Moringa Trees

[Reliable sourcing is needed. There is so much literature on Moringa that it is hard to find the source material. Also, we need an annotated bibliography of methods of growing, harvesting and processing (especially designs of machinery). Great student projects!]

Nutritional Benefits

According to India's ancient tradition of ayurveda (natural healing), the leaves of the Moringa tree prevent 300 diseases. Modern science confirms the basic idea. Scientific research has proven that these humble leaves are in fact a powerhouse of nutritional value. Gram for gram, Moringa leaves contain:

7 times the vitamin C of oranges which fights a host of illnesses including colds and flu.
4 times the vitamin A of carrots which acts as a shield against eye disease, skin disease, heart ailments, diarrhea, and many other diseases.
4 times the calcium of milk which builds strong bones and teeth, and helps prevent osteoporosis.
3 times the potassium of bananas essential for the functioning of the brain and nerves.
2 times the protein of yogurt the basic building blocks of all our body cells.

In addition, Moringa leaves, stems and seeds contain these nutrients: vitamins B1, B2, and B3, chromium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorous, zinc and all the essential amino acids which are the building blocks of proteins. Two amino acids, arginine and histidine, are especially important for infant growth requirements.

Moringa leaves could practically wipe out malnutrition on our planet. Experts agree that the long-term solution to malnutrition is the use of foods rich in the essential nutrients often lacking in people's diets. Modern scientific research is proving that Moringa leaves are one of the richest sources of such nutrients. Even small amounts of the leaves could protect thousands of people from suffering and death.

Water Treatment

It is easy to demonstrate how adding the residue from processing the seeds for making oil can clarify water. Add a teaspoon to muddy water, shake and after a few minutes the water is clear with sediment on the bottom. In addition laboratory studies have shown the antimicrobial properties to be effective in neutralizing common forms of bacteria. However, the purified water cannot be stored for long because the dissolved organic matter remaining in the water may promote growth of pathogens. Research at Pennsylvania State University has developed a simple process that uses sand added to the Moringa treatement to produce truly potable water.

Other Uses

Livestock feed. Increase daily weight gain by 32%. Increase milk production by 43% to 65%.

Crop Spray made by extracting juices from Moringa green matter and diluted with 36 parts water to one part extract. Tested on soybeans, turnips, clack beans, red beans, white beans, cow peas, bell peppers, chia, sunflowers, mung beans, onions, coffee, tea, chili peppers, melons and sorghum. Results are faster growth, pest and disease resistance, heavier roots, stems and leaves, more fruit, larger fruit, increased yield by 20-35%.

Biogas. Estimates of 65,000 cubic feet of methane per acre of Moringa per year. Twice the yield of sugar beats.

About Poor Nutrition and Health

Poor nutrition and malnutrition severely impacts the socio-economic development of a nation because a work force that is stunted both mentally and physically may have a reduced work capacity. The interaction of poverty, poor health and poor nutrition has a multiplier effect on the general welfare of the population and also contributes significantly towards keeping a population in a downward trend of poverty and nutritional insecurity. Poor nutrition impacts the education of the masses. If a country in Africa really wants development, good food should be available and affordable to all to build up their human resource capacity.

Cultivation, Harvesting and Processing

Moringa trees grow precisely where people need it the most. Amazingly, Moringa grows in subtropical areas, where malnutrition is most prevalent. It was as if people had a goldmine in their backyard and simply did not know it.

Left alone to grow normally, a Moringa tree can grow to 50 feet with a 3 foot diameter trunk. Size, shape, foliation and optimal growing conditions vary among the thirteen species. The most commonly planted species is M. oleifera.

For easy harvesting, Moringa can be planted densely as a field crop (about six inches apart in a row). The Moringa crop can be harvested four times per year, yielding 40 tons of green matter per acre in the first year. With irrigation and fertilizer, crops in Nicaragua were harvested every 35 days with a total yield of 280 tons of green matter per acre.

Drying the leaves results in far higher proportion of available vitamin A, calcium, iron, proteins and potassium. Fresh leaves are much better for vitamin C.

Consumption & Recipes

The book Moringa: Nature's Medicine Cabinet by Sanfor Holst, contains many recipes as well as a summary of medicinal and botanical properties of Moringa.

History of Moringa Tree

Records show medicinal use of Moringa in northern India 5,000 years ago. Moringa species have been known and used in ancient cultures around the world. A large number of uses and health benefits have been claimed through the centuries. In the 1990's serious studies were conducted in Senegal and Nicaragua on some of the benefits. Since then, programs to promote the cultivation and use of Moringa have been conducted through many organizations, including the Peace Corps and United Nations.