Superfoods have burst into the market in recent years as health conscious Americans look for simple ways to improve their diet. Harford consumers are no different and are increasingly looking for healthy nutrients from foods rather than from supplements. Move aside, Matcha! There is a new way to start your mornings in Harford, with ‘Moringa’, the supergreen that will supercharge your morning smoothie. If you are becoming tired of spreading avocado on toast or guzzling down gallons of green tea, why not give Moringa a whirl? With its natural peppery taste, it could be the perfect superfood to spice up your morning and kickstart your day.
Origins
Moringa Oleifera, also known as the drumstick tree (from its appearance of long, thing, triangular seed-pods), is a fast growing, drought resistant tree, originating from the foothills of the Himalayas, India. It is used natively as a vegetable, water purification and sometimes in herbal medicine.
Health Benefits of Moringa
Moringa is packed with powerful health promoting nutrients, brimming with antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, it packs a powerful punch. Being a fiber filled, nutrient powerhouse, like many of the top fruit and vegetable superfoods on the marketplace, is not Moringa’s only benefit. This firecracker brings in an extra hit of protein to boot, providing an impressive nine essential amino acids, key for muscle strength, hormone balance, mood regulation and blood sugar stabilisation, to name but a few.
Studies have shown that Moringa is beneficial in the stabilisation of blood sugar. A study conducted by Kushwaha et al (2012) demonstrated a 13.5% reduction in fasting blood sugar in 30 women using Moringa leaf powder for 3 months.
Moringa is associated with strong anti-inflammatory and histamine reducing properties and with the rate of asthma rates rising, it may just be right time for this superfood. Recent findings from the AAFA (Asthma and Allergy Foundation for America) suggest 50 million Americans are now affected by allergy and it is the 6th leading cause of chronic illness in the US. Moringa may just be the perfect natural remedy for allergies, as shown in Mahajan and Mehta’s 2007 study or the Department of Pharmacology
The real super cherry on top of the smoothie, is Moringa’s natural energy boosting properties and yet it is totally caffeine-free.
Super Smoothie ideas
Calling all Harford Community College Students. If you are looking for a energy boost in the morning give the ‘The Super Charged Moringa’ a try. Take 1/4 cup of raspberries, blueberries and pineapple and add in 2 cups of Spinach or Kale. Then blend all your fruits and vegetables with 1 teaspoon of Moringa powder and 1 teaspoon of Chai and Flaxseed. Finish with a cup or orange juice for added vitamin C and dilute with water for your preferred texture and taste.
There is no need to feel blue, when you have this Virgin Green Smoothie to start the day. Take 1 avocado, 1 banana and 1 apple and mix together with 2 cups or spinach or kale. To boost this delicious green mix, add in 1 teaspoon of Moringa and 1 cup of Almond Milk and finish with water to your preference.
It is no surprise that Moringa is making an impact, this superfood is versatile, packed with nutrition and readily available. As health studies continue, its likely there will be plenty more reasons to make sure you keep a stock of this peppery powerhouse in your cupboard. So Harford, lets get on board with the ‘Healthy Harford Communities Initiative’ and remember a good morning should always start with Moringa. Healthy Harford inspires and empowers healthy people, families and communities in mind body and spirit.
