Carol Sun Aug 12, 2012 11:31 am
The Moringa oleifera tree, often known as the Tree of Life, has been making a stir in wellness circles across the globe. Looking at this unassuming plant, one wonders why. For centuries, the people of Africa and Northern India have known of the many benefits to cultivating a Moringa plant. It goes by a variety of names, based on its many uses: the clarifier tree, the horseradish tree, and the drumstick tree (referring to the large drumstick shaped pods). In East Africa the plant is known as "mother's best friend”. India's ancient tradition of Ayurveda holds that the leaves of the Moringa plant prevent 300 diseases. In modern lingo, this plant is dubbed as a superfood and with plenty of reason. All parts of the plant can be used for beneficial purposes. It is chock-full of vitamins, minerals, proteins, amino acids, antioxidants, and bio-nutrients.
Moringa PodsThe young, immature Moringa oleifera pods are the most valued and widely used of all the plant’s parts. They are extremely nutritious, containing all the essential amino acids required for complete protein, as well as many vitamins and other nutrients. The Moringa plant’s immature pod can be eaten raw or prepared like peas or green beans.