ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT MORINGA SEED
About Moringa Seeds
Moringa seeds, from the Moringa plant are annually harvested in the sub tropics of Asia and Africa. They are valued highly for their nutritional benefit, just like the Moringa plant itself.
Moringa Seeds are rich in vitamins and minerals the human body needs to survive. It’s this rich concentrate of goodness that provides the seeds with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and cholesterol fighting qualities.
Amongst these general benefits, the high presence of vitamins offers incredibly larger doses than our typical sources:
- Moringa seeds have more vitamin C than oranges
- Four times more Vitamin 4 than carrots
- Four times more Calcium than a glass of milk
- Three times more Potassium than a banana
- And two times more Protein than yoghurt.
With these striking results, it’s no surprise how the Moringa seed has become a well-known super food across the globe. These crucial vitamins are essential for the body to fight free radicals and prevent severe oxidative damage.
The seed itself has a very unique appearance. Evolutionarily designed with grey wings, the seeds are carried by the wind to fertile grounds to grow into Moringa plants further afield from the parent.
They are circular in shape and rather large for a seed. They’re found in the pods of the tree which typically look like green beans.
These green bean-like pods can grow to huge lengths and shed dozens of seeds. During the reproduction months, the Moringa tree provides hundreds and thousands of seed pods, resulting in masses each year. Despite the seeds only growing on a yearly basis, it’s worth the wait thanks to their hugely nutritional benefit.
The Moringa Plant
The Moringa plant – also known as the ‘Tree of Life’ – has been a great food source for indigenous cultures for thousands of years. Rich in nutrients and minerals, the plant provides the essential amino acids the body needs to grow stronger. These crucial nutrients are also found in quinoa and meats, but in less manageable quantities.
The plant has always been used in Ayurveda practices from Ancient India to cure and improve energy, sleep problems, hair, skin and boasts a nice 300 diseases in its healing repertoire.
Moringa is grown in South Asia and the tropics and has a rapid growth rate. It can be grown in harsh soil and weather conditions and remain perfectly fine – making it the ideal source of food for third world areas. It can be harvested at any time of year and works as a nutritional enhancement for countries like Malawi and Senegal.
Moringa Plant Nutrients
To really prove the richness of the plant and its seeds, all you have to do is check its nutritional value:
- 8.53mg of Carbohydrate
- 2.1mg of Protein
- 3.2mg Dietary Fibre
- 0 of Cholesterol
- 0.62mg of Niacin
- 30mg of Calcium
- 45mg of Magnesium
- 50mg of Phosphorous
- 461mg Potassium
As you can see there’s a tonne of goodness squeezed into the plant!
Moringa Seed Benefits
Each part of the Moringa Plant has its own benefits. Whether you’re using the leaves, flowers, roots or seeds, each will aid the body in a number of different ways.
Below are just a few of the Moringa Seed benefits:
Blood Pressure
The Moringa seeds work to lower blood pressure. High blood pressure is becoming more and more of an issue as the Western world struggles with new obesity levels. High pressure can cause serious cardiovascular issues such as heart attacks and strokes.
To naturally lower blood pressures, it is suggested you take part in exercise regularly and lead a healthy lifestyle. However for some people whom are already at a dangerous stage, exercise may be out of the question, so medication will be the only alternative.
Preliminary studies show that Moringa and its seeds can lower blood pressure; however more research is still being done to confirm these theories fully. The current results prove Moringa seeds reduce oxidized lipids and safeguards heart tissues from constructional damage. Consult your doctor before trying Moringa seeds as a blood pressure balance.
Blood Sugar Levels
Alongside its ability to lower blood pressure, this goes hand in hand with the seed’s ability to lower blood sugar levels.
The seed’s rich zinc concentrate helps to regulate the secretion of insulin. As this becomes more normal, the blood sugar levels also become regular.
Although studies have only been done on lab rats so far, this discovery could lead to preventative and therapeutic management of diseases such as diabetes.
Moring Seeds are High in Fibre
As the above information showed, Moringa seeds are rich in fibre. Fibre works with the body to maintain a health digestive system. It is also important for the cardiovascular system. Moringa seed fibre helps to move food along the digestive system to be broken down and used around the body.
Cholesterol
With zero presence of cholesterol in the seeds, Moringa is known to reverse the effects of high cholesterol. High cholesterol rates in the blood are linked to the development of heart disease. In Ancient Thai medicines, Moringa is classed as a cardiotonic which controls and improves the way the heart contracts.
Moringa products monosaturated fatty acids called oleic acid. Oliec acid (often found in olive oil) has many benefits for our health and can prevent blood clots or cardiovascular diseases. If you’re looking to improve your diet, aim to replace saturated animal fats with Moringa to keep your cholesterol levels down.
Beautiful Skin
Oils are extracted from the seeds to create a number of cosmetic products. The oils contain up to 30 antioxidants and a surplus of Vitamin A which are the ideal choice for skin products.
Vitamin A enhances the firmness of the skin to appear more youthful and fights against signs of aging and stress. This is done by promoting collagen formation within the skin cells.
