Nutrition · 4 min read
Why moringa is called the “miracle tree”
Where the nickname comes from, what is really in moringa leaf, and what the research does and doesn't say.
Moringa oleifera is a fast-growing tree that thrives in hot, dry places where many crops struggle. In parts of Africa and South Asia its leaves have been eaten for generations, fresh in stews or dried into powder. Because one hardy tree gives so much food, people started calling it the “miracle tree”.
The nickname is about how useful the tree is, not about magic. Here is what is actually inside the leaves.
What's in moringa leaf powder
- Plant protein — dried leaves are unusually rich in protein for a green.
- Calcium and iron, two minerals many people fall short on.
- Vitamin A, in the form of beta-carotene.
- Dietary fibre.
What those nutrients do
In the wording Canada accepts for foods: iron is a factor in red blood cell formation, calcium aids in the formation and maintenance of bones and teeth, and protein helps build and repair body tissues.
What research hasn't shown yet
Most moringa studies so far were done in labs or on animals. Studies in people are still few and small. That's why we describe moringa as a nutritious food, not a treatment for anything.
How to start
One teaspoon a day stirred into a smoothie, soup or yogurt is the usual amount. Taking more doesn't add extra benefit, so follow the serving on the pouch.
General information, not medical advice. Our products are foods and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.