Health Benefits of Moringa

Moringa oleifera is a plant that has been praised for its health benefits for almost 4,000 years. It is widely known as the drumstick tree, horseradish tree, miracle tree and the ben oil or benzoil tree. Although modern science is continuously proving the health benefits of moringa, it has been popular across various cultures for centuries.

Moringa is a fast-growing, drought-resistant tree, which was originally grown at the southern foothills of the Himalayas in northwestern India. It grows up to 2 metres tall and produces long, slender, brown capsules with rounded seeds. Today, it is widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical areas where its young seed pods and leaves are used as vegetables and many parts of the tree are used as herbal medicine.

Moringa oleifera offers a multitude of health benefits, however only a few of its many reputed health benefits have been studied scientifically and these are just a few:

Moringa is packed with nutrients

Moringa is a fairly large and very nutritious tree, hence its name "elixir tree." Moringa leaves specifically are an excellent source of many vitamins and minerals. They are rich in protein, vitamin B6, vitamin C, iron, riboflavin, vitamin A and magnesium. The fresh leaves are usually eaten as a vegetable and the dried leaves are mostly sold as dietary supplements, either in powder or capsule form.

It is rich in antioxidants

High levels of free radicals may cause oxidative stress and serious health problems such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Antioxidants are compounds that act against them. Moringa leaves are rich in vitamin C, beta-carotene, quercetin, and chlorogenic acid which are all potent antioxidants. These antioxidants also help improve vision and provide protection against retinal damage.

May reduce inflammation

Inflammation is an essential protective mechanism of the body as it is a natural response to infection and injury. However, it may become a major health issue if it continues over a long period of time. If overlooked and not treated, it may lead to chronic health problems including heart disease and cancer.

Scientists believe that the main anti-inflammatory compounds found in moringa leaves, pods and seeds are isothiocyanates. Vitamin C, beta-carotene, polyphenols, quercetin, and chlorogenic acid are some more components that can be found in moringa leaves. These components combat oxidative stress and slow the progression of age-related disorders as well as reduce inflammation.

May prevent diabetes

A high blood sugar level is the main characteristic of diabetes which is considered a serious and escalating health problem in the UK. Diabetes carries complications that affect the heart, kidneys, eyes, liver and other organs of the body. It is important to keep your blood sugar within healthy limits. Moringa contains chlorogenic acid and isothiocyanates that allow cells to utilise glucose as required, helping to regulate blood glucose levels and fight type 2 diabetes with its hormonal balancing and glycemic controlling properties.

Maintain healthy cholesterol levels

High cholesterol levels increase the risk of heart disease but fortunately, many plant foods can effectively reduce cholesterol such as flaxseeds, oats, almonds and of course, moringa. Moringa maintains healthy cholesterol levels as well as blood pressure levels in the body and its bioactive components, including isothiocyanate and niaziminin, also prevent the thickening of arteries and reduce the development of pulmonary hypertension. In addition, moringa's hypocholesterolemic effects help in reducing a high-fat rise in the liver and kidney. 

Detox Trading is a family run business that was founded in 2007. We offer organic moringa leaf powder and a wide range of quality, versatile and affordable organic superfoods, green and herbal teas, detox products, supplements and much more.

The benefits of coconut oil for your nails

The health benefits of using coconut oil in your cooking have been widely publicised in recent years, and rightly so. Unlike many complex fats that we consume, that can take up to 26 steps to process, the MCFAs found in coconut oil are easier digested and turned into fuel with a simpler three step process instead. Other benefits include reducing inflammation due to its antioxidant properties, boosting the immune system due to its lauric acid and a healthier balance of insulin levels (and therefore reduction of the risk of Type II Diabetes) due to the MCFAs. The benefits, however, are not only confined to the body’s internal processes, as it will also improve the strength and appearance of your nails too.

The top four benefits of using coconut oil for nails 

1. It acts as a moisturiser 

Applying coconut oil directly to your cuticles will smooth out any torn cuticles or ragged hangnails (a much cheaper alternative to expensive cuticle creams) and its moisturising properties will prevent nails from drying out and becoming brittle. 

