Brede mouroum - Moringa - Horseradish tree

Brede mourom is part of the Mauritian tradition but not many people know its nutritive and medicinal values. 
It is often prepared “en bouillon” with hot water, some onion, garlic along with rice based dishes.

WHAT IS MORINGA ?
Moringa oleifera is a tree originating from India but grows also in Africa, Asia, South America.
This tropical tree is part of the Moringaceae family , it grows very fast, is resistant to drought and is extremely rich in nutrients. The adult tree can be 10 to 12 meters high with 4 to 5 meters the first year.
It is called “the miracle tree” or “life tree”.
Most of the tree can be used, flowers, leaves, seeds.

WHY IS IT GOOD?
The tree contains

• 30% proteins (including all of the essential amino acids)
• many vitamins, plenty of vitamin A, rich in vitamin C, some B vitamins B1, B2, B3
• 6 minerals ( chrome, manganese, rich in calcium and potassium , some iron, zinc, copper) 
• 15%  fibers, 
• oligo-elements
• antioxydants (large quantity of polyphenols)

SUPER POWERS

• a powerful natural anti-inflammatory
• antimicrobial
• antibacterial
• antifongus
• anti-toxins

WHAT BENEFITS?

• Moringa can be used against malnutrition because of its high nutrient content.
• anti-diabetic effect
• reduce inflammation (Moringa oil also called Ben oil has a protective effect on the liver against chronic inflammation) 
• the antioxidants fights free radicals responsible for oxidative stress (in larger quantities in the leaves)
• protects the cardio vascular system (prevents plaque build up in the arteries and lowers cholesterol levels) 
• maintain brain health (tests are being conducted for the treatment of Alzheimer disease). helps keep serotonin, dopamine, and noradrenaline levels for their role in the memory.
• improves wound healing.
• stimulates the metabolism and helps blood circulation.

WHICH PARTS TO USE?
All parts of the plant are used for their particular potential: leaves, fruits, seeds, roots, bark, flowers.

• Seeds:  

- in powder form can purify water.
- The oil extracted is used for cooking as it contains unsaturated fatty acids (mainly oleic acid) and it doesn’t oxidize easily. The oil is also used in the perfume industry for its capacity to absorb and retain smells.

• Leaves:  can be consumed dry as a herbal tea or in a powder form can be added to any dish. You can dry the branches under the sun then remove and use the leaves for herbal tea or the dried leaves can be crushed into powder to be added to a dish - the recommended dose is 1/2 to 1 tsp per day.
• Flowers and pods are used in the alimentation. The immature green pods (drumsticks) are prepared similarly to green beans, while the seeds are removed from more mature pods and cooked like peas or roasted like nuts.

WHO CAN CONSUME IT?
- the persons suffering from malnutrition or persons with transit problems, older people, vegetarians (that are often not consuming enough proteins)
- children and teenagers (not eating enough vegetables) 
- athletes that want to store enough vitamins before an event.
- all persons eating a healthy diet.

WARNING:
Moringa can have a laxative effect if over consumed in large quantities.
Roots should not be consumed as they contain a dangerous substance.
Not to be consumed when pregnant.

Special thanks to Véronique for her mention of Moringa to me.

Ressources:
http://www.lemauricien.com/article/pharmacie-votre-jardin-du-mouroum-comme-potion-magique
http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-22401/10-powerful-benefits-of-drinking-moringa-every-day.html​
http://www.moringa-sante.fr/category/moringa-en-phytotherapie/