ABOUT MORINGA

What is Moringa?

Moringa Is A Natural Nutritional Powerhouse

While it’s one of the newer discoveries to modern science, Moringa has been making strides in various societies for thousands of years. Moringa continues to amaze the scientific world with its amazing balance of antioxidants, minerals and amino acids.

Ancient Indian writings, dating as far back as 150 B.C., refer to the Moringa plant and its uses. Early Romans, Greeks, and Egyptians prized Moringa for its therapeutic properties and also used it to protect skin, make perfume, and purify water for drinking. Now this humble plant, often called “the Miracle Tree,” is coming to the forefront as one of the most nutritious herbs in the world.

Moringa contains 36 anti-inflammatories

Moringa and Skin Health
Moringa contains a recently discovered cytokinin (plant hormones that induce cell division, growth, and delay aging of cells). Moringa Tea has named this unique compound Moringa YSP. In recent clinical tests, this naturally occurring substance increased both the growth and yield of agricultural products and, when added to the diets of dairy cattle, significantly increased their milk production and furthermore promoted more rapid cellular regeneration. Clinical studies have shown Moringa YSP produces anti-aging properties in humans. The human skin life cycle is approximately 300 days. Every minute more than 40,000 individual skin cells die. With the use of Moringa YSP the human skin cycle was altered by the fact that new skin cells grew faster than the older cells died. This resulted in an amazing reduction of wrinkles on the face and other parts of the body.

Zeatin, one of the compounds in Moringa YSP, is a supreme anti-oxidant with powerful anti-aging properties. Zeatin slows the aging process by helping the body replace cells at a faster rate than they age, giving a more youthful appearance to the skin. A 2004 study by Seneteck PLC shows that Zeatin does not interfere with the genetic control of cellular lifespan, that it promotes maintenance of small cell size (key determinant of youthful skin), and prevents the accumulation of macromolecular damage in the cell. It was also found the Zeatin increases the activity of anti-oxidants to counter act the damage caused by free radicals during cell aging and protects healthy cells from the stress of daily life. Moringa has several thousand times more Zeatin than any other known plant.

Dietary and Health Benefits of Moringa

Until recently, only a smattering of research had been completed in India, its bordering countries, and in parts of Africa. Even less research had been done in the West. Then, not long ago, the University of Leicester in England performed a number of studies. The results from these studies along with the limited number of studies conducted in the United States confirm the dietary and health benefits of the Moringa, with some of the results showing to lower cholesterol, assist the respiratory system and minimize the effects of asthma. Moringa has no known impurities or adverse reactions when consumed.

While some of the benefits of the Moringa plant have been tapped by various impoverished civilizations, the plant’s nutritional potential was not “discovered” by modern societies until the late nineteenth century. The indigenous knowledge and use of Moringa is referenced in more than 80 countries and known in over 200 local languages, has over 300 references to it in ayurvedic medicine. Even with the known value of this plant, little has been done to introduce its amazing benefits to the world.

Amino Acids

Amino Acids: Can’t Live Without Them
What are they and exactly what do they do for us?

You can’t live without them. You’re unhealthy with too few of them. But in the right amounts they keep your body systems strong.

Amino acids are the building blocks of protein. Just as different letters of the alphabet are used to form different words, so are different amino acids used to build different proteins.

All Eight Essential Amino Acids

Here is a list of the complete range of naturally occurring amino acids found in Moringa and a brief explanation of why our bodies require them:

ISOLEUCINE builds proteins and enzymes and it provides ingredients used to create other essential biochemical components in your body, some of which promote energy and stimulate the brain to keep you alert.
LEUCINE works with isoleucine to build proteins and enzymes which enhance your body’s energy and alertness.
LYSINE insures your body absorbs the right amount of calcium. It also helps form collagen used in your bone cartilage and connective tissues. And 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 your 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 your nerve cells and your brain. It can help keep you alert, reduce your hunger pains, plus improve your memory and your mood.
THREONINE is an important part of collagen, elastin, and enamel proteins. Not only does it assist metabolism, threonine helps prevent fat build-up in the liverwhile boosting your body’s digestive and intestinal tracts.
TRYPTOHYAN supports your immune system, alleviates insomnia, reduces anxiety, depression, and the symptoms of migraine headaches. It also isbeneficial 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.

