “Flavoprotein”flavoproteins.
Vitamin
B3 (Niacin), like all B complex vitamins, are necessary for healthy
skin, hair, eyes, and liver. They also help the nervous system function
properly. Niacin also helps the body make various sex and
stress-related hormones in the adrenal glands and other parts of the
body. Niacin is effective in improving circulation and reducing
cholesterol levels in the blood.
Vitamin B6
(Pyridoxine) is required for the synthesis of the neurotransmitters
serotonin and norepinephrine and for myelin formation. Pyridoxine
deficiency in adults principally affects the peripheral nerves, skin,
mucous membranes, and the blood cell system. In children, the central
nervous system (CNS) is also affected. Deficiency can occur in people
with uremia, alcoholism, cirrhosis, hyperthyroidism, malabsorption
syndromes, congestive heart failure (CHF), and in those taking certain
medications.
Vitamin B7 (Biotin) has vital metabolic
functions. Without biotin as a co-factor, many enzymes do not work
properly, and serious complications can occur, including varied diseases
of the skin, intestinal tract, and nervous system. Biotin can help
address high blood glucose levels in people with type 2 diabetes, and is
helpful in maintaining healthy hair and nails, decreasing insulin
resistance and improving glucose tolerance, and possibly preventing
birth defects. It plays a role in energy metabolism, and has been used
to treat alopecia, cancer, Crohn’s disease, hair loss, Parkinson’s
disease, peripheral neuropathy, Rett syndrome, seborrheic dermatitis,
and vaginal candidiasis.
Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)is
one of the safest and most effective nutrients, experts say. It may not
be the cure for the common cold (though it’s thought to help prevent
more serious complications). But the benefits of vitamin C may include
protection against immune system deficiencies, cardiovascular disease,
prenatal health problems, eye disease, and even skin wrinkling.
Vitamin
D (Cholecalciferol) is essential for promoting calcium absorption in
the gut and maintaining adequate serum calcium and phosphate
concentrations to enable normal mineralization of bone and prevent
hypocalcemic tetany. It is also needed for bone growth and bone
remodeling by osteoblasts and osteoclasts . Without sufficient vitamin
D, bones can become thin, brittle, or misshapen. Vitamin D sufficiency
prevents rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults. Together with
calcium, vitamin D also helps protect older adults from osteoporosis.
Vitamin D has other roles in human health, including modulation of
neuromuscular and immune function and reduction of inflammation.
Vitamin
E describes a family of 8 antioxidants, 4 tocopherols and 4
tocotrienols. alpha-tocopherol (a-tocopherol) is the only form of
vitamin E that is actively maintained in the human body and is
therefore, the form of vitamin E found in the largest quantities in the
blood and tissue. Vitamin E, a fat-soluble vitamin, protects vitamin A
and essential fatty acids from oxidation in the body cells and prevents
breakdown of body tissues.
Vitamin K is necessary for
normal clotting of blood in humans. Specifically, vitamin K is required
for the liver to make factors that are necessary for blood to properly
clot (coagulate), including factor II (prothrombin), factor VII
(proconvertin), factor IX (thromboplastin component), and factor X
(Stuart factor). Other clotting factors that depend on vitamin K are
protein C, protein S, and protein Z. Deficiency of vitamin K or
disturbances of liver function (for example, severe liver failure) may
lead to deficiencies of clotting factors and excess bleeding.
Amino Acids: The foundation of our body.
Our
bodies need twenty different amino acids or proteins that are the
building blocks for a healthy body. Nonessential amino acids are those
that the body can synthesize for itself, provided there is enough
nitrogen, carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen available. Essential amino acids
are those supplied by the diet. They must be consumed as the human body
either cannot make them at all or cannot make them in sufficient
quantity to meet its needs. ?Of the 20 amino acids required by our
bodies, eleven of them are nonessential and nine are essential.
Functions
of Amino Acids: Proteins act as enzymes , hormones , and antibodies .
They maintain fluid balance and acid and base balance. They also
transport substances such as oxygen, vitamins and minerals to target
cells throughout the body. Structural proteins, such as collagen and
keratin, are responsible for the formation of bones, teeth, hair, and
the outer layer of skin and they help maintain the structure of blood
vessels and other tissues.
