What is a moringa?

Moringa is the common name of Moringa oleifera Lam or Moringaceae, a tree with many nutritional and medicinal benefits. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, various parts of the moringa tree contain protein, amino acids, beta-carotene, vitamins and phenolics.

The U.S. National Library of Medicine's records indicate that the moringa tree is used to purify water and in the treatment of heart and circulatory ailments, tumors, ulcers, diabetes and fungal infections, among other uses.

For centuries, indigenous peoples of India and Africa have known the benefits of moringa. Research carried out in East Africa has indicated that powdered moringa leaves can provide large quantities of protein, calcium, potassium, iron, magnesium, vitamin A and vitamin C.