Health wonders of Moringa plants

TO give Moringa, the miracle plant the
recognition it deserves, the South-west
branch of the Moringa Association of
Nigeria (MAN)was launched with speakers at
the occasion asking that people maximizes
its medicinal uses for their health.
The Moringa Oleifera tree has been called
the Tree of Life in many cultures around the
world. It has many names based on its
many uses: clarifier tree, horseradish tree
and drumstick tree (referring to the large
drumstick shaped pods) and in East Africa
moringa is known as “mother’s best friend”.
Its other names include ewe igbale
(Yoruba), Zogale (Hasusa) and Idagbo
monoye (Igbo).
In a presentation on the health benefits of
moringa leaves by Mr Yomi Ige, said current
scientific studies had shown that it contains
specific antioxidants and health promoting
ingredients that offers veritable answers to
malnutrition, hunger and diseases.
According to him, “it is a strong antioxidant
effective against prostate and skin cancers,
an anti-tumor and an anti-aging substance.
It modulates anaemia, high blood pressure,
diabetes and high blood cholesterol level. It
has strong anti-inflammatory properties
ameliorating rheumatism, joint pain,
arthritis and oedema.”
“As an antibacterial, anti-microbial and anti-
viral agent, it is effective against urinary
tract infection, typhoid, dental caries and
toothaches as well as common cold.”
Mr Ige remarked that moringa seeds are
being used in the prevention and treatment
of AIDS with good result study from the
1990’s indicated that there was a
connection between forms of malnutrition
and likelihood of contracting AIDS.
According to him, “Moringa powder
supplementation is an immune stimulant for
HIV+ people, particularly those who cannot
afford good nutrition and medicines in
Africa. Unlike traditional multivitamins, the
nutrients found in moringa oleifera are
readily absorbed into the body, providing
an abundance of highly available, naturally
occurring nutrient benefits. “
“A single serving of moringa leaves
contains greater amounts of potassium
than bananas, greater amounts of Vitamin A
than carrots, is as rich with antioxidants as
the best green teas, and contains every
essential amino acid, making it one of the
few plants in the world that provides a
complete protein source.” Amazingly, the
World Health Organisation has been
observing and utilizing the tree for more
than 40 years now as a cheap health
supplement in the poverty-stricken
countries the world over.
According to the annals of the ayurveda,
India’s old tradition of medicines, the leaves
of the moringa tree could treat at least 300
diseases. Moringa boosts one’s energy in a
natural manner and is a remarkable source
of nutrition.
Individuals ingesting it say that their ulcers
are healed, tumors restricted, there is
reduction in the arthritis pains and
inflammation, controlled blood pressure, the
skin problems are restored and finally they
have stronger defenses against diseases.
Another advantage of moringa is that it can
also purify water since it has a detoxifying
effect. Also as a coagulant agent, moringa
can attach itself to hazardous bacteria and
other materials and in the process purify
the water.