Enzymes are proteins that facilitate
chemical reactions without being changed in the process. Hormones
(chemical messengers) are proteins that travel to one or more specific
target tissues or organs, and many have important regulatory functions.
Insulin , for example, plays a key role in regulating the amount of
glucose in the blood. The body manufactures antibodies (giant protein
molecules), which combat invading antigens. Antigens are usually foreign
substances such as bacteria and viruses that have entered the body and
could potentially be harmful. Immunoproteins, also called
immunoglobulins or antibodies, defend the body from possible attack by
these invaders by binding to the antigens and inactivating them.
If
these critical components for a healthy body are not provided as part
of a healthy diet, the body will look for other sources for them. This
can include breakdown of our organs, leading to chronic problems such as
liver and kidney problems, diabetes and heart disease among others.
MORINGA
AS FOOD Moringa is considered a complete food as it contains all of the
essential Amino Acids required for a healthy body. The dried leaf is a
nutritional powerhouse and contains all of the following Amino Acids.
ISOLEUCINE
builds proteins and enzymes and it provides ingredients used to create
other essential biochemical components in the body, some of which
promote energy and stimulate the brain to maintain a state of alertness.
LEUCINE works with isoleucine to build proteins and enzymes which enhance the body’s energy and alertness.
LYSINE
ensures your body absorbs the right amount of calcium. It also helps
form collagen used in bone cartilage and connective tissues. In
addition, lysine aids in the production of antibodies, hormones, and
enzymes. Recent studies have shown lysine improves the balance of
nutrients that reduce viral growth.
METHIONINE primarily supplies sulfur to your body. It is known to prevent hair,
skin,
and nail problems while lowering cholesterol levels as it increases the
liver’s production of lecithin. Methionine reduces liver fat and
protects the kidneys, which reduces bladder irritation.
PHENYLALAINE
produces the chemical needed to transmit signals between nerve cells
and the brain. It can help with concentration and alertness, reduce
hunger pains and improve memory and mood.
THREONINE is
an important part of collagen, elastin, and enamel proteins. It assists
metabolism and helps prevent fat build-up in the liver while boosting
the body’s digestive and intestinal tracts.
TRYPTOPHAN
supports the immune system, alleviates insomnia, reduces anxiety,
depression, and the symptoms of migraine headaches. It also is
beneficial in decreasing the risk of artery and heart spasms as it works
with lysine to reduce cholesterol levels.
VALINE is important in promoting a sharp mind, coordinated muscles, and a calm mood.
Non-essential amino acids in Moringa
ALANINE
is important for energy in muscle tissue, brain, and central nervous
system. It strengthens the immune system by producing antibodies.
Alanine also helps in the healthy metabolism of sugars and organic acids
in the body.
ARGININE causes the release of the growth hormones
considered crucial for optimal muscle growth and tissue repair. It also
improves immune responses to bacteria, viruses, and tumor cells while
promoting the healing of the body’s wounds.
ASPARTIC
ACID helps rid the body of ammonia created by cellular waste. When the
ammonia enters the circulatory system it can act as a highly toxic
substance which can damage the central nervous system. Recent studies
have also shown that aspartic acid may decrease fatigue and increase
endurance.
CYSTINE functions as an antioxidant and is a
powerful aid to the body in protecting against radiation and pollution.
It can help slow the aging process, deactivate free radicals, and
neutralize toxins. It also aids in protein synthesis and presents
cellular change. It is necessary for the formation of new skin cells,
which aids in the recovery from burns and surgical operations.
GLUTAMIC
ACID is food for the brain. It improves mental capacities, helps speed
the healing of ulcers, reduces fatigue, and curbs sugar cravings.
GLYCINE
promotes the release of oxygen required in the cell-making process. It
is also important in the manufacturing of hormones responsible for a
strong immune system.
HISTIDINE is used in the
treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, allergies, ulcers, and anemia. A lack
of histidine may lead to poor hearing.
SERINE is
important in storing glucose in the liver and muscles. Its antibodies
help strengthen the body’s immune system. Plus, it synthesizes fatty
acid sheaths around nerve fibers.
PROLINE is extremely
important for the proper function of your joints and tendons. It also
helps maintain and strengthen heart muscles.
TYROSINE
transmits nerve impulses to your brain. It helps overcome depression;
improves memory; increases mental alertness; plus promotes the healthy
functioning of the thyroid, adrenal, and pituitary glands
