Moringa, native to parts of Africa and Asia, is the sole genus in the flowering plant family Moringaceae. The name is derived from the word Drumstick or murungai. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moringa

The Herbal Advisor article goes on to say that small human studies have shown that the dried leaves can reduce elevated blood sugar in diabetics and lower unhealthy forms of cholesterol w/o depleting beneficial HDL.  Helps reduce inflammation, wards off cancer and promotes heart and liver health as well as fight infections that cause stomach ulcers.   Why is it that all these superfoods sound like a pitch for Patent Medicine?

It would seem that this is something that is being promoted as a possible solution to world hunger in the third world but the most I got from the nutritionist who is working with it said a far as the US is that it “can be used to add variety to your diet.”   Not exactly a recommendation as a health booster.

According to Web MD;  Moringa contains proteins, vitamins, and minerals. As an antioxidant, it seems to help protect cells from damage….

Moringa is POSSIBLY SAFE when taken by mouth and used appropriately. The leaves, fruit, and seeds might be safe when eaten as food. However, it’s important to avoid eating the root and its extracts. …may contain a toxic substance that can cause paralysis and death…. Moringa has been used safely in doses up to 6 grams daily for up to 3 weeks….There isn’t enough information to know if moringa is safe when used in medicinal amounts.

 

 

Special Precautions & Warnings:  Pregnancy and breast-feeding: It’s LIKELY UNSAFE to use the root, bark or flowers of moringa if you are pregnant….can make the uterus contract, and this might cause a miscarriage.

 

 

Moringa is sometimes used to increase breast milk production. Some research suggests it might do this…there isn’t enough information to know if it is safe for the nursing infant. .. it is best to avoid…if you are breast-feeding.   http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-1242-moringa.aspx?activeingredientid=1242&activeingredientname=moringa

 

 

Superfoods have been almost constantly in the news:  ” Superfoods, they’re called — so nutritious they’re life-changing. But often they end up as fads. In a sense, this is happening in the developing world, too. Organizations have been promoting certain crops as panaceas to alleviate hunger and poverty. But they don’t always work out….All of this comes down to economics. Do these new crops have a market, both at home and for export? Will fads lead crops to rise and fall? Moringa may be about to have its moment, winding up in teas and even bath gels….http://www.marketplace.org/topics/sustainability/superfood-fads-super-distracting-global-farmers

 

 

OTHER SUPER FOODS THAT HAVE BEEN FADS