The worlds oldest superfood.

While grinding a handful of freshly picked Moringa leaves, I considered the numerous benefits of this wonder plant. From my research, Moringa stands as a superfood passed down through generations, providing countless health benefits to people of all ages. Today, it has reemerged in the online health community, finding its way onto various blogs and health care regimens.  As we take a brief look at this natural gift, I can't help but recognise how often the earth provides us with 'wonder foods' to meet our needs.

"In the beginning, there was Moringa!"

With a history that spans thousands of years, Moringa was a staple ingredient in traditional medicine. Known as one of the most nutrient-based plants on the planet, the Moringa oleifera is rightly called the Miracle Tree, with its leaves and seeds used in food recipes, medicines and ointments. This richness in vitamins and minerals links Moringa to numerous health and beauty benefits. 

A few of these are:

• lowers blood sugar levels

• reduces inflammation

• lowers cholesterol

• protects against arsenic toxicity

• promotes healthy teeth and bones

• stimulates hair growth

• aids in keratin formation

• improves sleep

• stabilizes hormonal imbalance

• improves immunity

• heals wounds

But be reminded, natural medicines work best when used in its purest form. As Moringa's popularity returns, access to a supply of its leaves and seeds are hassle-free, especially in the Caribbean. Today, many backyard gardens are adorned with Moringa trees, providing shade and nutrition. When grounded into a powder or dried, its leaves are typically added in bread, shakes/smoothies and are used in tablet form, or topically. In addition to this, it can be preserved within minutes and last for months. All you need to do is, bake for three minutes or until dry and crunchy, grind by hand, or with a grinder and store in an air-tight container.

There are so many more nutritional and self-care benefits to using Moringa that are not listed here. So I encourage you to plant yourself a Moringa tree and research this superfood as new benefits are updated every day!

- Live simply ♡

All images are my own. Please request permission before use.