Herbal Remedy To Diseases In Nigeria

Phytonutrients in Moringa

Moringa, is loaded with phytonutrients; but what are phytonutrients and where are they found?

Phytonutrients

The term “phyto” originated from a Greek word meaning plant.  Phytonutrients are certain organic components of plants, and these components are thought to promote human health.  Fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes, nuts, and teas are rich sources of phytonutrients.  Unlike the traditional nutrients (protein, fat, vitamins, minerals), phytonutrients are not “essential” for life, so some people prefer the term “phytochemical.”

Rui Hai Liu, M.D., Ph.D., Associate Professor of Food Science at Cornell University, has examined antioxidant activity in various fruits.   Dr. Liu estimates there are probably thousands of phytonutrinets in plant foods, and that each one works with others to perform many protective functions.  These include stimulating the immune system, warding off damage from free radicals and putting the brakes on cell growth.

What are the major classes of phytonutrients?

Some of the common classes of phytonutrients include:

Carotenoids

Flavonoids (Polyphenols), including Isoflavones (Phytoestrogens)

Inositol Phosphates (Phytates)

Lignans (Phytoestrogens)

Isothiocyanates and Indoles

Phenols and Cyclic Compounds

Saponins

Sulfides and Thiols

Terpenes

About Carotenoids
Of all the phytonutrients, the most known about are carotenoids, the red, orange, and yellow pigments in fruits and vegetables.  The carotenoids most commonly found in vegetables (and in plasma) are listed below along with common sources of these compounds.  Fruits and vegetables that are high in carotenoids appear to protect humans against certain cancers, heart disease, and age-related macular degeneration.

Carotenoid Common Food Source

alpha-carotene carrots, moringa

beta-carotene leafy green and yellow vegetables (eg. broccoli, sweet potato, pumpkin, carrots, moringa)

beta-cryptoxanthin citrus, peaches, apricots

lutein leafy greens such as kale, spinach, turnip greens, moringa

lycopene tomato products, pink grapefruit, watermelon, guava *

zeaxanthin eggs, citrus, green vegetables, moringa

About Polyphenols
Polyphenolic compounds are natural components of a wide variety of plants; they are also known as secondary plant metabolites.  Food sources rich in polyphenols include onion, apple, tea, red wine, red grapes, grape juice, strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, cranberries, and certain nuts.  The average polyphenol/ flavonoid intake in the U.S. has not been determined with precision, in large part, because there is presently no U.S. national food database for these compounds (USDA scientists and their colleagues are in the process of developing a database for foods rich in polyphenols).  Scientists at the Food Composition Laboratory, Beltsville Human Nutrition Research Center are currently developing new methodology for the accurate measurement of polyphenols in foods.  Polyphenols can be classified as nonflavonoids and flavonoids.  The flavonoids quercetin and catechins are the most extensively studied polyphenols relative to absorption and metabolism.

Nonflavonoids Sources

ellagic acid strawberries, blueberries, raspberries coumarins

Flavonoids Sources

anthocyanins Fruits

catechins tea, wine

flavanones citrus

flavones Fruits and vegetables

flavonols Fruits, vegetables, tea, wine

isoflavones soybeans

How do phytonutrients protect against disease?

The following are commonly proposed mechanisms by which phytonutrients may protect human health.  More research is needed to firmly establish the mechanisms of action of the various phytochemicals.  Phytonutrients may:

Serve as antioxidants

Enhance immune response

Enhance cell-to-cell communication

Alter estrogen metabolism

Convert to vitamin A (beta-carotene is metabolized to vitamin A)

Cause cancer cells to die (apoptosis)

Repair DNA damage caused by smoking and other toxic exposures

Detoxify carcinogens through the activation of the cytocrome P450 and phase II enzyme systems

What is the present status of the art of phytonutrients research?

Population studies have linked fruit and vegetable consumption with lowering the risk for chronic diseases including specific cancers and heart disease.   While media and consumer interest in phytonutrients and functional foods is far ahead of established proof that documents the health benefits of these foods or food components for humans, phytonutrient research is experiencing remarkable growth.  For now, it appears that an effective strategy for reducing risk of cancer and heart disease is to increase consumption of phytonutrient-rich foods including fruits, vegetables, grains and teas.

Excerpt from WebMD
entire article: http://www.webmd.com/diet/phytonutrients-faq

Want To Buy Moringa Powder, Moringa Seeds and Moringa leaf? Call any of these numbers 08023659308, 08162280597 to Order.

