God
gifted Moringa fodder in ruminant nutrition in The Gambia
An
effective treatment for male and female infertility (Childless family)
The
plant moringa oleifera is very popular (locally known as ‘Nebedai’) in the
Senegambia region where it exists principally in scattered uncultivated forms.
It is mainly consumed in various forms as food in the region although a few
useful extra-culinary attributes have been suggested.
The
moringa oleifera variously known as drumstick tree, etc has been systematically
investigated during the last three years at ITC. The moringa plant is well
known for its enormous biomass production and it promises to be the plant of
the future. Although not completely strange in the West African biosphere, this
grossly underexploited plant has a lot to offer as a food and fodder resource
in the sub-region.
Infertility
has been a global challenge and there is lots of treatment: some good, some
failed, some ineffective. Research from various labs has shown that natural
herbal medicines can be applied to cure both male and female infertility, one
of which is Moringa.
Dealing
with infertility problems both for men and women poses psychological trauma and
affects the
Considering
the agro-ecological characteristics of the sub-region in general and The Gambia
in particular, the plant needs to be further investigated and modalities of integration
into the farming system carefully conducted on the merits of the respective
locations.
Moringa
herbal medicine has been discovered to be very rich in: minerals, antioxidants,
high protein density and vitamins: Vitamin A (beta carotene), Vitamin B1
(Thiamine), Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin), Vitamin B3 (Niacin), Vitamin B6
(Pyridoxine), Vitamin B7 (Biotin), Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid), Vitamin D
(Cholecalciferol), Vitamin E (Tocopherol) and Vitamin K and good cholesterol.
The
breakdown of the nutrients was further analysed:
Calcium
equivalent: 4 glasses of milk
Vitamin
C equivalent: 7 oranges
Potassium
equivalent: 3 bananas which is 3 times the iron of spinach
4
times the amount of vitamin A in carrots
2
times the protein in milk
Moringa,
the multi-purpose super food with endless health benefits
What
is particularly unique about moringa is the fact that every part of the plant,
including its bark, leaves, flowers, and roots serves a unique purpose in
promoting human health. Its seeds, for instance, contain up to 40 percent of a
non-drying, edible oil known as “Ben Oil” that is rich in antioxidants and
similar in its nutritional profile to olive oil. The clear, sweet, odourless
oil also has an indefinite shelf life, as it does not turn rancid like many
other oils.
“The
leaves, flowers, seeds, pods, roots, bark, gum, and seed oil from the moringa
(malunggay) plant are continually being subjected to intensive research and
development programs because the various constituents of the moringa are known
to have, among other properties, anti-diabetic, anti-hypertensive,
anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-viral, anti-parasitic and anti-aging
activities.”
Perhaps
the most utilized component of Moringa is its leaves, which can be dried and
ground up into a nutrient-dense, tart-flavoured powder. According to another
report in the Manila Bulletin, Moringa powder contains seven times the amount
of vitamin C typically found in oranges, four times the amount of vitamin A in
carrots, 36 times the amount of magnesium in eggs, 25 times the amount of iron
in spinach, 50 times the amount of vitamin B3 in peanuts, and 50 times the
vitamin B.
Like
Ben Oil, moringa leaf powder does not spoil, which makes it an excellent
long-term survival food. Particularly in the developing countries, moringa
powder provides nutritional sustenance at a level unparalleled by most other
food plants. And because moringa seeds can grow to full-size, harvestable trees
in as few as 65 days, the moringa plant is a highly-sustainable source of food
that is virtually unmatched in its viability and usefulness.
Processes
involved
1.
Making herbal tonic: Get the extracts of five to ten drumstick flowers by
boiling it.
2.
Mix 1 with a cup of cow milk.
3.
To sweeten the mixture, add 1 teaspoon of sugar.
This
process should span between a week and a month while tests should be carried
out for changes or improvements. The resulting tonic can cure infertility of
both males and females.
Also,
additional facts for men suffering from erectile dysfunction making a soup out
of moringa drumstick seeds mixed with a bit of pepper and ginger. The bark of
moringa tree is turned into powder and when taken internally improves semen
quality.
The
moringa tree with its edible leaves, flowers, and pods are one of most power
packed, nutritious trees in the world. It is also one of the most healing trees
in the world. The entire tree is either used for food, medicine, or cooking. It
has been used in Ayurveda medicine for hundreds of years to both prevent and
treat almost 300 diseases.