Ten Non-Essential Amino Acids

These non-essential amino acids, which can be manufactured by your body with the help of proper nutrition, are also found abundantly in Moringa:

ALANINE is important when it comes to building energy in your muscle tissue, brain, and central nervous system. It strengthens your immune system by producing antibodies. Alanine also helps in the healthy metabolism of sugars and organic acids in your body.
ARGININE has been shown in studies to cause 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 your body’s wounds.
ASPARTIC ACID helps rid your body of ammonia created by cellular waste. When the ammonia enters your circulatory system it can act as a highly toxic substance which can damage your 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 your 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 your 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.
TRYROSINE 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.

Benefits of Chlorophyll
Natural healer

-Neutralizes toxins
-Flushes toxins from the body
-Purifies the liver
-Removes heavy metals pollutants
-Helps strengthen the immune system
-Assists in building red blood cells
-Rejuvenates at cellular level
-Reduces the ph level in the body

Chlorophyll

One of the phytonutrients in Moringa
Chlorophyll, the green pigment of plants, is an alkalinizing compound found in plants that helps offset the acidifying effect of the typical high-fat, high-protein Western diet. Because chlorophyll is not known to be an essential nutrient, a “deficiency” does not exist. People who do not eat plenty of green foods lack chlorophyll in their diets.

“Chlorophyll is involved in the most important chemical reaction on earth, photosynthesis. Our lives would not be possible without it. Chlorophyll is the master chemical at the base of all of our food supply and oxygen production.

Chlorophyll, often referred to as “the blood of plants”, is closely related to hemoglobin – the red pigment of red blood cells responsible for oxygen transport in many animals. The main difference between the two molecules is the metallic element in the center. In human blood hemoglobin consists of iron, while in chlorophyll, the metallic element is magnesium. Some people believe that this resemblance helps the chlorophyll to be better absorbed and used to “build up” blood and fight anemia. Some scientists and nutritionists do not believe it is absorbed internally (to reach the blood) but rather that it may act locally to support the health of the mouth, stomach and intestinal tract.

In either case, there is much evidence that chlorophyll could cure or ease acute infection of the respiratory tract and sinuses, chronic ulcers, and bad breath; it also accelerates wound healing and has been shown in animal studies to nullify the cancer-inducing effects of a variety of environmental (including food) toxins. Other studies have shown that chlorophyll supports liver function and detoxification of the body.

Moringa is one of the very few foods that contain chlorophyll together with so many other nutrients (vitamins, minerals, proteins, beneficial fats), and has a great taste. Dark green vegetables and herbs like Romaine lettuce, spinach, or parsley are excellent sources of chlorophyll, but they do not provide many of the other nutrients of Moringa.”

Excerpt from
Miracle Tree,
by Monica Marcu, Pharmagologist

Vitamins and Minerals

Vitamins and Minerals
Perform many vital functions for the body;
but what are they, and what exactly do they do for us?

What are vitamins and minerals?

Vitamins and minerals perform many vital functions for the body and can lower your risk for many chronic diseases and cancers. These substances are essential to normal metabolism, growth and development, and regulation of the functioning of your body’s cells and tissues. Vitamins and minerals are obtained from food, except for vitamin D and vitamin K, which the body can synthesize. Minerals are simple chemical elements and are an essential part of your body’s functioning. Minerals cannot be synthesized by your body and must be obtained through the food you eat.

What is a vitamin or mineral deficiency?

A deficiency of a vitamin or mineral can result if you are not getting enough of it in your diet, your ordinary nutritional needs increase, or you are unable to absorb the nutrients from the food you eat. A deficiency or lack of a vitamin or mineral in your diet can lead to a nutritional deficiency disease, such as rickets. There are complex interactions among vitamins and minerals, and a deficiency or excess of one affects others.

