Superfoods(superfoods) are a group of food ingredients, both vegetable and animal, which have a high concentration of nutrient levels or are rich in nutrients so that they are good for the health of the body. One of food which is referred to as superfoodis Moringa leaf (Moringa oleifera). The benefits of Moringa leaves are very many because the content is also diverse.
Moringa is a shrub that grows to a height of 7-12 meters and belongs to the Moringaceae family. Moringa is a food plant as well as a therapeutic plant. Moringa is a tropical and subtropical plant that can thrive in all types of soil in the lowlands up to 700 meters above sea level and is drought tolerant. As a result, Moringa plants can survive in the tropical environment of Indonesia.
Its high nutritional content and abundant properties have caused Moringa (Moringa oleifera) to be nicknamed “Miracle Tree” and “Tree of Life“. Reporting from the International Tree Foundation (2015), Moringa is also said to be one of the most nutritious plants on the planet. Even the World Food Organization (FAO) included Moringa as a Traditional Crop of the Month in September 2014. Due to its abundant nutritional content, Moringa can be used as an alternative food to overcome malnutrition (malnutrition). In some countries, Moringa is also recommended as a supplement or food supplement for nursing mothers and children in their infancy.
In Indonesia itself, Moringa plants have been used for a long time. Many community used to believe that Moringa leaves can used to ward off spirits or something. In fact, the potential possessed by Indonesia in the use of Moringa is more than that. Fortunately, now the people of Indonesia have made more optimal use of the Moringa plant. Many people have cultivated this Moringa plant.
Besides being used as food, Moringa is also widely used as animal feed, medicine, to cosmetics. In the food sector, the leaves of Moringa are often used to make cooking or as an additive to add nutrients to a dish.
What are the ingredients in Moringa leaves that are called superfoods?
According to Winarno (2018)’s book, there are the following chemicals in every 100 grams of dried Moringa leaves:
• Protein 2 times higher than yogurt
• Vitamin A 7 times higher than carrots
• Potassium 3 times higher than banana
• Calcium 4 times higher than milk
• Vitamin C 7 times higher than oranges
Other minerals found in Moringa leaves include vitamin B2, vitamin B6, iron, magnesium, isothiocyanates, and many others.
Moringa leaf benefits
The abundance of content nutrition in Moringa leaves of course have many benefits when consumed. The benefits of consuming Moringa leaves are none other than the following:
Blood Sugar Control
Antioxidants like vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, flavonoids, and selenium have been shown to help reduce blood glucose levels. Flavonoid chemicals in the form of terpenoids found in Moringa leaves are also proven to be safe and helpful in decreasing blood sugar levels.
Getting Rid of Inflammation (Inflammation)
Inflammation is the body’s natural defense mechanism in response to damage or illness. Moringa leaves include isothiocyanic chemicals, flavonoids, and phenolic acids, which can work as natural anti-inflammatory agents. Anti-inflammatory medicines, which are extensively used nowadays, can harm the body, particularly the kidneys, if taken too frequently. This causes the plant to produce anti-inflammatory compounds.
Keeping Blood Pressure in Check
Moringa leaves are high in potassium and antioxidants, which help to decrease blood pressure and prevent hypertension.
Inhibits the growth of cancer cells
The leaf and bark extracts of the Moringa tree have been found to suppress the proliferation of cancer cells. This is assumed to be owing to the antioxidants in it, which can protect cells from free radical damage. Furthermore, because isothiocyanates are known to be powerful anticancer chemicals, isothiocyanate content is thought to play a role in preventing cancer cell proliferation.
Maintaining the Health and Function of the Brain
Moringa leaves contain antioxidants that are beneficial to brain health and function. It can also help to lessen the risk of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases.
Defend Against Anemia
Because of its iron concentration, moringa leaves are a good alternative for preventing or treating anemia.
Immune System Boost
Because of the varied nutritional content included in Moringa leaves, it is thought to boost and sustain immunity when taken. As a result, Moringa leaves are commonly utilized to enhance the immune system, particularly during pandemics like this one.
Aids in Eye Health
Moringa leaves contain a lot of vitamin A, which is good for keeping our eyes healthy. As a result, you can eat Moringa leaves to keep your eyes healthy, especially if you use your smartphone or laptop for work or entertainment during the epidemic.
Of course, you won’t notice these advantages if you only eat Moringa once. We must consume it on a regular basis and in a moderate amount in order to reap the maximum benefits. Moringa leaves are also natural substances, thus they do not have an immediate effect.
Processed Moringa Leaves
Moringa leaves may be used to make a range of tasty and healthful dishes. Moringa leaves may be processed into semi-finished goods, so the menu made from them isn’t just for eating.
Moringa leaves can be prepared straight in recipes like soup or sauteed. Moringa leaves can also be processed to make them more appealing and sell for a greater price. It may be made into pastries, sponge cakes, Moringa leaf sticks, and many other things. However, if you don’t want the taste of Moringa leaves to be overpowering, you can use it as a garnish or as a complimentary ingredient to give nutrients to the foods you’re making.
Moringa leaves can also be processed into semi-finished products such as Moringa leaf tea, Moringa leaf flour, and Moringa leaf oil, in addition to being cooked directly. These things are already available on the market, so we can purchase them quickly.
There are numerous advantages of eating this Moringa leaf. With the advancement of modern technology, finding recipes for processed Moringa leaves on the internet has become much easier. Even if Moringa leaves aren’t available in our location, we can order them from online stores. As a result, let us make better use of Moringa leaves as food. Furthermore, during a Covid-19 epidemic like this, we require a high level of nutrient intake to sustain and boost immunity.