The
information in this article is not based on double blind research but on the
historical and current usage of moringa leaves, flowers, and pods in India, and
many other countries. This is how the people have used it in the past and how
they use it now. Much of this information was observed and documented in the
different health projects by physicians in their treatment of AIDS,
malnutrition, and disease.
How
Moringa leaves can have an impact on so many problems
Many
health problems are due to poor nutrition, malnutrition and imbalanced disease
states, which result in immune system breakdown and disease. When you correct
those imbalances and nutritional deficiencies with super packed nutritious
food, it is bound to improve health and disease states. The ability for moringa
leaves, flowers, bark, and pods to have such diverse healing effects is due to
the vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and healing elements the tree contains.
A
review of Moringa’s power packed nutrition:
Here
is a nutritional breakdown of fresh moringa leaves: 7 times the Vitamin C of
Oranges; 4 times the Calcium of Milk; 3 times the Potassium of Bananas; 2 times
the Protein of Yogurt; 4 times the Vitamin A of Carrots; and 2 quarters the
iron of Spinach.
Moringa
leaves when dried become a even greater, powerhouse of nutrition containing: ½
the Vitamin C of Oranges; 17 times the Calcium of Milk; 15 times the Potassium
of Bananas; 9 times the Protein of Yogurt; 25 times the Vitamin A of Carrots;
and 20 times the Iron in Spinach. All elements except the Vitamin C is
increased when you dry the leaves in the shade. Drying the leaves in direct
sunlight decreases its nutritional values.
Moringa
leaves and its effects on blood pressure, blood sugar, and breast milk
production and anaemia:
Moringa
leaves mixed with honey then followed with coconut milk drunk 2 to 3 times a
day is used for diarrhoea, dysentery and colitis.
Moringa
leaves have been observed and documented by doctors in the health projects to
increase breast milk production and the health of nursing mothers. This is due
to the nutrition in the leaves especially the protein, calcium and iron
content.
Given
to failure to thrive infants, it encourages weight gain and improved health due
to the super packed nutritional content of the leaves.
Moringa
leaves are given to improve anaemia in infants, children and adults because of
its high iron content. Iron tablets cause stomach distress, constipation, and
are difficult to digest. Iron tablets are not easy to obtain in these poor
communities. Given their compromised digestive systems due to malnutrition, the
iron tablets would most likely not even be utilized by the body.
The
Health Benefits of Moringa Seeds
Moringa
seeds are a potentially incredible find, with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory,
and cholesterol-lowering effects listed among some of their benefits. Moringa
seeds also offer many nutritional benefits. They contain:
Seven
times more vitamin C than oranges; Four times the amount of vitamin A found in
carrots; Four times more calcium than milk; Three times more potassium than
bananas; and Two times more protein than yogurt.
If
research pans out, it’s possible that the moringa tree (also known as the
drumstick tree) and its seeds will become a new superfood.
Why
Eat Moringa Seeds
The
moringa plant has been eaten by indigenous cultures worldwide for over 4,000
years. Moringa is a nutrient-dense plant, rich in calcium, iron, vitamins, and
essential amino acids that are found in other complete proteins such as quinoa
and meat. Moringa can benefit the body in many ways including improved energy,
sleep, blood pressure level, blood sugar level, hair, and skin, to name a few.
In
Ayurveda, moringa leaves are believed to prevent over 300 diseases and are used
all the time in traditional healing. Moringa comes from Moringa oleifera, a
fast-growing tree found in South Asia and throughout the tropics. The tree is
hardy and thrives even in rough growing conditions, so it can be planted almost
anywhere and harvested in a short time. It’s been used as a nutritional enhancement
in developing countries such as Malawi, Senegal, and India because of its rapid
growth rate and year-round harvest.
Moringa Seeds Nutrition Facts
The
following table is a breakdown of the nutritional information for moringa
seeds, per 100 grams. Two key values to note are that these seeds have zero
cholesterol and are very high in fibre, which can make them essential to a
healthy food regimen.
7
Health Benefits of Moringa Seeds
The
following are just a few of the health benefits associated with moringa
seeds. More research is happening every
year on the medicinal value of moringa; we have only just begun to understand
how potentially powerful moringa tree seeds are.
