After spirulina and matcha, moringa is now grabbing the attention of natural health professionals. Although traditional African and Ayurvedic medicines have long recognized its many benefits, it is only recently that North Americans have begun to incorporate it into their daily life. Nowadays, moringa is found in the form of powder and capsules as well as in many natural beauty products. Overview of an exceptional superfood.
What is moringa?
Moringa is a tree native to northeastern India, but also grows in Africa, North America, Asia and Madagascar. Nicknamed "the tree of miracles", the Senegalese call it "Nébédaye" (inspired by the English expression "never die") because its roots grow so deep it can go without water for months.
What can it do for you?
Every single part of the moringa tree (bark, flowers, fruits, seeds and roots) provides some benefits. Its leaves are used to fight against malnourishement related diseases: they contain twice as much lipids than milk, 3 times more potassium than bananas, 4 times more vitamin A than carrots and 7 times more vitamin C than oranges! Its oil, extracted by cold pressing of the seeds, is rich in unsaturated fatty acids, vitamins (A, B and C), minerals (calcium and potassium) and proteins. In the kitchen, it is used for its great resistance to rancidity. It is also the main ingredient of many skin care products, due to its soothing and emollient virtues as well as nourishing action.
Products to discover!
You want to experience the benefits of moringa on your overall health? Add moringa powder to your smoothies or matcha lattes. As its taste is not very pronounced, you can also sprinkle it here and there in your favourite recipes for extra vitamins and minerals.
(My suggestions: MORINGAWISE Moringa Leaf Powder and Salome Naturals Moringa Leaf Powder Capsules)
In the natural skin care department, a variety of moringa-based products are available. My favourite skin care line is Idoine, made of 100% pure moringa oil. The Anti-aging Elixir Serum gives me a radiant complexion and the Hand and Foot Cream helps my eczema outburst. Although moringa oil is particularly beneficial for dry to very dry skin, Idoine also offers products for sensitive, combination, oily and mature skin. I definitely recommend you try them if you are looking for a 100% natural and affordable skin care routine. I’m absolutely hooked.
(My suggestions: Nia Pure Nature Organic Moringa Oil and Idoine products, available online and in-store at Avril Supermarché Santé.
