moringa oleifera extract |
|
Botanical Name |
Moringa oleifera Lam. |
Active ingredients |
Natural amino acids, vitamins, alkaloids |
synonyms |
Moringa pterygosperma, drumstick tree, tree of life, |
Appearance |
Brown yellow fine powder |
Part used |
leaves |
Specification |
Polysaccharide 30% UV/20:1 TLC /965:1TLC |
Main benefits |
Energy booster, overall health |
Applied industries |
Bodybuilding, overall health, supplement, pre workout |
What is moringa oleifera extract?
When we talk about moringa oleifera extract, we have to thank Dr. Oz. It is he that brings moringa extract to our supplement world. Moringa Oleifera is a nutritious vegetable tree with a variety of potential uses. Moringa is a fast-growing, drought-resistant tree; it is considered one of the world's most useful trees. Every part of the Moringa Oleifera tree, from the roots to the leaves has beneficial properties that can serve humanity. Moringa oleifera is sometimes referred to as the “Tree of Life” because of its potential to help with malnutrition around the world. This species is also recognized by other names in different cultures. Here are some examples of names that M. oleifera is known as in different countries: Zingeridende (Ghana), Odudu oyibo (Nigeria), Moltong (Indonesia) Drumstick tree (U.K.), Sajna (India), Malunggay (Philippines), Mlonge, Mkimbo, (Kenya), and Nebeday (Senegal). It is also identified as horseradish, drumstick, or ben oil tree.
Leaves can be eaten fresh, cooked, or stored as dried powder for many months without refrigeration, and reportedly without loss of nutritional value. Moringa Oleifera is especially promising as a food source in the tropics because the tree is in full leaf at the end of the dry season when other foods are typically scarce.
Constituents of moringa oleifera extract
Moringa tree, best known as moringa oleifera extract in supplement industry, contains many nutrients such as essential vitamins, essential minerals, amino acids, beta-carotene, anti-oxidants, anti-inflammatory nutrients, phytochemicals and it also contains both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.
The leaves are highly nutritious, being a significant source of beta-carotene, Vitamin C, protein, iron, and potassium. The leaves are cooked and used like spinach. In addition to being used fresh as a substitute for greens, its leaves are commonly dried and crushed into a powder, and used in soups and sauces. The tree is a good source for calcium and phosphorus.
Moringa leaves and pods are helpful in increasing breast milk in the breastfeeding months. One tablespoon of leaf powder can provide 14% of the protein, 40% of the calcium, 23% of the iron and most of the vitamin A needs of a child aged one to three. Six tablespoons of leaf powder will provide nearly all of the woman's daily iron and calcium needs during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The moringa seeds yield 38–40% edible oil. The refined oil is clear, odorless, and resists rancidity at least as well as any other botanical oil. The seed cake remaining after oil extraction may be used as a fertilizer or as a flocculent that forms the particles into a solid to purify water. The bark, sap, roots, leaves, seeds, oil, and flowers are used in traditional medicine in several countries. The sap is used for a blue dye.
According to Monica G.Marcu, the author of “Miracle Tree”,the componets are:
• 92
Nutrients
• 46 Antioxidants
• 36 Anti-Inflammatories
• 18 Amino Acids, 9 Essential Amino Acids
• Nourishes The Immune System
• Promotes Healthy Circulation
• Supports Normal Glucose Levels
• Natural Anti-Aging Benefits
• Provides Anti-Inflammatory Support
• Promotes Healthy Digestion
• Promotes Heightened Mental Clarity
• Boosts Energy Without Caffeine
• Encourages Balanced Metabolism
• Promotes Softer Skin
• Provides Relief From Acne
• Supports Normal Hormone Levels
Moringa leaves contain all the essential amino acids to build strong healthy bodies.
Examples of some few nutritional value of Moringa- ( Gram-for-gram comparison of nutritional data)
2times -the Protein of
Yogurt
3times – the
Potassium of Bananas
4times – the
Calcium of Milk
4times – the Vitamin A of Carrots
7times -the Vitamin C of Oranges
The Vitamin component of
Moringa Leaves:
Moringa has Vitamin A (Beta
Carotene), Vitamin B1 (Thiamine), Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin), Vitamin B3 (Niacin),
Vitamin B6 Pyrodixine), Vitamin B7 (Biotin), Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid), Vitamin
D (Cholecalciferol), Vitamin E (Tocopherol) and Vitamin K.
