The Tribune

By Dr Betty Adderley

MORINGA is now becoming a hot topic in natural health discussions as well as in households in the Bahamas.

Although moringa has been around from 2000 BC in northern India, where the plant originated, and was used as a medicinal herb. The plant spread from India to China, Asia, the Philippines and finally to the West Indies and the Americas. It is recorded that as early as 1817 moringa oil was used for culinary purposes.

The moringa tree is often referred to as the “tree of life” or the “magic plant”.
Traditional cultures in most parts of the world have long used moringa in their herbal medicine for ailments ranging from common colds to inflammation and pain, having identified it as the vegetable with the highest nutritional value among many types of food species studied. Every part of the plant is used in diet or for medicinal preparations, including the root, bark, leaves, pods, flowers and seeds.

We all know fruits and vegetables have an array of vitamins and minerals. Well, check out the statistics on this magical plant.

Scientific research has it documented that moringa is a vitamin powerhouse. It contains seven times the vitamin C in oranges, four times the calcium in milk, four times the vitamin A in carrots, three times the potassium in bananas, and two times the protein in yogurt. Moringa is richer in nutrients than spinach, and has the highest level of chlorophyll than any other dark green leafy vegetable.

Moringa has over 300 benefits and is used for any and all ailments such as arthritis, cancer, constipation, diabetes, ulcers, kidneys, thyroid problems, bacterial and fungal diseases and even HIV related conditions.

It is also used to reduce swelling, increase sex drive and energy and boost the immune system. The leaves of the moringa plant are used for tea, smoothies and in salads.

Power is derived from dried leaves and is used in many forms. Some manufactured products such as oils, shampoos, capsules and tea bags are also available on the market.

With all the nutritional content in the moringa plant, it is said to protect cells of the body from damage and free radicals.

Cancer is the result of free radicals taking control of your tissue and blood stream damaging cells and causing cancer. The antioxidants in moringa leaves destroy and squash free radicals that attack the cells and cause all types of this deadly disease.
On his popular health show, Dr Oz highly recommended moringa referring to it as an “energy blaster”. He added that it is a good way to jump-start your day. I dare say it is also a great way to end your day, especially if you want to sleep well.

Personally, I have added moringa to my other favourites – fever grass, sweet Margaret, strong bark for tea, and to aloe vera, noni and cascarilla bark for my healthy upkeep.

I am a firm believer in natural is better. After all, “Prevention is better than cure”.

For more information on the subject and to obtain natural products, contact the writer at 361-5435 ; or e-mail bett_on@yahoo.com.

• Dr Betty Adderley is a veteran educator, certified nutritionist, trained counsellor, network marketing coach and motivational speaker.