2. It has anti-fungal qualities 

The lauric acid within coconut oil acts as an anti-fungal treatment. Lauric acid reduces candida, fights bacteria and makes the overgrowth of bad bacteria very difficult. Massage coconut oil, along with oregano oil, into the nails until the infection subsides. 

3. It assists nail growth 

By strengthening your cuticles, preventing hangnails and keeping your nails naturally moisturised you will notice an increase in nail growth when using coconut oil. 

4. It reduces ridges and white spots 

Ridges and white spots can be a result of a moisture deficiency or fungal infection. Because of its microbial properties, coconut oil can help eliminate unsightly ridges and white spots. 

Coconut oil is widely available both online or in-store and you can buy premium quality organic, raw, extra-virgin, cold-pressed coconut oil from Detox Trading now on offer 2 for £12! 

3 ways to harness the benefits of turmeric

Turmeric has had a lot of media attention over the past couple of years. Although the spice has long been used in eastern medicine, in the west it has in the past largely been relegated to the kitchen cupboard – occasionally brought out to brighten up a curry or a stew.

More and more of us are now aware of turmeric's myriad of health benefits. It's main active ingredient, curcumin, is a strong anti-oxidant with anti-inflammatory properties, that fights inflammation at a molecular level. Turmeric can be used to treat everything from acne to inflammatory diseases, and is even believed to help protect against chronic illnesses such as cancer and heart disease. 

It's a good idea then, to include more turmeric in a healthy lifestyle, and you don't have to stick to curry to gain the benefits of this super spice.

1. Start the day with a latte or smoothie

A growing trend among health conscious hipsters, why not start the day with a turmeric latte, tea or smoothie. Make a paste from turmeric powder and boiling water (or grate the fresh root if you can find it), and add it to nut milk or water with a healthy sweetener, a dusting of cinnamon and some black pepper for a delicious morning wake up.

You can also add the powder to your fruit smoothie, to give it an extra health boost.

2. Try a face mask

You don't have to eat turmeric to feel the benefits. Used by Indian brides for centuries as a beauty treatment, a turmeric facial can help treat conditions like acne, dry skin and eczema. Just add turmeric and honey to some milk or yogurt, and use as a face mask for glowing skin.


3. Get creative

While turmeric is of course a fantastic addition to an Indian curry, there are plenty of other dishes you can make with this versatile spice.
Try sprinkling it over roast vegetables or scrambled eggs, or add it to rice next time you're cooking. With so many health benefits to be felt, it's worth including turmeric in your food wherever you can.

Three top superfoods for feeling great in 2017

There are so many wonderful benefits that can be felt once you start introducing superfood powders to your diet, and there's no need to wait and wonder about the ones you've never tried as it's easier than ever to buy superfood online, particularly with sites like Detox Trading. The following three have been selected as they have the power to propel you through a cold January and leave you feeling energised and nourished.

1. Camu Camu powder

Camu Camu powder is a powdered form of the Camu berry, a Brazilian superfruit. This wonderful tasting powder packs sixty times more vitamin C per serving than an orange. It contains up to 1180% of your recommended daily allowance of this important vitamin per single teaspoon. There's no better time to top up on vitamin C than in winter, and especially after the Christmas and New Year festivities in which your health may have taken a back seat. Moreover, the taste of this pink powder is deliciously sweet and sour like sherbert, making it easy to keep your levels topped up. For more info on camu camu powder, check out this video.

2. Bee pollen

Another fabulous tasting natural product, bee pollen has, historically, been used for many ailments - from improving intestinal health to restoring blood cells - but it also provides considerable protein, B vitamins, vitamin E, fatty acids and amino acids amongst other nutrients. In fact, bee pollen has been called a 'complete food' due to the mighty nutritional punch it packs, which is great for giving you a boost and seeing you safely through winter.

3. Turmeric powder

Finally, a warming and flavoursome spice with medicinal benefits that have been recognised in Asian cultures for centuries.

Turmeric contains curcumin, a powerful compound which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Curcumin is best absorbed by the body alongside fat, so to get the full benefits of turmeric you can add it to an oily snack or whip up a turmeric 'latte', using nut 'milk' and adding cinnamon for a gorgeous sweetness. It could also pay to add a sprinkle of black pepper, not only for the warming effect but also because it contains the compound piperine which aids the absorption of curcumin.

With these three superfoods, you'll beat those January blues in no time!