Moringa oleifera Lam that we are familiar with the name Moringa is the best known of the thirteen species of the genus Moringacae. Allegedly has its origins in Agra and Oudh, located in northwest India, the Himalayan region to the south. The name “Shigon” for Moringa has been mentioned in the book “Shushruta Sanhita” written in the early first century AD. There is evidence that this Moringa has been cultivated in India since thousands of years ago. Ancient people of India know that whole grains contain vegetable oils and their use for medicinal purposes. Now, the Indian community in general utilizing Moringa as animal feed or vegetable.
Fact about moringa leaves
Although it is native to the southern foothills of the Himalayas, but Moringa live in all tropical countries. Moringa is currently cultivated throughout the Middle East, and in almost all tropical regions. First introduced in East Africa from India in the early 20th century Nicaragua, Moringa known as Marango and was introduced in 1920 as an ornamental plant and for use as a living fence. Moringa trees grows very well and most of it found in the Pacific Nicaragua, but Moringa can be found in the forest in each state.
Lately, moringa, or Kelor in Indonesian, used to fight against malnutrition in children and efforts to boost the immune system in many developing countries. Traditional medicine have long used Moringa for the treatment of various diseases, including recovery from liver damage. Moringa also often used to complement modern medicine in patients with chronic pain, including those suffering from AIDS and HIV-related illnesses.
Clasification
- Kingdom: Plantae (Plants)
- Subkingdom: Tracheobionta
- Super Division: Spermatophyta
- Division: Magnoliophyta
- Class: Magnoliopsida
- Sub Class: Dilleniidae
- Family: Moringa
- Genus: Moringa
- species: Moringa oleifera Lam
Nutrition Facts Compared With Other Food Sources
If you try to compared moringa with other nutrient sources for the body, Moringa contains more than other plants. Here is a comparison Moringa with other food sources:
- Vitamin A, 10 times more than carrots
- Vitamin B1, four times more than pork.
- Vitamin B2, 50 times more than Sardines,
- Vitamin B3, 50 times more than beans,
- Vitamin E, 4 times more than corn oil,
- Beta Carotene, 4 times more than carrots,
- Iron, 25 times more than spinach,
- Zinc, 6 times more than almonds,
- Potassium, 15 times more than bananas,
- Calcium, 17 times and 2 times more than milk,
- Protein, 9 times more than Yogurt,
- Amino Acids, 6 times more than garlic,
- Poly Phenol, 2 times more than Red Wine,
- Fiber (Dietary Fiber), five times more than vegetables in general,
- GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), 100 times more than brown rice,
Health benefits of Moringan leaves
To understand how Moringa can make our body fit, it must be seen on the benefits and efficacy of each of the nutrients contained in Moringa. Here’s a fuller explanation of the content, usefulness and efficacy of some essential nutrients contained in Moringa for body fitness.
1. Antioxidants
Moringa contain 46 compound powerful antioxidant or compounds with the characteristics of an antioxidant,
- Vitamin A,
- Vitamin C,
- Vitamin E,
- Vitamin K,
- Vitamin B,
- Vitamin B1,
- Vitamin B2,
- Vitamin B3,
- myristic-acid,
- palmitic-acid,
- Prolamine,
- vitamin B6,
- Alanine,
- Kaempferal,
- Leucine,
- Lutein,
- zeaxanthin,
- zinc.Chlorophyll,
- Chromium,
- Â Delta-5-Avenasterol,
- Delta-7-Avenasterol,
- Methionine,
- Alpha-carotene,
- Proline,
- Quercetin,
- Rutin,
- Selenium,
- Arginine,
- Acid Indole Acetic,
- Beta-carotene,
- beta-sitosterol,
- Campesterol,
- Carotenoids,
- Xanthophyll,
- Caffeoylquinic acid,
- Threonine,
- Tryptophan,
- Xanthins,
- Zeatin,
- Glutathione,
- histidine, and
- Indoleacetonitrile.
These antioxidant compounds can neutralize free radicals that caused damage cells in the body. Consuming more antioxidants help the body to neutralize harmful free radicals. It is estimated that there are over 4,000 compounds in foods that act as antioxidants.
