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.

Superfood powders: How could they benefit you?

 With so many superfood products on the market today, it can be hard to know exactly what to buy and how it could benefit you. This brief guide will introduce you to some of the superfood powders supplied by Detox Trading, with handy information about their background, benefits and how best to use them.

Lucuma Powder

Lucuma powder (pronounced Loo-Ku-Ma) is sourced from farms across Peru, particularly in Pesco, central Peru. This product is made from a raw and nutrient dense fruit, and is so widely sought after due to its exotic and fragrant flavour, that it’s been named the ‘Gold of the Incas’. Just some of the benefits of Lucuma powder include its ability to improve metabolism, the maintenance of healthy teeth and bones, and it encourages consistent function of cell membranes. 

Lucuma powder has a beautifully rich and creamy texture, making it a great addition to your breakfast smoothie and porridge. It can also be added to deserts and ice-creams and can even be made into a fruit coulis. Within Peru, it is one of the most popular desert flavours.

 Maca Powder

 Maca powder was originally cultivated in Peru, and has been grown and used consistently by the native Incas for over 2000 years. The powder itself comes in three different varieties; Yellow, black and red, each offering some different benefits due to the nutrients in the pigment of the plants skin. This superfood powder holds a variety of nutrients, including key vitamins such as B1, B2, C and E. It is also a great source of vitamin C and calcium, whilst containing fatty acids, alkaloids and steroids that help with the general maintenance and well-being of you and your body. This product is suitable for vegetarians and vegans, is completely GMO free, and free of all allergens, meaning that it’s suitable for wide range of dietary requirements.

 Maca powder has a range of medicinal uses that could improve numerous aspects of your life, from chronic fatigue and a weak immune system, to hormone balance and sexual function. The powder can be combined with juices, smoothies or even in porridge and cereals, you could even try making a maca-chino. 

Moringa Leaf Powder

Moringa Leaf Powder is derived from the Moringa Oleifera tree in India, otherwise dubbed as the ‘Miracle of Moringa’. It is most commonly used for its medicinal purposes, and it's bright green colouring. The flavouring is often likened to spinach or asparagus. This superfood powder is an excellent source of fibre and proteins, containing vitamins A, E, B1, B2, B3, B12 and C, and minerals iron, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc and copper. This is your daily multivitamin in powder form! It also boasts an extremely long list of benefits that include metabolism maintenance, skin improvement, improved cardiovascular health and improved vision and muscle function. For a more comprehensive list, visit this page. 

Purple Corn Flour

Purple Corn Flour is unique variety of gluten-free flour, grown in the inter-Andean valleys of Lima, Ancash and Arequipa in Peru. The unique colouring of this flour has made it popular choice of dye and colourant in foods and drinks, and has been used by Native South Americans for centuries. It’s also a great replacement for wheat, corn and other flours, making it the perfect addition to cakes, breads, tortillas and even pancakes. This product is an antioxidant power house, due to its high levels of anthocyanins, which gives it the unique purple colouring. This powder can be used as an anti-inflammatory, and is also known to help lower blood pressure and maintain kidney health.

 Detox Trading is a family run businesses supplying premium, organic superfood products and powders to help improve the wellbeing of your body. Visit our website for further information about the products we stock.

Superfoods: the power of Ayurvedic powders

The power of Ayurvedic herbs

Superfoods are so named because they're a cut above the average: not only are they delicious and extremely nutritious, but they're packed with an array of compounds that help to ward off disease and keep people healthy. Nowhere is this more true than with Ayurvedic powders made from plants that have been shown to have therapeutic properties.

These powders, some of which we have available here at Detox Trading, are made in accordance with the ancient Indian healing tradition of Ayurveda, dating back thousands of years. It's all about balancing the body, mind and spirit to restore a person to health – and keep them that way.

Take, for instance, Shatavari Root powder, which for centuries has been used by women in India as a tonic. Known as the "Queen of Herbs", mixed with warm nut milk and manuka honey, it is calming, soothing and rejuvenating. Shatavari Root powder also contains a number of essential vitamins and minerals to support bodily functions, such as B complex vitamins, zinc, and calcium. 

Or how about organic Amla berry powder, from a superfruit berry Indians call the "Great Rejuvenator"? With our hectic modern lifestyles that sap our energy and lead to high levels of damaging stress, many of us could surely do with some of this powerful powder. Just add a quarter of a teaspoon to juices or smoothies and you'll enjoy the benefits of high vitamin concentrations that will help to boost digestive health and give you lots more energy.

Then there's what we – or rather the good people of India – call the "Enlightened One", the Bramhi plant. This organically grown plant is ground to make Bramhi powder which for centuries has helped people to achieve a clarity of mind, as well as enhancing memory and leading to an overall feeling of inner peace.

If you want to buy superfood online – including these and more Ayurvedic powders – take a look at the extensive range we have here at Detox Trading. Soon, you could be looking and feeling like a whole new you.