Antioxidant Content of Moringa Oleifera and Its Common Names

If you read our earlier article on Malunggay you may have noticed that I use several different names to refer to the same plant. To be honest that is for two reasons. One, M. Oleifera is now found over much of the world and has many common names, which I use interchangeably to help people recognize the plant and two, it makes the search engines happy to see the different names used.

Not being mercenary, but I have to play the game a little or no one will ever see what I write, sorry.

So, in the interest of making Google smile and trying to avoid any future confusion over the name here is as complete a list, of the common names of Moringa Oleifera, as I have been able to compile. I’m afraid these are just the English versions of the various names used as any attempt to cover all of its names in all languages would require a book. If you have any to add, please leave a comment at the bottom to help us all expand our knowledge.

Common Names for Moringa Oleifera

• ·         Ben Oil Tree
• ·         Benzoyl Tree
• ·         Coatli
• ·         Drumstick Tree
• ·         Horseradish Tree
• ·         Indian Mulberry
• ·         Malunggay
• ·         Maranga
• ·         Miracle Tree
• ·         Moringa
• ·         Moringo
• And probably a hundred more.

Antioxidant Content of Moringa Oleifera

Brunswick Laboratories, recently performed an independent study, (in-vitro) to test the Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (or ORAC value score) of Moringa.

For those unfamiliar with the terms, the ORAC value is the clinically accepted measurement of antioxidants in foods and supplements and Antioxidants are compounds which actively destroy free-radicals in your system.

This helps prevent cellular damage that is believed, by Medical Experts, to be the main contributor to:

·         Aging  

·         Cancer

·         Cardio Pulmonary Diseases

·         Cataracts

·         Rheumatoid Arthritis

·         Strokes

·         Vision degradation

·         Alzheimer’s

·         Depression

·         Hypertension

·         And a variety of other diseases

With an astounding score of 157,000 umole TE/100g (hydrophilic and lipophilic), Moringa made all the other supposedly antioxidant Superfoods look like toddlers playing in the NBA.

Here are is a look at how its closest competitors matched up.

·         Matcha Tea- 134,000,

·         Turmeric- 127,000

·         Acai- 102,700

·         Green Tea- 1, 240

Not much of a contest when you look at the numbers.

Question, comments, if you are interested in growing your own Moringa trees or would like sources for teas, just send me a message through the contact form at the top of the page or leave a comment below.