2. Anti-inflammatory
Anti-inflammatory drugs are able to eliminate the inflammation not because microorganisms, but arising as a response to tissue injury and infection. Moringa contains anti-inflammatory such as
- Vitamin A,
- Vitamin B1,
- Vitamin C,
- Vitamin E,
- Quercetin,
- Rutin,
- Selenium,
- stigmasterol,
- Arginine,
- Beta-sitosterol,
- Acid Caffeoylquinic,
- Omega 3,
- Omega 6,
- Omega 9 Fiber,
- Glutathione Calcium,
- Chlorophyll,
- Copper,
- cystine,
- oleic acid,
- Sulfur,
- Zinc.
- Magnesium,
- Tryptophan,
- Tyrosine,
- Zeatin,
- histidine,
- Indole Acetic Acid,
- Indole acetonitrile,
- isoleucine,
- Kaempferal,
- Leucine,
- Phenylalanine,
- Potassium,
3. Amino Acids
Humans certainly can not live without amino acids and will not be healthy when in amino acid deficiency condition. However, in the right amount, the amino acid will maintain and build strong body systems. The human body is able to produce only 12 of the 20 different amino acids.
Eight kinds of amino acids known as essential amino acids because the body can not produce amino acids of this type and should be given in the form of food intake, usually derived from red meat or milk and derivative products.
Moringa naturally contains 18 of 20 amino acids that the body can absorb and really important for our health. Moringa is one of very few plants that contain 8 essential amino acids to complete the amino acid in body.
- Build proteins and enzymes as well as providing materials that are used to make other important biochemical component in the body, such as promote energy and stimulate the brain.
- Working with isoleucine to build proteins and enzymes that boost the body’s energy and alertness.
- Guaranteeing the body can absorb calcium in the right amount. It also helps collagen used in cartilage and connective tissue. Lysine helps in the production of antibodies, hormones and enzymes.
- The main role of supplying sulfur to the body. It is known to prevent the problem in the hair, skin, and nails while lowering cholesterol levels because it will increase the production of lecithin in the liver.
- Needed to transmit signals between nerve cells and brain. It can help maintain the level of alert, reduce hunger, plus increased mood and memory.
- Not only to assist metabolism, threonine helps to prevent fat accumulation in the liver, increasing the body’s digestive and intestinal tract health.
- Supports the immune system, relieve insomnia, reduce anxiety, depression, and the symptoms of migraine headaches. It is also have a role in reducing the risk of artery and heart spasms.
- Important in promoting a sharp mind, coordinated muscles, and a good mood.
4. Ten Non-Essential Amino Acids
In addition to containing the whole (eight) essential amino acids can not be manufactured by the body, also found Moringa is abundant with non-essential amino acid that can be produced by the body with the help of proper nutrition.
- It is important to build up energy in muscle tissue, the brain and central nervous system. It also helps in the healthy metabolism of sugars and organic acids.
- It has been shown in studies to cause the release of growth hormone are considered essential for optimal muscle growth and tissue repair. Arginine also enhances the immune response to bacteria, viruses, and tumor cells, and promotes healing of wounds on the body.
- Aspartic acid. Help rid the body of ammonia created by cellular waste. When ammonia enters the circulatory system, can act as a highly toxic substance that can damage the central nervous system.
- Cystine, Serves as an antioxidant and is a powerful reinforcements in protecting the body against radiation and pollution. It can help to slow the aging process, neutralize toxins and deactivate free radicals.
- glutamic acid, source of nutrients for brain tissue, improve mental capacity, helping to accelerate the healing of wounds, reduce fatigue and balance blood sugar.
- Glycine, promoting the release of oxygen required in the cell manufacturing process. It is also important to hormones responsible for a strong immune system.
- histidine, used in the treatment of allergies, ulcers, anemia, and rheumatoid arthritis. The lack of histidine may cause weak hearing.
- Proline, is very important for the proper function of the joints and tendons.
- Tryrosine, overcome depression, increases mental alertness, increase the thyroid, improves memory, adrenal, and pituitary gland healthy function.
- Serine, important in storing glucose in the liver and muscles. Antibodies that help strengthen the immune system and synthesize fatty acid sheath around nerve fibers.
5. Vitamin
There are 13 types of vitamins needed by the body to be able grow and develop. Moringa contains Vitamin A (Alpha & Beta-carotene), Vitamin B(B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B12), vitamin K, vitamin E, vitamin D, Vitamin C, folic acid, biotin, more abundant. In fact, many times from food sources is known as a high source of nutrition.
