There’s a new superfood in town and sprinkling it into your daily smoothie could boost your weight loss efforts, research says. It’s called moringa powder and it’s packed with protein and fiber. In other words, it’s loaded with everything you need to start your day. Plus it may even help you lose weight.
What is moringa?
Extracted from the tropical moringa tree, better known as the moringa oleifera, is native to the Himalayas and often grown in areas like southeast Asia, South America, Africa, and the Caribbean, according to research from Food Science and Human Wellness.
What’s the big deal?
Moringa powder is incredibly nutritious – packs a punch of essential antioxidants AND wards off disease.
According to the USDA, one cup of fresh, chopped moringa leaves contains two grams of protein, vitamin B6, vitamin C, iron, vitamin B2, vitamin A, and magnesium. That’s twice the protein powder contained in kale. Meanwhile, research shows that due to high levels of vitamin B – a natural metabolism booster – moringa can be extremely beneficial for those looking to shed a few pounds.
Further analysis, published in Phytotherapy Research, reports that because of its combo deal of polyphenols, phenolic acids, and flavonoids, the dark green, leafy superfood may aid in the protection of tissue, including the liver, kidneys, heart and lungs, reduce pain, soothe ulcers, reduce the risk of hypertension, reduce cholesterol, protect against arsenic toxicity and boost immune function.
All in all, moringa leaf isn’t just your everyday superfood. For just one cup you get:
Protein: 2 grams
Vitamin B6: 19% of the RDA
Vitamin C: 12% of the RDA
Iron: 11% of the RDA
Riboflavin (B2): 11% of the RDA
Vitamin A (from beta-carotene): 9% of the RDA
Magnesium: 8% of the RDA
How to Use It
Sold in both an oil and powder, sprinkle a few drops into your favorite green smoothie. Here are three deliciously nutritious concoctions.
The Green Smoothie
Ingredients
1/2 head each of kale and spinach
1 mango
1 apple
1 cup fresh strawberries
1 cup Greek or plain yogurt
Honey to taste
Method
Combine all your ingredients in a blender with several ice cubes to thicken. Makes two to three servings.
Energy Boosting Green Smoothie
Ingredients
2 oranges, peeled
1/2 lime, peeled
1 ripe banana
1 inch of ginger root, peeled
1/2 cup parsley
1 cup of your favorite leafy green
1/2 of a ripe bell pepper
Water for blending
Method
Combine all ingredients in a blender and mix until smooth. Enjoy! Makes two servings.
Go-To Green Smoothie
Ingredients
2 cups spinach
1 cup orange juice
½ orange with peel
3 baby carrots
1 banana
½ cup frozen pineapple
½ small apple
½ cup ice
Method
Combine juice, spinach and remaining ingredients in a blender, ending with the ice. Blend until smooth and drink up. Makes two servings.
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