Moringa may be the latest health fad for some, but people who consume it on a weekly or daily basis know this plant is one of the healthiest things to add to your diet.
Found commonly in Asian countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan, moringa can be consumed as leaves (also called drumstick leaves), seeds and long green fruits.
"Raw moringa leaves have a noted bite to them and have almost a radish, raw cabbage or watercress-like taste. When cooked, the taste tends to go away," says Toronto-based health and nutrition expert Rosanna Lee. "Raw moringa leaves, fruit and seeds provide more nutrition because they have not been processed as extensively."
In some studies, Lee notes, moringa has been touted to increase energy levels without the stimulation of caffeine, as well as promoting weight loss. "However, no conclusive evidence has supported these claims yet. People often take moringa in the form of a capsule, mixed in as a powder or consumed as a tea," she says.
And when you can get your hands on morgina (try Asian grocery stores or health food stores), you can enjoy it several different ways.
Below, Lee shares how much nutrition you get with a serving of moringa, as well as additional health benefits. How do you eat your moringa? Let us know in the comments below:
