The better question would be, why not?
Moringa Oleifera is a tree in which every part can be used. From its roots to its leaves and everything in between, the Moringa tree hosts a list of nutritional properties that are making children, adults, animals, and land healthier the world over.
Just look at these amazing facts. Moringa leaves alone contain:
- 7 times the vitamin C of oranges
- 4 times the vitamin A of carrots
- 4 times the calcium of milk
- 3 times the potassium of bananas
- 2 times the protein of yogurt
Altogether, it includes vitamins: A, B1, B2, B3, C and E. The plant is also packed with minerals, including: calcium, chromium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorous, potassium, protein, and zinc. This miracle tree also harbors 18 out of the 20 essential amino acids, which are the building blocks of DNA that humans need. There are eight amino acids that our bodies cannot synthesize on its own; fortunately, the Moringa provides it for us. Moringa also helps stop diarrhea, skin fungal infections and stomach aches, while improving anemia, and stabilizing diabetes. We do not recommend that you stop taking your doctor prescribed medications without medical consent, but it is advantageous to supplement the plant into your diet and reap its beneficial effects.
Moringa pods can be cooked as a vegetable, the seeds can be pressed for cooking and cosmetic oil, and the seed pulp can be used to purify water. This has been extremely beneficial in parts of the world where clean water is scarce. Its ability to mitigate malnutrition in these parts has also taken effect. Africa, Asia, South America, Latin America and the Caribbean are benefitting from the high potency of vitamins by administering the leaves in pounded powder form to babies and pregnant women. In fact, women in Senegal, Ghana, the Philippines, and Haiti are seeing such positive results for themselves and their children that they are planting their own trees and using the powder as a regular cooking spice sprinkled directly on top of each family meal. And the benefits just keep on coming!
The increased planting of Moringa trees has helped to strengthen degraded soil and prevent future erosion. The abundance of water in the root of the tree also makes it drought resistant, a huge benefit in this time of changing climates and unpredictable weather patterns. These trees are also fast growing. One tree can be harvested eight times a year, producing over 100 tons per hectare of green matter worth using. And use it you can! Even to bathe.
Yes, Moringa is a magnificent cleansing agent. The sap from its bark can be used as an antiseptic to clean cuts and wounds, but the leaves itself can be processed into soaps, lotions, crèmes, and other cosmetic products. This isn’t just good for personal hygiene and health; it is also good for the health of the family economy. Products that are made can be sold and that produces another livelihood and generates income for a family. This is truly a tree that keeps on giving, a miracle tree, which proves to be worth far more than the soil it’s planted in.