Some of the Moringa plants in the Naturewalk plant nursery.
Moringa is an incredible plant and you can see some of its uses below the pictures.
The Moringa in Naturewalk will be used for shade planting.
Moringa Oleifera contains more than 92 nutrients and 46 types of antioxidants. Moringa
is said to cure about three hundred diseases and almost have all the
vitamins found in fruits and vegetables. Even in a larger proportions.
With all the health benefits of this miracle herb, it can easily be
termed as the most nutritious herb on Earth. There are no side-effects
which also has tried, tested, documented and proved evidence to support
the same. It can be consumed by small children and adults. Today,
millions world over have started using Moringa based products in porridge, pastas, bread and to reap the everlasting health benefits of the extraordinary 'Moringa' herb.
Some Facts about Moringa- (Excerpt From The Book "Miracle Tree" by Author Monica G.Marcu,Pharm.D., PH.D.)
* 92 Nutrients
* 46 Antioxidants
* 36 Anti-Inflammatories
* 18 Amino Acids, 9 Essential Amino Acids
* Nourishes The Immune System
* Promotes Healthy Circulation
* Supports Normal Glucose Levels
* Natural Anti-Aging Benefits
* Provides Anti-Inflammatory Support
* Promotes Healthy Digestion
* Promotes Heightened Mental Clarity
* Boosts Energy Without Caffeine
* Encourages Balanced Metabolism
* Promotes Softer Skin
* Provides Relief From Acne
* Supports Normal Hormone Levels
Rare for a plant source -Moringa leaves contain all the essential amino acids to build strong healthy bodies.
Examples of some few nutritional value of Moringa- ( Gram-for-gram comparison of nutritional data)
2times -the Protein of Yogurt
3times - the Potassium of Bananas
4times - the Calcium of Milk
4times - the Vitamin A of Carrots
7times -the Vitamin C of Oranges
The Vitamin component of Moringa Leaves:
Moringa has Vitamin A (Beta Carotene), Vitamin
B1 (Thiamine), Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin), Vitamin B3 (Niacin), Vitamin B6
Pyrodixine), Vitamin B7 (Biotin), Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid), Vitamin D
(Cholecalciferol), Vitamin E (Tocopherol) and Vitamin K.
Vitamin A (Beta Carotene), Vitamin A is a vitamin which is needed by the
retina of the eye in the form of a specific metabolite, the
light-absorbing molecule retinal. This molecule is absolutely necessary
for both "Scotopic"scotopic and color vision. Vitamin A also functions
in a very different role, as an irreversibly oxidized form retinoic
acid, which is an important hormone-like growth factor for epithelial
and other cells.
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) helps fuel the body by converting blood sugar into
energy. It keeps the mucous membranes healthy and is essential for
nervous system, cardiovascular and muscular function.
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) is required for a wide variety of cellular
processes. Like the other B vitamins, it plays a key role in energy
metabolism, and for the metabolism of fats, ketone bodies,
carbohydrates, and proteins. It is the central component of the
cofactors FAD and FMN, and is therefore required by all
"Flavoprotein"flavoproteins.
Vitamin B3 (Niacin), like all B complex vitamins, are necessary for
healthy skin, hair, eyes, and liver. They also help the nervous system
function properly. Niacin also helps the body make various sex and
stress-related hormones in the adrenal glands and other parts of the
body. Niacin is effective in improving circulation and reducing
cholesterol levels in the blood.
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) is required for the synthesis of the
neurotransmitters serotonin and norepinephrine and for myelin formation.
Pyridoxine deficiency in adults principally affects the peripheral
nerves, skin, mucous membranes, and the blood cell system. In children,
the central nervous system (CNS) is also affected. Deficiency can occur
in people with uremia, alcoholism, cirrhosis, hyperthyroidism,
malabsorption syndromes, congestive heart failure (CHF), and in those
taking certain medications.
Vitamin B7 (Biotin) has vital metabolic functions. Without biotin as a
co-factor, many enzymes do not work properly, and serious complications
can occur, including varied diseases of the skin, intestinal tract, and
nervous system. Biotin can help address high blood glucose levels in
people with type 2 diabetes, and is helpful in maintaining healthy hair
and nails, decreasing insulin resistance and improving glucose
tolerance, and possibly preventing birth defects. It plays a role in
energy metabolism, and has been used to treat alopecia, cancer, Crohn's
disease, hair loss, Parkinson's disease, peripheral neuropathy, Rett
syndrome, seborrheic dermatitis, and vaginal candidiasis.
Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)is one of the safest and most effective
nutrients, experts say. It may not be the cure for the common cold
(though it's thought to help prevent more serious complications). But
the benefits of vitamin C may include protection against immune system
deficiencies, cardiovascular disease, prenatal health problems, eye
disease, and even skin wrinkling.
Vitamin D (Cholecalciferol) is essential for promoting calcium
absorption in the gut and maintaining adequate serum calcium and
phosphate concentrations to enable normal mineralization of bone and
prevent hypocalcemic tetany. It is also needed for bone growth and bone
remodeling by osteoblasts and osteoclasts . Without sufficient vitamin
D, bones can become thin, brittle, or misshapen. Vitamin D sufficiency
prevents rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults. Together with
calcium, vitamin D also helps protect older adults from osteoporosis.
Vitamin D has other roles in human health, including modulation of
neuromuscular and immune function and reduction of inflammation.
Vitamin E describes a family of 8 antioxidants, 4 tocopherols and 4
tocotrienols. alpha-tocopherol (a-tocopherol) is the only form of
vitamin E that is actively maintained in the human body and is
therefore, the form of vitamin E found in the largest quantities in the
blood and tissue. Vitamin E, a fat-soluble vitamin, protects vitamin A
and essential fatty acids from oxidation in the body cells and prevents
breakdown of body tissues.
