The world population is growing. At the turn of the current
century our planet played host to an estimated 6.1 billion inhabitants; by 2050 that
figure is set to rise to 8.9 billion. 1 The big question is, how will we feed everyone?
Many proposals have been put forward, from the harvesting of
insects to offshore fish farms to genetically modified crops, each with its own
merits. For example, for every kilogram of beef reared for human consumption,
up to 10 kilograms of grain feed is required whereas to produce the same amount
of edible insects requires only 1.7 kg of feed.2 So, in basic economic terms,
a diet of insect protein is by far the more sustainable option. Yet the task of
convincing people to give up their T-bonefor a plateful of crickets will be
difficult to say the least. So how then to provide the world with a product
that is both inexpensive and easy to produce, highly nutritious and, most
importantly, accessible?
Well, it seems at least part of that solution may lie with a crop
that has remained relatively unheard of until now: moringa oleifera.
Moringa oleifera, also known as the ‘drumstick tree’ due to its elongated seed bearing pods, is being hailed
by some as an answer to global malnutrition. This hardy evergreen, which is
native to the Himalayan foothills of northwest India, has for centuries been
prized by locals for its nutritional and medicinal properties. It is packed with
essential vitamins and minerals, is high in protein and calcium, and is almost
entirely edible. Its seeds are renowned for their water purifying properties,
have a high calorific value, and are high in protein, vitamin A, and
3 Oil made from the seeds is
noted for its high burn temperature and low smoking properties, which can be
used for heating, lighting, and cooking. The moringa can be grown in relatively
poor soil conditions with very little maintenance or water requirements, whilst
still achieving up to 10ft of growth per year.4 It is sustainable, highly nutritious,
and entirely natural.
Most potent of all are its leaves. Weight for weightthe moringa
leaf boasts some impressive statistics:
7 times the vitamin C of
an orange;
4 times the vitamin A of
a carrot;
3 times the potassium of
a banana;
and up to 16
times more calcium and 9 times more
protein than cow’s milk.5
1 Source: UN Department of
Economic and Social Affairs report, World Population to 2300, (UN: NY, 2004).
2 Source: FAO document, Edible insects: future
prospects for food and feed security, van Huis, A., Van Itterbeeck, J., Klunder, H., Mertens, E.,
Halloran, A., Muir, G., Vantomme, P., (FAO, 2013), p.60.
3 Source: FAO document
repository report, at
http://www.fao.org/docrep/009/a0467e/a0467e04.htm#P1093_215328
4 Source: FAO.
5 Ankh Rah moringa leaf powder
contains 31.7g protein per 100g weight compared to 3.4g protein per 100g
of 1% fat milk; Ankh Rah moringa leaf powder contains 2g per 100g of
calcium compared to 0.125g per 100g
of calcium in 1% fat milk. Sources: USDA and independent chemical
component analysis.
That
means that a single teaspoon of powdered moringa leaf contains up to 4 times
the protein and twice the calcium of a glass of milk.6
In
addition to this, moringa leaves contain vitamins
B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B9, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorous, potassium, and
zinc.7 Indeed,
the moringa is so rich in nutrients that the Haitian government has now turned to it as a sustainable
source of essential dietary nourishment, promoting its cultivation across the entire country.8 It
is no wonder then that the moringa has earned itself the widespread label of ‘the
miracle tree’.
According
to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, research
undertaken in both
West Africa and India found that a regular intake of moringa can boost the
human immune
system.9 This is largely thanks to
the particularly high levels of essential vitamins,
minerals, and amino acids contained within its
leaves and seeds.
Though
now widely cultivated throughout Africa, Asia, and Latin America where it is grown for both home use and export
Moringa has only recently become available in the UK. As the UK’s most trusted supplier, Ankh Rah Ltd were recently named Natural Lifestyle
Best New Product Award Winner, 2013 for
their 100% natural Moringa Oleifera Leaf Powder, with the magazine proclaiming it to be ‘the only supplement you could ever need’.10
In
order to offer the best possible product to the UK market, Ankh Rah first tested countless samples from sources the world over before settling on its chosen,
trusted supplier. In this way, it is able to offer the highest quality moringa oleifera currently
available in the UK. This commitment to quality has earned Ankh
Rah a finalist position in the 2014 London Business Awards (Best
Small Business category).
Such
is the reputation of moringa’s nutrient rich properties that athletes worldwide have now begun to
use moringa oleifera as part of their daily training diet. Because of this, and
to guarantee its purity, all Ankh Rah moringa products have undergone independent testing to WADA standards and are certified 100% dope
free, natural nutritional supplements.11 Our 100% pure moringa products are available to buy direct online, or through your local independent health foods retailer just ask
for Ankh Rah.
To try moringa for yourself, or to find more information on this
astonishing plant, visit
Tel: 020 8314 0551
Linkedin: Ankh Rah
Twitter.com/AnkhRah
6 Compared to 250 ml of 1% fat milk;comparison by volume. Milk approx. 305 mg
calcium and 8g protein.
7 Source: USDA National Nutrient Database, Entry: 11222.
8 Source: ‘Poverty
Matters Blog’,
Felix von Geyer, first published on The Guardian website, 26 Dec 2013.
9 Source: FAO.
10 Natural Lifestyle magazine awards, 2013.Published: Feb 2014 issue,
p.29.©
Target Publishing Ltd,
2014.
11 Product tested by HFL Sport Science Ltd Nutritional
Supplement Screens for a range of substances banned by the World Anti Doping Agency.
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