Moringa Oleifera leaves: a nutritional powerhouse
Moringa leaves provide 33 out of the 39 essential nutrients
—What are essential nutrients?
An essential nutrient is a nutrient required for normal physiological function that must be obtained from a dietary source. It can't be synthesized in the body (either at all or in insufficient quantities).
They are called essential because they are necessary for our metabolism to remain in dynamic equilibrium and maintain homeostasis. Essential nutrients are indispensable for various cellular metabolic processes and for maintaining both tissue and organ functions.
Moringa is a nutritional powerhouse, it can easily give your meals a serious health boost. It is a very versatile ingredient, they are so many ways to include it on the daily in your favorite recipes.
—Which essential nutrients can you get from moringa leaves ?
Moringa Oleifera leaves include 33 out of the 39* essential nutrients:
All nine essential amino acids: Phenylalanine, valine, threonine, tryptophan, methionine, leucine, isoleucine, lysine, and histidine.
Both essential fatty acids: Alpha-linolenic acid (omega-3 fatty acid), and linoleic acid (omega-6 fatty acid).
Twelve of the thirteen essential vitamins: A, C, E, K, thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), pantothenic acid (B5), vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), biotin (B7), folate (B9), & cobalamin (B12).
Ten of the fifteen essential minerals: Potassium, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, zinc, manganese, copper, iodine, and selenium.
*the six essential nutrients that can't be found in moringa leaves are: chloride, sodium, chromium, molybdenum, cobalt and vitamin D.
— More about nutrients: macronutrients & micronutrients
Nutrients — Nutrient means nutritious substance providing nourishment —necessary for all living organisms to thrive. They enable our bodies to function: they are our primary energy source but also our building blocks. Water is the ultimate solvent and carrier for nutrients.
Macronutrients —carbohydrates, fats, and proteins—make up a majority of our diets, they are used primarily to generate energy or to incorporate into tissues for growth and repair.
Micronutrients —vitamins & minerals— are required in small amounts (milligrams or even micrograms). They have subtle biochemical and physiological roles in our cellular processes (vascular functions, nerve conduction… ).
