Moringa Plant: Tree Of Life Leaves The leaves are the most nutritious part of the plant, being a significant source of vitamin B6, vitamin C, provitamin A as beta-carotene, magnesium and protein, among other nutrients reported by the USDA, shown in the table, right column.[11] When compared with common foods particularly high in certain nutrients, fresh moringa leaves are considerable sources of these same nutrients.[12][13] Nutrients Common food ........ Moringa Leaves Vitamin A .. Carrot 1.8 mg ..... ... 6.8 mg Calcium .. Milk 120 mg ........ 440 mg Potassium .. Banana 88 mg ........ 259 mg Protein .. Yogurt 3.1 g ........ 6.7 g Vitamin C .... Orange 30 mg ........ 220 mg Some of the calcium in moringa leaves is bound as crystals of calcium oxalate[14] which may inhibit calcium availability to the body. It is not clear whether the calculation of the reported amount of calcium in moringa leaves includes such non-bioavailable calcium. Sonjna (Moringa oleifera) leaves with flowers in Kolkata, West Bengal, India The leaves are cooked and used like spinach. In addition to being used fresh as a substitute for spinach, its leaves are commonly dried and crushed into a powder used in soups and sauces. It is important to remember that like most plants heating moringa above 140 degrees Fahrenheit will destroy some of the nutritional value. Seeds The seeds, sometimes removed from more mature pods and eaten like peas or roasted like nuts, contain high levels of vitamin C and moderate amounts of B vitamins and dietary minerals (right table, USDA). Seed oil Mature seeds yield 38–40% edible oil called ben oil from its high concentration of behenic acid. The refined oil is clear and odorless, and resists rancidity. The seed cake remaining after oil extraction may be used as a fertilizer or as a flocculent to purify water.[15] Moringa seed oil also has potential for use as a biofuel.[16] Roots The roots are shredded and used as a condiment in the same way as horseradish; however, they contain an alkaloid,[17] potentially having nerve-paralyzing properties.[
Posted on: Thu, 11 Sep 2014 17:45:17 +0000
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