The plant used to treat 'tired' blood can do so much more
You ask any health fundi what's lacking in your diet and the first thing they'll say is moringa. Growing naturally in North India, the plant has been used in traditional remedies for thousands of years. The leaves from this iron-rich tree have been proven to treat anemia. There are a great number of vitamins and minerals in moringa that help the body regulate its insulin level too.
Packed with antioxidants, moringa has earned its spot in the pantheon of superfoods because it protects the liver, treats stomach ulcers and digestive issues, strengthens your bones and soothes joint pain. Regular consumers of drumstick tree, which it is also known as, have also noticed that it keeps the symptoms of menopause at bay.
From one cup of moringa leaves, your body can look forward to 19% of your recommended daily allowance (RDA) of Vitamin B6 which helps your body create red blood cells and neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine; 12% of Vitamin C that is responsible for your immune system as well as the development and repair of body tissue; 11% of Riboflavin - a vital organ lining vitamin flushed out of the body daily which needs to be replaced daily; and 9% of Magnesium whose most important job is monitoring your cardiovascular health.
This unassuming plant compound is a dedicated and hard worker when it comes to the human body. To get the most out of moringa, you can consume the leaves fresh or dried. Most people tend to take a concentrated amount through supplemets or add the powder to their smoothies. Below is a recipe you can incorporate into your dietary routine:
Ingredients
1 banana
1 small mango
1 tbsp moringa powder
1/2 cucumber
1/3 cup almonds
2 cups coconut milk
handful of kale
1 kiwi
pinch of turmeric and pepper to garnish
Directions
1) Peel and slice banana
2) Cube mango (skin can stay on for added fiber)
3) Slice cucumber
4) Place all ingredients but kiwi, turmeric and pepper into blender and blend until smooth
5) Pour mixture into bowl
6) Zig zag cut kiwi fruit
7) Place kiwi in bowl
8) Sprinkle turmeric and ground pepper to finish
** Eat immediately
*** For a refreshingly cold smoothie bowl, pre-cut banana and mango and place in freezer overnight
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