Vitamin K is necessary for normal clotting of blood in humans.
Specifically, vitamin K is required for the liver to make factors that
are necessary for blood to properly clot (coagulate), including factor
II (prothrombin), factor VII (proconvertin), factor IX (thromboplastin
component), and factor X (Stuart factor). Other clotting factors that
depend on vitamin K are protein C, protein S, and protein Z. Deficiency
of vitamin K or disturbances of liver function (for example, severe
liver failure) may lead to deficiencies of clotting factors and excess
bleeding.
Amino Acids: The foundation of our body.
Our bodies need twenty different amino acids or proteins that are the
building blocks for a healthy body. Nonessential amino acids are those
that the body can synthesize for itself, provided there is enough
nitrogen, carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen available. Essential amino acids
are those supplied by the diet. They must be consumed as the human body
either cannot make them at all or cannot make them in sufficient
quantity to meet its needs. ?Of the 20 amino acids required by our
bodies, eleven of them are nonessential and nine are essential.
Functions of Amino Acids: Proteins act as enzymes , hormones , and
antibodies . They maintain fluid balance and acid and base balance. They
also transport substances such as oxygen, vitamins and minerals to
target cells throughout the body. Structural proteins, such as collagen
and keratin, are responsible for the formation of bones, teeth, hair,
and the outer layer of skin and they help maintain the structure of
blood vessels and other tissues.
Enzymes are proteins that facilitate chemical reactions without being
changed in the process. Hormones (chemical messengers) are proteins that
travel to one or more specific target tissues or organs, and many have
important regulatory functions. Insulin , for example, plays a key role
in regulating the amount of glucose in the blood. The body manufactures
antibodies (giant protein molecules), which combat invading antigens.
Antigens are usually foreign substances such as bacteria and viruses
that have entered the body and could potentially be harmful.
Immunoproteins, also called immunoglobulins or antibodies, defend the
body from possible attack by these invaders by binding to the antigens
and inactivating them.
If these critical components for a healthy body are not provided as part
of a healthy diet, the body will look for other sources for them. This
can include breakdown of our organs, leading to chronic problems such
as liver and kidney problems, diabetes and heart disease among others.
MORINGA AS FOOD Moringa
is considered a complete food as it contains all of the essential Amino
Acids required for a healthy body. The dried leaf is a nutritional
powerhouse and contains all of the following Amino Acids.
ISOLEUCINE builds proteins and enzymes and it provides ingredients used
to create other essential biochemical components in the body, some of
which promote energy and stimulate the brain to maintain a state of
alertness.
LEUCINE works with isoleucine to build proteins and enzymes which enhance the body's energy and alertness.
LYSINE ensures your body absorbs the right amount of calcium. It also
helps form collagen used in bone cartilage and connective tissues. In
addition, lysine aids in the production of antibodies, hormones, and
enzymes. Recent studies have shown lysine improves the balance of
nutrients that reduce viral growth.
METHIONINE primarily supplies sulfur to your body. It is known to prevent hair,
skin, and nail problems while lowering cholesterol levels as it
increases the liver's production of lecithin. Methionine reduces liver
fat and protects the kidneys, which reduces bladder irritation.
PHENYLALAINE produces the chemical needed to transmit signals between
nerve cells and the brain. It can help with concentration and alertness,
reduce hunger pains and improve memory and mood.
THREONINE is an important part of collagen, elastin, and enamel
proteins. It assists metabolism and helps prevent fat build-up in the
liver while boosting the body's digestive and intestinal tracts.
TRYPTOPHAN supports the immune system, alleviates insomnia, reduces
anxiety, depression, and the symptoms of migraine headaches. It also is
beneficial in decreasing the risk of artery and heart spasms as it works
with lysine to reduce cholesterol levels.
VALINE is important in promoting a sharp mind, coordinated muscles, and a calm mood.
Non-essential amino acids in Moringa
ALANINE is important for energy in muscle tissue, brain, and central
nervous system. It strengthens the immune system by producing
antibodies. Alanine also helps in the healthy metabolism of sugars and
organic acids in the body.
ARGININE causes the release of the growth hormones considered crucial
for optimal muscle growth and tissue repair. It also improves immune
responses to bacteria, viruses, and tumor cells while promoting the
healing of the body's wounds.
ASPARTIC ACID helps rid the body of ammonia created by cellular waste.
When the ammonia enters the circulatory system it can act as a highly
toxic substance which can damage the central nervous system. Recent
studies have also shown that aspartic acid may decrease fatigue and
increase endurance.
CYSTINE functions as an antioxidant and is a powerful aid to the body in
protecting against radiation and pollution. It can help slow the aging
process, deactivate free radicals, and neutralize toxins. It also aids
in protein synthesis and presents cellular change. It is necessary for
the formation of new skin cells, which aids in the recovery from burns
and surgical operations.
GLUTAMIC ACID is food for the brain. It improves mental capacities,
helps speed the healing of ulcers, reduces fatigue, and curbs sugar
cravings.
GLYCINE promotes the release of oxygen required in the cell-making
process. It is also important in the manufacturing of hormones
responsible for a strong immune system.
HISTIDINE is used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, allergies,
ulcers, and anemia. A lack of histidine may lead to poor hearing.
SERINE is important in storing glucose in the liver and muscles. Its
antibodies help strengthen the body's immune system. Plus, it
synthesizes fatty acid sheaths around nerve fibers.
PROLINE is extremely important for the proper function of your joints
and tendons. It also helps maintain and strengthen heart muscles.
TYROSINE transmits nerve impulses to your brain. It helps overcome
depression; improves memory; increases mental alertness; plus promotes
the healthy functioning of the thyroid, adrenal, and pituitary glands.
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