The Miracle Tree

Every year, it seems that the health-conscious community has a new, novel superfood that they absolutely obsess over. The newest craze these past few years has been the nutritional benefits of a tree indigenous to India that has been consumed for thousands of years: the moringa tree. Also known as the Miracle Tree, it offers enormous amounts of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. And, let’s be honest, who doesn’t struggle with getting the correct amounts of vitamins and nutrients? This tree is teeming with so much nutrition that it’s one of the key foods used to help fight malnutrition around the world.

These trees have been proven to help lower blood sugar, slow aging, fight free radicals, fight inflammation, and more. The unique thing about the moringa tree is that multiple parts of the tree are edible and nutritious, from the leaves to the seeds, and to the flowers that blossom upon it.

Moringa supplements are the most common form of consumption in the United States and have been hitting nutrition stores by the boatload. The raw leaves can be hard to find, but luckily there are powders and pills that are just as beneficial.

According to NutritionFacts.org, moringa contains more iron than spinach, more vitamin C than oranges, and more potassium than bananas. It also contains vitamin A, a vitamin that plays a critical role in maintaining healthy vision and skin. It’s full of antioxidants and calcium, and yes, it’s even a complete protein.

You can consume moringa in a variety of ways. The leaves can be eaten raw in a salad, cooked like spinach, or even consumed as a juice or tea. You can sprinkle the supplemental green powder into smoothies or onto meals for an added nutritional benefit you won’t even be able to taste.

The moringa leaf has amazing heart-health benefits. It reduces cholesterol levels and aids in the prevention of plaque formation in the arteries. It also helps reduce some symptoms of diabetes, supports brain health, and protects the liver. 

If you’re familiar with matcha, a superfood with common health benefits to moringa, you’ll be surprised to learn that moringa actually has even higher amounts of fiber, protein, calcium, vitamin C, and vitamin A. Sadly, moringa is lacking in Epigallocatechin gallate (we’ll just call it EGCG because yikes). EGCG gives green tea its subtle flavor and is popular due to its potential health benefits. Thankfully, matcha is to the rescue containing 50-55mg of EGCG per gram! Consuming these two superfoods in unison is a force to be reckoned with.

Here in Central Florida, we have the perfect climate for a moringa tree to grow. If you have a green thumb, plant one in your backyard and watch it flourish year round. You’ll be able to reap the health benefits whenever you want, while beautifying your landscape at the same time. It can even withstand hurricane-force winds and the few times a year Jack Frost decides to make his visit.

It’s no wonder this tree has been deemed a miracle tree; the benefits seem to be something out of a fantasy. Make consuming moringa a part of your daily routine;  your mind and body will be thanking you. 

Always consult with your physician before trying any new diet or supplement.