- Vitamin A, Vitamin A plays a role in the growth and maintenance of bones and epithelial tissue, improve immunity, and fight against free radicals (antioxidant). Moringa contains vitamin A 10 times more from carrots, and Beta Carotene 4 times more than vitamin A contained in carrots.
- Vitamin B, Vitamin B is water soluble vitamin and plays an important role in cell metabolism. Moringa contains vitamin B as much as 423 mg / 100 g of fresh leaves.
- Vitamin B1 ( or thiamine), vitamin B1 protects the nervous system, stimulate the appetite and play a role in muscle function and heart. Moringa contains vitamin B1 2.6 mg / 100 grams of dried leaves. In the same amount, Moringa contain of B1 4 times more than the amount of vitamin B1 in pork and 21 times more than wheat flour.
- Vitamin B2 (or riboflavin), vitamin helps the digestion of proteins, carbohydrates and fats and protect the skin and eyes. Moringa contains 20.5 mg / 100 grams of dried leaves. 50 times more than the amount of vitamin B2 in Sardines.
- Vitamin B3 (or Niacin). It an important to the metabolism of carbohydrates to produce energy, fat and protein. Moringa contains vitamin B3 as much as 8.2 mg / 100 grams of dried leaves, 50 times more than the amount of vitamin B3 in peanuts.
- Vitamin B6 (or pyridoxine), vitamin producing bacteria digestion and partly absorbed through the intestinal wall. Moringa contains 1,200 mg / 100 g of fresh leaves, 29 times more than apples and 4.5 times more than the avocado.
- Vitamin C (ascorbic acid), Vitamin C is mainly found in citrus fruits, kiwi, melon, lime, guava, soursop, mango, strawberry, papaya, tomatoes, cabbage and peppers. This vitamin is essential for growth and development, helps the healing process, improve the immune system (helps prevent flu), stimulates the synthesis of collagen, keeping skin elasticity, and maintain healthy bones, teeth, muscles and tendons. Vitamin C also acts as an antioxidant and helps iron absorption in the intestine. Moringa contains Vitamin C 220 mg / 100 g of fresh leaves, 7 times more stout than oranges and 10 times more than the wine.
- Vitamin D (calciferol), it is essential for bone growth and maintenance. Compared with milk, in the same weight (100 grams), fresh Moringa leaves contain Vitamin D naturally 4 times much more and dried Moringa leaves contain vitamin D 17 times much more.
- Vitamin E (tocopherol), vitamin is important antioxidant that prevents premature aging of cells, stimulates the immune system, reduce the risk of cataracts, protect against heart disease, prevent cancer and maintain skin health. Moringa contains vitamin E as much as 113 mg / 100 grams of leaf powder, 3 times much more than spinach and 4 times much more than vitamin E contained in Corn Oil.
- Vitamin K, (Phylloquinone), Vitamin K is involved in blood clotting and deficiencies can cause excessive bleeding and difficulty in healing. Moringa contains 108 mg / 100 g of dry leaves, 1.5 times much more of cabbage.
6. Mineral
Minerals are nutrients needed by the body in a certain amount (often in small quantities) to maintain health. Like vitamins, minerals are essential nutrients for health and disease prevention. Moringa contains minerals Calcium, Iron, Chromium, Molybdenum, Potassium, Sodium, Selenium, Manganese, Copper, Fluorine, Phosphorus, Zinc, Sulphur, Magnesium.
- Calcium, Calcium is the largest mineral that the body needs. Calcium is important to bones and teeth, and helps muscle contraction and relaxation, enzymes secretion, hormone function, blood clotting, vitamin B12 absorption and prevention of kidney stones and heart disease. Moringa contains 440 mg/100 g of fresh leaves and 2,003 mg / 100 grams of dried leaves. The content was 17 times much more than milk and 8.79 times much more in a bioavailable form.
- Copper, Copper is a trace element essential for most animals, including humans. This substance is necessary to absorb and utilize iron. Moringa contains copper 3.1 mg / 100 grams of peas and 1.1 mg / 100 g of fresh leaves, 28 times more than the orange, and 1.85 times more likely to be stored in the liver.