1. Lowers Blood Pressure
High
blood pressure is a serious cardiovascular issue that can lead to heart attacks
and stroke if it isn’t managed. Medications are sometimes necessary, but the
ideal route if possible is through exercise, a healthy lifestyle and diet, and
proper supplementation. While studies have shown that moringa can lower blood
pressure, these studies are preliminary and more research needs to be done on
humans, so talk to your doctor before stopping any prescribed treatment for
high blood pressure.
2.
Acts as a Sleep Aid
For
a good night’s rest, steep moringa leaves in hot water for 15 minutes and then
drink before bed. It will help you sleep soundly, which in turn will leave you
energized to tackle the day.
3.
Boosts Energy
A
single serving of moringa has almost three times the amount of iron as spinach.
This is especially important for vegetarians/vegans and those who suffer from
low iron issues, as the body needs iron to enrich the blood and carry oxygen to
our muscles, organs, and tissues.
4.
Lowers Blood Sugar Levels
A
2014 study published in Acta Histochemical reported that moringa seeds can
lower blood sugar levels, which would provide therapeutic management (or even
prevention) of diabetes. However, the study was done on lab rats and research
is needed on humans before any recommendations can be made.
5. High in Fibre
Moringa
is high in fibber, and as a result it can do a great job of moving food along
your digestive system. Fibber is also a key component in maintaining a healthy
cardiovascular system.
6.
Can Lower Cholesterol
Too
much cholesterol in the blood has been linked to heart disease. In traditional
Thai medicine, moringa is used as a cardio tonic (a drug or herb used to
improve how the heart contracts). Some plants have been known to reverse bad
cholesterol and research is showing that moringa is among them.
7.
Promotes Healthy, Beautiful Skin
The
oil extracted from the seeds contains almost 30 antioxidants. The skin absorbs
the oil well and can receive these nourishing antioxidants easily. The oil can
be used as a moisturizer and antiseptic.
Ways
to Use Moringa and Moringa Seeds
Many
parts of the moringa plant are edible, but how to eat moringa seeds, that’s the
question. The pods (7) are often used in cooking (though you won’t likely have
a chance to have moringa in this form in North America at the moment unless you
grow your own tree). The leaves are used more readily.
• Moringa
oil, also called ben oil because of the high levels of behenic acid in it, is
pressed from the seeds. It can be used in cosmetics and is edible, though the
price is steep; it’s almost 15 times higher than olive oil.
• The
roots are often ground down for use in supplement capsules. Traditional
medicine uses the roots, leaves, and seeds.
• If
you do get your hands on moringa leaves (and they will be dried unless you
decide to plant your own tree), they can be cooked much like spinach and kale.
Add them to a grilled cheese or any other sandwich for a nutrient boost, or use
them in soups and stews. The leaves have high levels of vitamins C, A, and B.
The
seeds can be eaten just like nuts, so add them to granola or a trail mix you
prepare with other nuts and dried fruit. Mix them with hemp seeds for an
incredible boost of energy and health.
• If
you can get a hold of fresh seeds, you can boil them as you would peas and use
them as a side dish to any meal. The seeds don’t have as many vitamins and
minerals as the leaves do, but they are high in vitamin C.
• If
you opt for moringa leaf powder, you have more options for use. Add the powder
to yogurt, soups, and smoothies.
Moringa
Seeds: Dosages
Though
human trials and studies for moringa seeds are limited, the results of studies
done on rats show that 150 to 200 mg/kg taken orally (as a tincture in water)
seems to be an ideal dose. From there the following can be estimated:
1,600
to 2,200 mg for a 150-pound person
2,100
to 2,900 mg for a 200-pound person
2,700
to 3,600 mg for a 250-pound person
Use
the above as guidelines for maximum dosages; start at the lowest amount and
then work your way up once you determine how your body reacts to it.
More
research is needed to know the full range of moringa seeds benefits. And side
effects may exist as well, but again, not enough research has been done to make
any known just yet. Use caution and if anything odd does happen, stop using
moringa and see a doctor. And if you start experiencing abnormal side effects
such as hives, a severe rash, heart palpitations, dizziness, or signs of
anaphylaxis, please seek medical help immediately.
For
further information email azadehhassanmd10@gmail.com and to Mr Matthias
Ketteler Chairman of Project Aid The Gambia an NGO producing Moringa Plantation
at Jahali village projectaid@work.gm or send text only to DR AZADEH on
7774469/3774469.
