There always seems to be a new superfood powder catching our eyes. In a world of matcha tea and turmeric lattes, it’s no surprise that moringa smoothies have finally made their way to our Instagram feeds.
But this trendy green doesn’t stop at your morning shake. Moringa is being added into porridge, soups, and even baked goods, too. Some brands claim that it’s more nutritious than kale-but is that really true? Or is moringa just another plant powder having its moment in the spotlight? Here’s everything you need to know about moringa powder before your try it for yourself.
What is moringa powder?
Native to India, Moringa oleifera is a plant that is often called the drumstick or miracle tree. It’s a highly cultivable crop that is also grown in tropical areas of Asia, Africa, and South America, making it a remedy for common health problems (like malnutrition) in less developed countries. The leaves of the plant can be eaten raw or cooked, but the moringa you see on store shelves is typically in powder or capsule form, and is derived from harvesting, drying, and milling the moringa leaves.
“Moringa has been used in folk medicine for many years,” explains dietitian Toby Amidor. “Proponents claim that moringa can help with diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes and HIV/AIDS.”
That’s because moringa is extremely nutritious. The plant packs in vitamin A, calcium, iron, potassium, and some fibre, explains dietitian Marisa Moore. She adds that the moringa root, seeds, flowers, and leaves also have varying levels of healthy fats and disease-fighting flavonoids.
It’s true that raw moringa leaves contain various nutrients-but its profile is still quite similar to raw kale leaves. Plus, you’ll find a smaller amounts of all those vitamins and minerals in a tablespoon of moringa in its powder form.
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