- Iron, Stored in haemoglobin, iron carries oxygen to body cells and carries carbon dioxide out of the body, supports muscle function, enzyme, protein and energy metabolism. Moringa contains iron as much as 28.2 mg / 100 grams of dried leaves, 25 times more than spinach, three times more than the almonds and 1.77 times more much is absorbed into the blood.
- Manganese, Manganese (manganese) is an essential mineral needed in small amounts to manufacture enzymes required for the metabolism of proteins and fats. This substance also supports the immune system and blood sugar balance and bone growth. Moringa contains manganese as much as 1.06 mg / 100 g of fresh leaves, and 0.858 mg / 100 grams of dried leaves, 36 times more than oranges, 37 times more than the eggs and 1.63 times more likely to be stored in the liver.
- Magnesium, it helps regulate levels of potassium and sodium, to the blood pressure control. It plays an important role to dental tissues, bones and muscles, production and transportation of energy, metabolism of fats, proteins and carbohydrates, muscle contraction and relaxation. Moringa contains magnesium as much as 368 mg / 100 g of dry leaves, 4.6 times more than spinach and 24 mg / 100 g of fresh leaves, 3.5 times more than red grapes, and 2.20 times more in the form of bioavailable ,
- Phosphorus. It is essential for strong bones and teet, and helps biological molecules such as DNA and RNA. Moringa contains 204 mg of phosphorus / 100 grams of dried leaves and 110 mg / 100 grams of pods. In the same weight, the content of phosphorus in the leaves of Moringa 4 times more than spinach and 1.5 times more than milk.
- Potassium, it plays an important role in the transport of glucose into cells and waste disposal, blood pressure, transmission of nerve impulses, heart rhythm and muscle function. Moringa is rich in potassium, contained 1,324 mg potassium / 100 grams of dried leaves and 259 mg / 100 g fresh leaf. The content of potassium in Moringa 15 times more than bananas, 3.5 times more than milk, and 9 times more than eggs.
- Selenium, We need selenium in small amounts but regularly for the health of the liver. Moringa contains 0.9 mg / 100 g of dry leaves, although small but has 17.60 times the antioxidant effects.
- Zinc is found in all cells of the body, especially the skin, nails, hair and eyes. Moringa contains 0.6 mg / 100 g of fresh leaves, 6 times more than the almonds and 6.46 times more absorbed into the blood.
7. Substance leaf green (chlorophyll)
benefits of Chlorophyll
- Natural Healers
- Neutralize toxins
- Removing toxins from the body
- Purify the liver from toxic sediments
- Neutralize heavy metal pollutants
- Helps strengthen the immune system
- Assist in building red blood cells
- Rejuvenate at the cellular level
- Reduce the level of pH in the body
Moringa leaves contain chlorophyll at 6.890 mg / kg of dry matter, 8 grams of Moringa leaf powder contains 162 mg of chlorophyll. Currently, wheatgrass is considered superior because it has a chlorophyll concentration greater than other vegetables. In fact, Moringa contains 4 times more chlorophyll than wheatgrass.
8. Phytonutrients
Phytonutrients are plant-based nutrients are believed to have the support of health. Certain organic components of this plant has an important role in making our body fit. It is useful for:
- Serves as an antioxidant in the body,
- Increase the immune response (immune system),
- Enhancing communication between cells,
- Change the metabolism of estrogen,
- Convert the beta-carotene into vitamin through metabolic processes,
- causing cancer cell death (apoptosis),
- Repairs DNA damage caused by smoking and other toxic exposures,
Some of which include the following phytonutrients present in Moringa:
- Carotenoids, Of all the phytonutrients, the most widely known are the carotenoids, pigments of red, orange, and yellow in fruits and vegetables. Fruits and vegetables that are high in carotenoids has long been used to protect people from the threat of certain cancers, heart disease, and age-related macular degeneration. Moringa contains 4,208 mg of beta carotene, 100 grams of dry leaves and 4 times more than the carrot.
- polyphenols, polyphenol compounds is a natural component of a variety of plants, known as plant secondary metabolites. Polyphenols can be classified as nonflavonoids and flavonoids. Quercetin and catechin polyphenol flavonoids are the most extensively studied the absorption and metabolism. Moringa contains polyphenols 2 times more than the Red Wine.