Vitamin
A (Beta
Carotene), Vitamin A is a vitamin which is needed by the retina of the eye in
the form of a specific metabolite, the light-absorbing molecule retinal. This
molecule is absolutely necessary for both “Scotopic”scotopic and color vision.
Vitamin A also functions in a very different role, as an irreversibly oxidized
form retinoic acid, which is an important hormone-like growth factor for
epithelial and other cells.
Vitamin
B1 (Thiamine)
helps fuel the body by converting blood sugar into energy. It keeps the mucous
membranes healthy and is essential for nervous system, cardiovascular and
muscular function.
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) is required for a wide
variety of cellular processes. Like the other B vitamins, it plays
a key role in energy metabolism, and for the metabolism of fats, ketone bodies,
carbohydrates, and proteins. It is the central component of the cofactors
FAD and FMN, and is therefore required by all
“Flavoprotein”flavoproteins.
Vitamin
B3 (Niacin),
like all B complex vitamins, are necessary for healthy skin, hair, eyes, and
liver. They also help the nervous system function properly. Niacin also
helps the body make various sex and stress-related hormones in the adrenal
glands and other parts of the body. Niacin is effective in improving
circulation and reducing cholesterol levels in the blood.
Vitamin
B6 (Pyridoxine)
is required for the synthesis of the neurotransmitters serotonin and
norepinephrine and for myelin formation. Pyridoxine deficiency in adults
principally affects the peripheral nerves, skin, mucous membranes, and the
blood cell system. In children, the central nervous system (CNS) is also
affected. Deficiency can occur in people with uremia, alcoholism, cirrhosis,
hyperthyroidism, malabsorption syndromes, congestive heart failure (CHF), and
in those taking certain medications.
Vitamin B7 (Biotin) has vital
metabolic functions. Without biotin as a co-factor, many enzymes do not work
properly, and serious complications can occur, including varied diseases of the
skin, intestinal tract, and nervous system. Biotin can help address high blood
glucose levels in people with type 2 diabetes, and is helpful in maintaining
healthy hair and nails, decreasing insulin resistance and improving glucose
tolerance, and possibly preventing birth defects. It plays a role in energy
metabolism, and has been used to treat alopecia, cancer, Crohn’s disease, hair
loss, Parkinson’s disease, peripheral neuropathy, Rett syndrome, seborrheic
dermatitis, and vaginal candidiasis.
Vitamin
C (Ascorbic
Acid)is one of the safest and most effective nutrients, experts say. It may not
be the cure for the common cold (though it’s thought to help prevent more
serious complications). But the benefits of vitamin C may include protection
against immune system deficiencies, cardiovascular disease, prenatal health
problems, eye disease, and even skin wrinkling.
Vitamin
D (Cholecalciferol)
is essential for promoting calcium absorption in the gut and maintaining
adequate serum calcium and phosphate concentrations to enable normal
mineralization of bone and prevent hypocalcemic tetany. It is also needed for
bone growth and bone remodeling by osteoblasts and osteoclasts . Without
sufficient vitamin D, bones can become thin, brittle, or misshapen. Vitamin D
sufficiency prevents rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults. Together
with calcium, vitamin D also helps protect older adults from osteoporosis.
Vitamin D has other roles in human health, including modulation of
neuromuscular and immune function and reduction of inflammation.
Vitamin E describes a family of 8
antioxidants, 4 tocopherols and 4 tocotrienols. alpha-tocopherol (a-tocopherol)
is the only form of vitamin E that is actively maintained in the human body and
is therefore, the form of vitamin E found in the largest quantities in the
blood and tissue. Vitamin E, a fat-soluble vitamin, protects vitamin A
and essential fatty acids from oxidation in the body cells and prevents
breakdown of body tissues.
