There’s a new superfood on the block and it looks like it’s here to stay. Although Moringa’s leaves have been used by communities on the Indian subcontinent for generations, it’s only recently that their amazing health benefits have been recognized closer to home.
But while you may well have heard all about its health benefits, its culinary applications are less well known. So let us do the honors. From pills to powders, here’s our round up of the best ways to get your daily dose from the ‘miracle tree’.
What’s All the Fuss About?
For centuries the Moringa tree has been used in traditional medicine to treat and prevent diseases such as arthritis, liver and heart disease and digestive disorders. Although it’s the leaves that are most commonly used, the medicinal virtues of the Moringa’s bark, roots and seeds, flowers and fruit have also been praised.
The plant’s effectiveness comes from the wealth of nutrients and antioxidants packed inside, including protein, vitamin B6, vitamin C, riboflavin and iron. Moringa also contains essential amino acids.
Recently several studies have shown that these little leaves are a powerhouse of nutrients that may actually reduce some diabetes symptoms, support brain health, fight inflammation and protect the cardiovascular system. Not bad for a simple tree.
If you want to find out more about the medicinal applications of this incredible plant, take a look at our recent blog on the health benefits of Moringa Oleifera here. Or read on to find out how you can add Moringa to your regular diet.
1. Sprinkle Moringa Powder Into Your Cooking
Moringa is most commonly found in powdered form. This bright green powder is made entirely from naturally-dried Moringa leaves and contains all of the good stuff found in the fresh plant. The powder can give a nutrient boost to your favourite dish, whether it’s sprinkled into soup or served on top of your favourite salad. Just remember not to cook Moringa in your food if you want to preserve all of those rich phytonutrients.
2. Give Your Juice a Boost
If you like to get your daily health kick in liquid form then why not add half a teaspoon of Moringa powder to your smoothie or juice drink? For a proper detox try blitzing watermelon, water and Moringa powder together for a refreshing juice drink bursting with antioxidants. If you aren’t so keen on the taste then try adding some honey and lemon.
For a super green smoothie, blend half a teaspoon of Moringa powder with apple, cucumber, blackberries, citrus and grapefruit. This superfood drink is a vitamin powerhouse and a great way of working Moringa into your daily routine.
Looking for more juicing inspiration? Read our ‘Mean Greens’ juicing ideas here.
3. Fresh Leaves
If you’re able to get your hands on some fresh Moringa leaves then you can get even more creative in the kitchen. Fresh Moringa leaves can be eaten raw just like any salad leaf. If you’re planning on cooking them, remember to add the Moringa to your dish at the last minute, just as you would spinach. This will help the leaves keep hold of their rich stash of nutrients. Like spinach leaves, Moringa is a great addition to curries, omelettes or simply as a side dish.
Your meals will taste even better when you know that every mouthful contains a heap of nutrients and vitamins. Eating 100 grams of fresh Moringa leaves provides you with a huge amount of protein and a healthy dose of vitamins A and C to boot.
4. Enjoy a Moringa Tea
A nice hot cup of tea is always a good way to unwind. And it’s even better knowing that your drink is packed full of nutrients and antioxidants. Moringa tea is naturally decaffeinated, though the energy-filled drink should still provide a natural pick me up.
Brewing Moringa tea is easy. Simply steep a handful of dried leaves in hot water for a few minutes, and add lemon, honey or (if you must) sugar to taste.
5. An Easy Supplement
One of the easiest ways to get Moringa into your daily routine is to take it in capsule form. Capsules provide all of the benefits of powdered Moringa in an easy supplement, perfect if you want to load up on vitamins and antioxidants at the beginning of the day. If this is the option for you, try to get organic moringa capsules and preferably ones with vegetarian casing, like those on offer from Fresh Healthcare here.