Dietary and Health Benefits of Moringa

Until recently, only a smattering of research had been completed in India, its bordering countries, and in parts of Africa.  Even less research had been done in the West.  Then, not long ago, the University of Leicester in England performed a number of studies.  The results from these studies along with the limited number of studies conducted in the United States confirm the dietary and health benefits of the Moringa, with some of the results showing to lower cholesterol, assist the respiratory system and minimize the effects of asthma. Moringa has no known impurities or adverse reactions when consumed.

While some of the benefits of the Moringa plant have been tapped by various impoverished civilizations, the plant’s nutritional potential was not “discovered” by modern societies until the late nineteenth century.  The indigenous knowledge and use of Moringa is referenced in more than 80 countries and known in over 200 local languages, has over 300 references to it in ayurvedic medicine.  Even with the known value of this plant, little has been done to introduce its amazing benefits to the world.

Amino Acids

Amino Acids: Can’t Live Without Them

What are they and exactly what do they do for us?

You can’t live without them. You’re unhealthy with too few of them. But in the right amounts they keep your body systems strong.

Amino acids are the building blocks of protein. Just as different letters of the alphabet are used to form different words, so are different amino acids used to build different proteins.

The human body is capable of manufacturing only 12 of the 20 different amino acids needed to build proteins used to grow, repair, and maintain cells. The other eight are known as essential amino acids because since the body cannot manufacture them, they must come from a person’s diet, usually red meat or dairy products.

This is not as simple as it sounds since frequently the full range of amino acids a body needs to be healthy are lacking in our food. As one pharmacist noted, “I see a lot of overweight people, but they’re all malnourished.”

Wellness exists and disease begins in the individual cell

Cells go through regeneration as often as every couple of days. Our skin is totally replaced every 27 days and our skeleton is renewed every two years.  Every day billions of cells replace the ones that came before.  Every regeneration must be a perfect copy.  This process of regeneration is threatened by many things: pollution in the air, water, and soil, radiation from the sun, stress, lifestyle choices, and even the ingredients in our over processed foods.  One thing is certain; to be healthy a body needs the tiny bio-molecules called amino acids.  As small as they are, amino acids play a big role in a body’s healthy nutrition. In the right bio-available amounts, they fortify the body against the most common health concerns, and have been shown in studies to combat the aging process.

Because Moringa, is naturally packed with 18 of the 20 amino acids which are highly absorbable and absolutely crucial to good health.  According to clinical pharmacologist, Dr. Monica G. Marcu, “Amino acids are best absorbed from a complex, naturally occurring food or plant source.” Ann Hirsch, PhD, Professor of Botany at University of California, Los Angeles, concurs saying, “One of the things that impresses me most about Moringa is the fact that it has the full complement of the essential amino acids that humans beings need; there are eight of them that we cannot synthesize, so we have to get them from our food.” Moringa is one of very few plants that contain all eight essential amino acids;

All Eight Essential Amino Acids

Here is a list of the complete range of naturally occurring amino acids found in Moringa and a brief explanation of why our bodies require them:

* ISOLEUCINE builds proteins and enzymes and it provides ingredients used to create other essential biochemical components in your body, some of which promote energy and stimulate the brain to keep you alert.

* LEUCINE works with isoleucine to build proteins and enzymes which enhance your body’s energy and alertness.

* LYSINE insures your body absorbs the right amount of calcium.  It also helps form collagen used in your bone cartilage and connective tissues.  And 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 your 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 your nerve cells and your brain.  It can help keep you alert, reduce your hunger pains, plus improve your memory and your mood.

 * THREONINE is an important part of collagen, elastin, and enamel proteins.   Not only does it assist metabolism, threonine helps prevent fat build-up in the liver while boosting your body’s digestive and intestinal tracts.

 * TRYPTOHYAN supports your immune system, alleviates insomnia, reduces anxiety, depression, and the symptoms of migraine headaches. It also isbeneficial 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.

Ten Non-Essential Amino Acids

These non-essential amino acids, which can be manufactured by your body with the help of proper nutrition, are also found abundantly in Moringa:

    * ALANINE is important when it comes to building energy in your muscle tissue, brain, and central nervous system.  It strengthens your immune system by producing antibodies.  Alanine also helps in the healthy metabolism of sugars and organic acids in your body.

    * ARGININE has been shown in studies to cause 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 your body’s wounds.