Vitamin
K is
necessary for normal clotting of blood in humans. Specifically, vitamin K is
required for the liver to make factors that are necessary for blood to properly
clot (coagulate), including factor II (prothrombin), factor VII (proconvertin),
factor IX (thromboplastin component), and factor X (Stuart factor). Other
clotting factors that depend on vitamin K are protein C, protein S, and protein
Z. Deficiency of vitamin K or disturbances of liver function (for example,
severe liver failure) may lead to deficiencies of clotting factors and excess
bleeding.
Amino
Acids: The foundation of our body.
Our bodies need twenty different
amino acids or proteins that are the building blocks for a healthy body.
Nonessential amino acids are those that the body can synthesize for itself,
provided there is enough nitrogen, carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen available.
Essential amino acids are those supplied by the diet. They must be
consumed as the human body either cannot make them at all or cannot make them
in sufficient quantity to meet its needs. ?Of the 20 amino acids required by
our bodies, eleven of them are nonessential and nine are essential.
Functions of Amino Acids:
Proteins act as enzymes , hormones , and antibodies . They maintain fluid
balance and acid and base balance. They also transport substances such as
oxygen, vitamins and minerals to target cells throughout the body. Structural
proteins, such as collagen and keratin, are responsible for the formation of
bones, teeth, hair, and the outer layer of skin and they help maintain the
structure of blood vessels and other tissues.
Enzymes are proteins that facilitate chemical reactions without being changed
in the process. Hormones (chemical messengers) are proteins that travel to one
or more specific target tissues or organs, and many have important regulatory
functions. Insulin , for example, plays a key role in regulating the amount of
glucose in the blood. The body manufactures antibodies (giant protein
molecules), which combat invading antigens. Antigens are usually foreign
substances such as bacteria and viruses that have entered the body and could potentially
be harmful. Immunoproteins, also called immunoglobulins or antibodies, defend
the body from possible attack by these invaders by binding to the antigens and
inactivating them.
If these critical components for
a healthy body are not provided as part of a healthy diet, the body will look
for other sources for them. This can include breakdown of our organs,
leading to chronic problems such as liver and kidney problems, diabetes and
heart disease among others.
MORINGA
AS FOOD Moringa
is considered a complete food as it contains all of the essential Amino Acids
required for a healthy body. The dried leaf is a nutritional powerhouse
and contains all of the following Amino Acids.
ISOLEUCINE builds proteins and enzymes
and it provides ingredients used to create other essential biochemical
components in the body, some of which promote energy and stimulate the brain to
maintain a state of alertness.
LEUCINE works with isoleucine to
build proteins and enzymes which enhance the body’s energy and alertness.
LYSINE ensures
your body absorbs the right amount of calcium. It also helps form collagen used
in bone cartilage and connective tissues. In addition, lysine aids in the
production of antibodies, hormones, and enzymes. Recent studies have shown
lysine improves the balance of nutrients that reduce viral growth.
METHIONINE primarily
supplies sulfur to your body. It is known to prevent hair,
skin, and nail problems while lowering cholesterol levels as it increases the liver’s production of lecithin. Methionine reduces liver fat and protects the kidneys, which reduces bladder irritation.
PHENYLALAINE produces the chemical needed to transmit signals between nerve cells and the brain. It can help with concentration and alertness, reduce hunger pains and improve memory and mood. THREONINE is an important part of collagen, elastin, and enamel proteins. It assists metabolism and helps prevent fat build-up in the liver while boosting the body’s digestive and intestinal tracts.
TRYPTOPHAN supports the immune system, alleviates insomnia, reduces anxiety, depression, and the symptoms of migraine headaches. It also is beneficial in decreasing the risk of artery and heart spasms as it works with lysine to reduce cholesterol levels.
VALINE is
important in promoting a sharp mind, coordinated muscles, and a calm mood.
Non-essential
amino acids in Moringa
ALANINE is
important for energy in muscle tissue, brain, and central nervous system. It
strengthens the immune system by producing antibodies. Alanine also helps in
the healthy metabolism of sugars and organic acids in the body.
ARGININE causes
the release of the growth hormones considered crucial for optimal muscle growth
and tissue repair. It also improves immune responses to bacteria, viruses, and
tumor cells while promoting the healing of the body’s wounds.