What is the difference between a water soluble vitamin and a fat soluble vitamin?
A water soluble vitamin (vitamin B and C) can not be stored by the body and must be replenished every day. A vitamin that is stored by the body is known as a fat soluble (vitamin A, D, E, and K). Over time fat soluble vitamins can build up to toxic levels.

What are the Daily Recommended Allowances (RDAs)?

Two agencies, the National Academy of Sciences and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, have both issued standards for meeting the nutritional needs of men, women, and children. Expressed as RDA, they generally indicate the amount of a particular nutrient that is needed to avoid nutritional diseases.

What are antioxidant vitamins and why are they important?

Our bodies are actually battlegrounds for infection and diseases. Normal body functions, such as breathing or physical activity, and other lifestyle habits, such as smoking, produce substances called free radicals that attack healthy cells. When these healthy cells are weakened, they are more susceptible to cardiovascular disease and certain types of cancers. Antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E, and cartenoids, which include beta-carotene and lutein, help protect healthy cells from damage caused by free radicals.

We have vitamins A, B, C, D, E, AND K.
Whatever happened to vitamins F-J?
Vitamins are named in the order of discovery. Later research found vitamins F-J closely related to other vitamins, mainly the B complex group, and were
re-assigned.

A Partial List of the Vitamins and Minerals in Moringa:

Vitamins
As defined by A.D.A.M. Inc.

Vitamin A (Beta carotene)
Definition: Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin.
Function: Vitamin A (retinol) essential in the formation and maintenance of healthy teeth, skeletal and soft tissue, mucous membranes, and skin. It may also be required for reproduction and lactation. It is also known as retinol because it generates the pigments in the retina. Vitamin A promotes good vision, especially in dim light. When Vitamin A is manufactured by plants, it is present in the form of a precursor called beta carotene. Beta carotene is an anti-oxidant—a substance that protects the body against disease and premature aging by fighting the cell-damaging chemicals called free radicals. Vegetable sources of beta-carotene are fat and cholesterol free (not so with vitamin A from dairy and meat products). The body regulates the conversion of beta-carotene to Vitamin A based on the body’s needs. The more intense the color of a fruit or vegetable, the higher the beta-carotene content.
Deficiency: Vitamin A deficiency can increase the susceptibility to infectious diseases, as well as cause vision problems.

Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)
Definition: Vitamin B1, one of the B vitamins, a group of water-soluble vitamins that participate in many of the chemical reactions in the body. Thiamine is important in the production of energy.
Function: Thiamine helps the body cells convert carbohydrates into energy. It is also essential for the functioning of the heart, muscles, and nervous system.
Deficiency: A deficiency of thiamine can cause weakness, fatigue, psychosis, and nerve damage.

Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)
Definition: A water-soluble vitamin required by the body for health, growth and reproduction; one of the B-complex vitamins.
Function: Riboflavin works with the other B vitamins. It is important for body growth and red cell production, and helps in releasing energy from carbohydrates. Because riboflavin is destroyed by exposure to light, foods with riboflavin should not be stored in glass containers that are exposed to light.
Deficiency: Deficiency symptoms include dry and cracked skin and eyes that are sensitive to bright light.

Vitamin B3 (Niacin)
Definition: Niacin (vitamin B3) is a water-soluble vitamin required by the body for health, growth and reproduction; part of the vitamin B complex.
Function: Niacin assists in the functioning of the digestive system, skin, and nerves. It is also important for the conversion of food to energy.
Deficiency: A deficiency of niacin causes pellagra. The symptoms include inflamed skin, digestive problems, and mental impairment.

Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)
Definition: A water-soluble vitamin, part of the B complex.
Function: Vitamin B6 plays a role in the synthesis of antibodies in the immune system. It helps maintain normal nerve function and acts in the formation of red blood cells. It is also required for the chemical reactions of proteins. The higher the protein intake, the more need for vitamin B6.
Deficiency: Deficiency of this vitamin is not common in the United States.