The fatty oils are known as Ben oil and it forms roughly 40% of the seed. It has no smell or colour and tastes sweet. The skin absorbs the oils without saturating the oils on the surface of the skin – and receives all the nourishing qualities the oil has to offer. The oil works as both a moisturiser and an antiseptic cleanser to get rid of acne, pimples and blackheads.
To use on the face, all you have to do is apply a few drops to the skin and massage it in like any other moisturiser or massage oil.
Moringa Seeds and Weight Loss
Ben oil from the seed extract breaks down saturated animal fats in the diet and works with the digestive system to get rid of the fats we don’t need. By doing this, the oil reduces belly fat.
Cancer
According to some scientists, Moringa’s anti-carcinogenic qualities can accelerate the death count of cancer cells and stop their growth and development. Some researchers believe consecutively taking Moringa seed powders for 3 weeks can actually restrain and prevent colon cancer.
Anti-Inflammatory
The Moringa plant is well-known as a natural anti-inflammatory, so the seeds are no different. Moringa seeds can reduce soreness and boost the health of our joints. Strengthening the joints with amino-acids and proteins enables sufferers of arthritis and other disorders to live a more independent life.
Moringa Seeds Improve Eyesight
Vitamin A strengthens the immune system and repairs mucus membrane. With this, Moringa seeds looks after our eyes and maintains our good vision.
Immune System
We’re all aware of the amazing benefits of Vitamin C. Moringa seeds host home to a huge level of Vitamin C which makes them ideal for boosting the immune system. The vitamins work to fight against free radicals and infectious agents.
The huge amounts of nutrients digested from eating the seeds of the Moringa plant boost the immune system and help to heal bruises, cuts, burns and minor injuries in a more timely manner.
Teeth and Bones
Rich in Zinc, Calcium and plenty other minerals, Moringa seeds ensure overall well-being. Other minerals found in the seeds such as Iron reduce and prevent anaemia symptoms. The calcium keeps bones and teeth strong. Zinc has been known to facilitate in spermatogenesis (the process of sperm production in men).
Moring Seeds Encourage Hair Growth
By looking after our bodies internally, Moringa seeds can benefit our hair. Vitamin C present in the seeds can encourage and improve blood circulation through the scalp to help hair follicles grow and strengthen. This results in fully, healthier hair.
Zinc and Vitamin A also promote hair growth. Nourishing the hair tissues and repairing the cells, Zinc keeps sebaceous glands unclogged so the follicles can absorb as much nutrients as possible.
Not only are the seeds great, but the oils extracted from the seeds can be used as shampoo – to help get rid of itchy scalps and dandruff.
Water Treatment
Source: Miracle Trees
On a more charitable scale, Moringa seeds, oil and seed cake are being tested and used for treating dirty water. This paves the way to cleaner drinking water facilities in third world countries and could fight against life endangering diseases in these areas.
There’s plenty more Moringa seed benefits too, like helping with weight loss, constipation or insomnia. Be sure to ask your doctor how Moringa can benefit you.
How to Use Moringa Seeds
The seeds are rather unique in appearance; with grey-ish white ‘wings’ surrounding them. However, just like other seeds, Moringa seeds can be eaten like nuts and added to cereals and trail mixes. When mixed with grains and hemp seeds, the Moringa will give you a boost of energy.
Alternatively, if you are able to find fresh Moringa seeds in your local health shop, serve them boiled like peas with main meals. They can also be steamed or roasted for stews and sauces.
Others suggest the seeds can be popped like popcorn but you should still be weary of how much you intake.
How much should I be using?
So far, Moringa is fairly new in the Western world. Therefore strict dosage levels have not been implemented. If you’re worried about using too many or too little Moringa seeds, be sure to ask the counter staff or a nutritionist.
Through lab research, the current ‘ideal’ dosage seems to be 150-200mg/kg. Below is a rough estimate of dosage according to a person’s weight:
- 150llbs – 1600-2200mg
- 200llbs – 2100-2900mg
- 250llbs – 2700 -3600 mg
Moringa should be taken within moderation. The above outlines maximum dosages. Before reaching these levels, try out small doses as each body will react differently.
If you experience side effects or reactions you were unaware of prior to taking Moringa, stop immediately and consult your GP.
Warnings for Using Moringa Seeds
Like any supplement or medication, there are a few warnings to be aware of before using Moringa seeds for personal benefit.
Despite this supplement being entirely natural, there can be complications and side effects, so it’s best to know a few warnings before beginning any treatment.
- Do not take on an empty stomach
It is not advised to eat Moringa seeds on an empty stomach. This may cause vomiting.
- Peel the seeds before eating
Some people suggest keeping the peel on and washing the seeds thorough with salt water can be beneficial when trying to lose weight and detox.
However, we would not suggest eating the seeds with the peel on.
- Do not eat the seeds if you are pregnant or lactating.
Whilst eating the leaves and powders of the Moringa plant are deemed safe whilst pregnant, the seeds are very high in fibre and concentrates of vitamins so it is not advised to intake these during the pregnancy.
In contrast however, Moringa seeds are great for improve libido and maintaining the reproductive cells. This may be helpful if you are trying to conceive.
Keep up with latest news by following us on :
Comments
Post a Comment