9. Fatty Acids
- Omega-9 Oleic Acid, One of the best types of fat is oleic acid (omega-9). Omega 9 is not an essential fatty acid because the body can synthesize from other nutritional compounds that are consumed. Excess olive oil is oleic acid content, which reached 75%, and Moringa contains about 73% oleic acid.
- Omega 6, Linoleic Acid, research shows the exact ratio of omega-6 and Omega-3, a key factor in preventing many chronic diseases, including heart, high blood pressure, some cancers, denegeration macula, inflammatory and immune disorders naturally. to balance the proportion of the ratio of these fatty acids can actually alleviate and improve the condition.
- Omega 3 Alpha-linolenic acid, more than 2,000 scientific studies have shown a variety of problems associated with Omega-3 deficiency. According to Dr. Joseph Mercola, Omega-3 deficiency also associated with various conditions, including those such as allergies, arthritis, cancer, eczmea, diabetes, depression, dyslexia, eczema, heart disease, inflammatory disease, memory problems, and violence. Moringa contains 44.57% α-Linolenic acid (omega 3), dried Moringa leaves contains 10 times of omega 3 than that could be found in salmon.
10. Other nutrients
- Cytokines, Moringa leaves contain cytokines that plant hormones that induce cell division, growth, and delay cell senescence. A more natural way to support healthy skin as the effect of the regeneration of new skin cells, without skin dermabrasion and chemical agents topical use is to consume cytokines. Cytokinins are plant hormones that encourage the growth of new cells and delay the aging process.
- Zeatin, one of the compounds in Moringa which is the highest anti-oxidant with anti-aging properties. Zeatin slows the aging process by helping the body replaces cells at a faster rate than his age, thus giving a more youthful appearance to the skin. (Read : Health Benefits of Moringa Leaves on Skin)
- Quercetin, Quercetin contained in Moringa is vital flavonoid with antioxidant properties. In addition, quercetin increases the body’s ability to absorb vitamin C. It is a powerful flavonoid that helps improve the body’s collagen and keep the skin brightness and health.
- Beta-sitosterol, beta-sitosterol is a component in moringa that might help to solve the problem of cholesterol. Because these compounds are part of a family of plant sterols, beta-sitosterol structure is quite similar to that of cholesterol, so it can trick the body to block the absorption of cholesterol from food. Beta-sitosterol also normalize blood sugar, boost the immune system, and acts as an anti-inflammatory agent.
- Caffeoylquinic acid and kaempferol, Caffeoylquinic acid showed significant anti-inflammatory activity and kaempferol proven to encourage healthy cell growth and cell function. Moringa leaves contain 0.5 to 1% acid caffeoylquinic.
Summaries Moringa Leaves Benefits
Based on the contents in the Moringa leaves, Moringa leaves at least have health benefits as follows:
- Anti-bacterial
- Infection
- Urinary Tract Infection
- Epstein-Bar Virus (EBV)
- Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV-1)
- HIV AIDS
- Worms
- trypanosomes
- bronchitis
- The external wounds or ulcers
- Fever
- Heart
- Anti-Tumor
- Prostate
- Protecting the liver and kidneys
- Anti-anemia
- Thyroid
- Hepatorenal
- colitis
- Diarrhea
- Dysentery
- Maag / Gastritis
- Rheumatism
- Arthritis
- Headache
- Antioxidants
- Carotenoids
- Energy
- Iron deficiency
- Lack of Protein, Vitamins and Minerals
- Lactation Enhancer
- Antiseptic
- warts
- Anti-hypertensive
- Diabetes / Hypogclycemia
- Diuretics
- Hypocholestemia
- catarrh
- Lactation
- Scurvy and tonic
- Dental caries / teeth
- Common cold
- Snakebite
- Scorpion Bites
- Digestion
- Epilepsy
- Hysteria
- Factors Antinutrietional
- abortifacient
- Aphrodisiac
- Joint pain
- goitrogens
- Birth control
- Asthma
- cardiotonic
- Flatulence
- Anti-spasmodic
- rubefacient
- vesicant
- Gout
- Hepatamegaly
- Lower back pain / Kidney
- splenomegaly
- Syphilis
- Typhoid
- Earache
- throat infections
- anthelmintics
- Skin cancer