Vitamin B7 (Biotin, formerly vitamin H)
Definition: Biotin, a water-soluble vitamin, helps the body break down and use food. Biotin is part of the B vitamin complex.
Function: Biotin is essential for the metabolism of proteins and carbohydrates (like the other B vitamins), and in the synthesis of hormones and cholesterol.
Deficiency: There is no known dietary deficiency of Biotin.

Vitamin C (Absorbic acid)
Definition: A water-soluble vitamin that is necessary for normal growth and development.
Function: Vitamin C promotes healthy teeth and gums, helps in the absorption of iron, aids in the maintenance of normal connective tissue, and promotes wound healing. It also helps the body’s immune system.
Deficiency: A deficiency of vitamin C causes the disease scurvy, which is especially rare in the U.S.

Vitamin D (Cholecalciferol)
Definition: Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that is used in the absorption of calcium.
Function: Vitamin D promotes the body’s absorption of calcium, which is essential for the normal development of healthy teeth and bones. It also helps maintain adequate blood levels of the minerals calcium and phosphorus. Vitamin D is also known as the “sunshine vitamin” because the body manufactures the vitamin after being exposed to sunshine. Ten to 15 minutes of sunshine 3 times weekly is adequate to produce the body’s requirement of vitamin D.
Deficiency: A vitamin D deficiency leads to soft bones (rickets).
Vitamin E (Tocopherol)
Definition: Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin; it is one of the vitamins that act as antioxidants.
Function: Vitamin E is an antioxidant that protects body tissue from the damage of oxidation. It is important in the formation of red blood cells and the use of vitamin K.
Deficiency: There is no known dietary deficiency of vitamin E.
Vitamin K
Definition: Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin that plays an important role in blood clotting.
Function: Vitamin K is known as the clotting vitamin, because without it blood would not clot. Some studies indicate that it helps in maintaining strong bones in the elderly. Vitamin K is also made by the bacteria that line the gastrointestinal tract.
Deficiency: Vitamin K deficiency is very rare. It occurs when there is an inability to absorb the vitamin from the intestinal tract, and can also occur after prolonged treatment with oral antibiotics.

What are Fatty Acids?
Fats and oils in foods are made up of basic units called fatty acids. The oils and fats that people eat are nearly always mixtures of 3 types of fatty acids– monounsaturated, polyunsaturated, or saturated fats, with one type predominating. Two specific types of polyunsaturated fatty acids, linoleic (omega 6) and alpha-linolenic (omega 3), are called essential fatty acids (EFAs). They must be present in the diet in adequate amounts because they are literally essential to life and health. Seven critical functions of essential fats are:

Developing and maintaining gray matter in the brain
Achieving optimal growth
Maintaining the integrity of cell membranes
Keeping skin healthy
Proper visual development
Maintaining a healthy nervous system
Regulation of blood pressure, blood clotting and the body’s inflammatory response

Omega-9, Oleic Acid
One of the best types of fats is oleic acid (Omega-9). Omega 9, a monounsaturated
oil (MUFA), is not an essential fatty acid as the body can synthesize it from other nutritional compounds that are consumed. It occurs naturally in greater quantities than any other fatty acid. Oleic acid is the main fat in olive oil. Olive oil is well known for it’s health benefits, with science clearly linking oleic acid to lower cardiovascular risk, lower blood levels of cholesterol and lower levels of blood glucose. Olive oil is about 75% oleic acid, Moringa Oliefera follows closely having about 73% oleic acid. (Oleifera is a Latin term meaning oil containing). Oleic acid comprises about 55% in Canola oil and about 20% in sunflower oil. Studies suggest that in countries with higher obesity prevalence, it is the shift from MUFA (such as olive oil) to PUFA (vegetable oils) that particularly appears to be associated with the risk of obesity.

So why don't you try Moringa Today...