| MORINGA OLEIFERA.
This tree has its origin from South India. It is cultivated in Africa, in Asia (Sri Lanka, India, Malaysia and the Philippines) and in Central and South America.
Commonly called Moringa, the tree is considered as one of the world’s most useful trees, as almost every part of it can be used for food, for economic and medicine industries. In general, it is a good source for calcium and phosphorus.
Leaves are very nutritious as they contain beta-carotene, Vitamin C, protein, iron and potassium. Powder from leaves may be added to other food for example with soup and sauces. They are also used as foliage for livestock. The green pods are the most valued; they are commonly prepared and consumed as green beans. Flowers are edible.
Seeds are eaten like peas, may be roasted like nuts and yield nearly 40 % edible oil that is used in cooking, in cosmetics and in lubrication while the seeds cake remaining may be used as a fertilizer or as a flocculent agent to purify water. Seeds also are traditionally used in many countries as a sexual virility drug to treat erectile dysfunction in men and in women for increasing and prolonging the sexual activity.
Given the above, and because of its high vitamin and mineral content, Moringa has become a locally produced nutritional supplement for individuals infected with the HIV/AIDS virus and to successfully combat the virus. |
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