ASPARTIC ACID helps rid the body of ammonia created
by cellular waste. When the ammonia enters the circulatory system it can act as
a highly toxic substance which can damage the central nervous system. Recent
studies have also shown that aspartic acid may decrease fatigue and increase
endurance.
CYSTINE functions as an antioxidant and is a
powerful aid to the body in protecting against radiation and pollution. It can
help slow the aging process, deactivate free radicals, and neutralize toxins.
It also aids in protein synthesis and presents cellular change. It is necessary
for the formation of new skin cells, which aids in the recovery from burns and
surgical operations.
GLUTAMIC
ACID is
food for the brain. It improves mental capacities, helps speed the healing of
ulcers, reduces fatigue, and curbs sugar cravings.
GLYCINE promotes
the release of oxygen required in the cell-making process. It is also important
in the manufacturing of hormones responsible for a strong immune system.
HISTIDINE is
used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, allergies, ulcers, and anemia. A
lack of histidine may lead to poor hearing.
SERINE is
important in storing glucose in the liver and muscles. Its antibodies help
strengthen the body’s immune system. Plus, it synthesizes fatty acid sheaths
around nerve fibers.
PROLINE is extremely important for the proper
function of your joints and tendons. It also helps maintain and strengthen
heart muscles.
TYROSINE transmits nerve impulses to your brain. It helps overcome depression; improves memory; increases mental alertness; plus promotes the healthy functioning of the thyroid, adrenal, and pituitary glands.
Benefits of taking moringa oleifera extract:
Every part of Moringa is used for certain nutritional and/or medicinal propose. Besides being a good source of protein, vitamins, oils, fatty acids, micro-macro minerals elements and various phenolics, it is also reported as anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, anticancer, cardiovascular, hepatoprotective, anti-ulcer, diuretic, antiurolithiatic, and antihelmintic. Its multiple pharmaceutical effects are capitalized as therapeutic remedy for various diseases in traditional medicinal system. However, the key benefits of moringa extract is supplement energy, and promote overall health as doctor Oz has said on his show.
Increased Energy and Vitality
Moringa extract is a natural energy boost from nature's most potent superfood. Moringa provides more than 90 all-natural vitamins, phyto-functional minerals (such as zinc and iron), trace elements and every essential protein required for muscle growth. In addition, pound for pound moringa has 7x the Vitamin C found in oranges, 4x the Vitamin A of carrots, 4x the calcium of milk and 3x potassium of bananas. Moringa oleifera is nature’s whole-food complex, which makes it easy for your body to recognize, absorb and assimilate. Moringa Oleifera with its amino profile, and dozens of vitamins and minerals, helps to regain energies after workouts and physical strain.
Mental and Emotional Well Being
Moringa is an uplifting plant that can sustain positive moods. Did you know that stress, anxiety, and the pressures of daily life all deplete your body of nutrients, wearing you down and detracting from your mental and emotional attitude? Taking moringa regularly can give your heart, mind, and body the nutrition you need to elevate your mood naturally so you can stay positive, open, and rise above the daily grind.
Anti-Aging Nutrients
Defy your age with rejuvenating vitamins and powerful antioxidants
Moringa oleifera contains over 40 active antioxidants which help to clean your body of pollutants, quench free-radicals, remove unhealthy cells, and bring life to deficient tissue. A recent antioxidant measurement study conducted by Brunswick Laboratories shows that moringa trumps all other superfood rivals. With an impressive ORAC score of 157,000 umole TE/100g (hydrophilic and lipophilic) Moringa beats rivals such as turmeric at 127,000, acai at 102,700, cocoa powder at 55,653, pomegranates at 4,479 and blueberries at only 2,400. In addition, with an impressive oleic acid content of 72%, rich, delicate moringa oil is among the best natural skin health products in the world.
Healthier Blood – Naturally
Scientifically demonstrated to reduce blood sugar and lower blood pressure
Moringa's unique combination of nutrients can help to boost the immune system. It also helps to maintain healthier blood sugar levels within a normal range. People with high blood pressure or diabetes may also find moringa oleifera to be an effective supplement for maintaining a healthy lifestyle.