    * ASPARTIC ACID helps rid your body of ammonia created by cellular waste. When the ammonia enters your circulatory system it can act as a highly toxic substance which can damage your 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 your 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 your 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.
    * TRYROSINE 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.

Chlorophyll
Benefits of Chlorophyll
Natural healer

    * Neutralizes toxins
    * Flushes toxins from the body
    * Purifies the liver
    * Removes heavy metals pollutants
    * Helps strengthen the immune system
    * Assists in building red blood cells
    * Rejuvenates at cellular level
    * Reduces the ph level in the body 

Chlorophyll
One of the phytonutrients in Moringa

Chlorophyll, the green pigment of plants, is an alkalinizing compound found in plants that helps offset the acidifying effect of the typical high-fat, high-protein Western diet.   Because chlorophyll is not known to be an essential nutrient, a “deficiency” does not exist. People who do not eat plenty of green foods lack chlorophyll in their diets.

“Chlorophyll is involved in the most important chemical reaction on earth, photosynthesis.  Our lives would not be possible without it.  Chlorophyll is the master chemical at the base of all of our food supply and oxygen production.

Chlorophyll, often referred  to as “the blood of plants”, is closely related to hemoglobin – the red pigment of red blood cells responsible for oxygen transport in many animals.  The main difference between the two molecules is the metallic element in the center.  In human blood hemoglobin consists of iron, while in chlorophyll, the metallic element is magnesium.  Some people believe that this resemblance helps the chlorophyll to be better absorbed and used to “build up” blood and fight anemia. Some scientists and nutritionists do not believe it is absorbed internally (to reach the blood) but rather that it may act locally to support the health of the mouth, stomach and intestinal tract.

In either case, there is much evidence that chlorophyll could cure or ease acute infection of the respiratory tract and sinuses, chronic ulcers, and bad breath; it also accelerates wound healing and has been shown in animal studies to nullify the cancer-inducing effects of a variety of environmental (including food) toxins.  Other studies have shown that chlorophyll supports liver function and detoxification of the body.

Moringa is one of the very few foods that contain chlorophyll together with so many other nutrients (vitamins, minerals, proteins, beneficial fats), and has a great taste.  Dark green vegetables and herbs like Romaine lettuce, spinach, or parsley are excellent sources of chlorophyll, but they do not provide many of the other nutrients of Moringa.”

Excerpt from
Miracle Tree,
by Monica Marcu, Pharmagologist

Want To Buy Moringa Powder, Moringa Seeds and Moringa leaf? Call any of these numbers 08023659308, 08162280597 to Order.

Here are the benefits of continuous intake of  Moringa:

1. Increases the Natural Defenses of the body

2. Provides nourishment to the eyes and the brain.

3. Promotes metabolism with bio-available ingredients

4. Promotes the Cell structure of the body

5. Promotes natural Serum cholesterol.

6. Lowers the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.

7. Promotes the normal functioning of the liver and the kidney.

8. Beautifies the skin

9. Promotes energy

10. Promotes proper digestion

11. Acts as an antioxidant

12. Takes care of the immune system of the body

13. Promotes healthy circulatory system

14. It is an anti-inflammatory

15. Gives a feeling of general wellness

16. Supports the normal sugar levels of the body.

Moringa leaf boosts your energy in a natural manner, and is a remarkable source of nutrition. This energy promotion does not happen because of sugar, so it is lasts for a long time. Individuals ingesting it say that their ulcers are healed, tumors restricted, there are reduction in the arthritis pains and inflammations, controlled blood pressure, the skin problems are restored, and finally they have stronger defenses against diseases.

Another property of the Moringa leaf is its soothing ability, because of which it can lower the blood pressure and promotes good sleep. It can also purify water since it has a detoxifying effect. Also a coagulant agent, Moringa can attach itself to hazardous bacteria and other materials, a process that is surmised to occur in the body too. The happy outcome is more sustained energy without any over-activity, balanced hormone and gland system, controlled blood pressure, and a rested nervous system.



Want To Buy Moringa Powder, Moringa Seeds and Moringa leaf? Call any of these numbers 08023659308, 08162280597 to Order.

The Moringa Tree with its edible leaves, flowers, and pods are one of most power packed, nutritious trees in the world. I wrote an article on that subject here, but it is also one of the most healing trees in the world. All of the tree is either used for food, medicine, or cooking. It has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for hundreds of years to both prevent and treat almost 300 diseases.

