MORINGA

Would it not be interesting to find out and know any plant-based calcium source? Plant based calcium is more easily absorbed by the body and works well for all the age groups from kids to senior citizens. Moringa oleifera is provides ample amount of plant based natural calcium and can be used by vegans too.

 

Moringa oleifera, Sahijana or drumsticks (coined due to the way it looks) tree is an exceptional plant with many health benefits. It is tall and cylindrical in appearance, with hanging fruits, droopy and fragile branches and dark brown capsules containing dark brown seeds. Moringa easily grows in tropical climates. Leaves can be picked, dried and ground to extract and isolate raw calcium.

 

India is the largest producer of this miracle plant known as Sahijana, which is most prevalent in West Bengal, South India and Orissa. The pods are commonly known as drumsticks and widely used for food as part of a curry, salads and soup. If you are still uncertain or not able to recognize the ingredient then no need to be puzzled. You can easily find these floating mystical drumsticks in a well-known South Indian dish called sambhar. 

 

Moringa oleifera is also known as horseradish tree. From Nepal, India, Africa, Philippines and Thailand this delicate and tall plant has been used in Ayurveda for generations. It is also known as Sahijana and used to prevent and treat ailments such as anemia, diabetes, liver disease, arthritis, osteoporosis, digestive disorders, skin, respiratory problems etc.

 

Why do we need Calcium?
 

Our body requires large amounts of calcium to perform basic metabolic functions. Humans get calcium from bones to fulfill the body’s continuous demand. But as we grow older and our body goes through changes, especially pregnancy, it starts getting depletes. This leads to weak bones and fractures ultimately leading to problems like osteoporosis and arthritis. To fulfill the calcium supply, we need a calcium rich diet or calcium supplements but our busy schedules do not leave us time to prepare for a tailored diet. That’s why calcium rich supplements are a simple and reasonable option to overcome calcium demand. There are many over the counter supplements available in the market that are mostly derived from the animal or shell-based calcium. Shell based calcium has very low absorption rate in our body and calcium derived from other sources can cause stones in the kidneys and gall bladder.

 

Natural Constituents of Moringa
 

The therapeutic profile of Moringa makes it highly valuable in clinical applications since it exhibits certain medicinal properties such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-diabetic, supporting cognitive functions, fastening wound healing, detoxification and many more.

 

Moringa, a single herb holds a list of nutrients along with relieving osteoporosis and arthritis pain. It is a valuable source of minerals, Vitamins A, B, C, calcium, potassium and essential amino acids with a high percentage of anti-oxidants including polyphenols, flavonoids and ascorbic acid. Almost all parts of the plant (seed, leaves, roots and flowers) of Moringa are richly loaded with the nutrients that play important role in bone health and inflammation as well.

 

Does Moringa Help in Osteoporosis?
 

Osteoporosis is a condition related to the bones. As we age, bones become fragile and weak due to calcium deficiency because we don’t get enough calcium to meet our bodily requirements. Bone resorption starts to take place which may lead to frequent risk of fractures. Did you know that hip fracture alone account for more than one lakh hospitalizations every year?

 

In osteoporosis, bone density reduces and macro and micronutrients get depleted. It is most common in senior citizens and women facing menopause. But anyone with calcium deficiency or any chronic disorder may suffer from osteoporosis and now there is sufficient evidence available to show that intake of calcium reduces risk of weak and fragile bones. Consuming bone building minerals and vitamins can provide long term protection from bone loss.

 

Moringa for Post Menopause Bone Care
 

Women in their 40s and 50s suffer lots of health problems due to physiological changes in their body and they need more minerals and vitamins. Moringa or Sahijana helps them to pass this challenging stage (post menopause) positively and easily. Menopause is a painful and crucial stage of life, but it can be overcome easily with proper healthcare and nutrition. In this regard Moringa is the only plant that alone provides more than sufficient amount of calcium, Vitamins A and C, potassium, iron, amino acids, anti-oxidants and other essential nutrients to fulfill this extra need. The calcium present in Moringa leaves has high therapeutic value since it is plant based and easily absorbed in comparison to animal or shell-based calcium. 

 

Moringa for Arthritis
 

Moringa plays a key role in Arthritis as it is rich in flavonoids, ascorbic acid, carotenoids, minerals, folate, fatty acids, tocopherols and other healing bioactive components that can reduces effects of Arthritis such as joint inflammation. It fastens healing and inhibits the sensation of pain. Moringa not only prevents cell degradation and damage but also keeps the joints functional and healthy.