The information in this article is not based on double blind research but on the historical and current usage of Moringa leaves, flowers, and pods in India, and many other countries. This is how the people have used it in the past and how they use it now. Much of this information was observed and documented in the different health projects by physicians in their treatment of AIDS, malnutrition, and disease. In India, Ayurvedic physicians use it in their standard treatment protocols.

How can Moringa leaves have an impact on so many problems? Many health problems are due to poor nutrition, malnutrition and imbalanced disease states, which result in immune system breakdown and disease. When you correct those imbalances and nutritional deficiencies with super packed nutritious food, it is bound to improve health and disease states. The ability for Moringa leaves, flowers, bark, and pods to have such diverse healing effects is due to the vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and healing elements the tree contains.

A review of Moringa's power packed nutrition:

Here is a nutritional breakdown of Fresh Moringa Leaves: 7 times the Vitamin C of Oranges; 4 times the Calcium of Milk; 3 times the Potassium of Bananas; 2 times the Protein of Yogurt; 4 times the Vitamin A of Carrots; and ¾ the iron of Spinach.

Moringa leaves when dried become a even greater, powerhouse of nutrition containing: ½ the Vitamin C of Oranges; 17 times the Calcium of Milk; 15 times the Potassium of Bananas; 9 times the Protein of Yogurt; 25 times the Vitamin A of Carrots; and 20 times the Iron in Spinach. All elements except the Vitamin C is increased when you dry the leaves in the shade. Drying the leaves in direct sunlight decreases its nutritional values.

How Moringa and Artemisia Annua Leaves benefit AIDS Patients:

There are health projects going on in Tanzania, Musoma, and other areas. There is a real AIDS crisis in these areas. In these AIDS cases, the doctors have found that the combination of two herbs, Moringa and Artemisia Annua, improved the energy, stamina, and CD4 counts of the AIDS patients. Some of their patients came in so weak, they were not able to walk or care for themselves. They improved so dramatically that many were able to go back to work and many stayed to help the incoming patients. These dramatic improvements were documented over and over again by the doctors in these health projects.

How the herbs were used in the treatment protocols:

The physicians combined dried Moringa Leaves with Artemisia Annua and then added one heaping teaspoonful of the powder to make a tea. A liter of tea using 5 grams of the powder was given 3 times a day to the patient while the symptoms were acute. Later when the patients improved, it was reduced to a cup a day. When you consider the super nutrition in Moringa leaves, it is easy to understand how the Aids patients would improve. The power packed nutrition would bolster their immune function, strength, stamina and ability to live a more normal active life.

Moringa does NOT cure AIDS but helps the AIDS patient live longer and improves their quality of life and health. Often the AIDS patient does not die from AIDS, but from one of the opportunist infections that prey on their compromised immune system. Moringa Leaves and its effects on blood pressure, blood sugar, breast milk production, and anemia:

In India, the leaves are used to normalize blood pressure and to treat anxiety. In 1994, a team of researchers identified a new nitride and mustard oil glycoside that demonstrated its ability to lower blood pressure.

An infusion of the leaf is used to reduce sugar levels though not as effectively as the standard hypoglycemia medicine. Moringa leaves mixed with honey then followed with coconut milk drunk 2 to 3 times a day is used for diarrhea, dysentery and colitis.

Moringa leaves have been observed and documented by doctors in the health projects to increase breast milk production and the health of nursing mothers. This is due to the nutrition in the leaves especially the protein, calcium, and iron content.

Given to failure to thrive infants, it encourages weight gain and improved health due to the super packed nutritional content of the leaves.

Moringa leaves are given to improve anemia in infants, children and adults because of its high iron content. Iron tablets cause stomach distress, constipation, and are difficult to digest. Iron tablets are not easy to obtain in these poor communities. Given their compromised digestive systems due to malnutrition, the iron tablets would most likely not even be utilized by the body.

Researchers have not identified all the various elements in the plant that affect these health problems. It may be that in the overall improvement of the patient's nutritional status that these imbalances are corrected. Improved nutrition supports the patient's own body mechanisms to heal and correct these conditions.

Want To Buy Moringa Powder, Moringa Seeds and Moringa leaf? Call any of these numbers 08023659308, 08162280597 to Order.

References:

http://miracletrees.org/TraditionalMedicine.html

http://www.green-seeds.com/moringa_tree.html

http://www.treesforlife.org/our-work/our-initiatives/moringa/other-uses/uses-in-traditional-medicine/uses-in-traditional-medicine

http://www.echotech.org/network/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=554