Moringa (Moringa oleifera), originating from the foothills of the Himalayas and used in Ayurveda for thousands of years, is a small deciduous tree that grows in semiarid, tropical and subtropical climates. Almost every part of the tree is used and it is specifically cultivated for its leaves and young seed pods, which can be used as vegetables. Moringa’s lush leaves grow up to 3ft long and are comprised of alternate small leaves on a central stalk.

The leaves are the most nutritious part of the Moringa plant, being a rich source of iron, calcium, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus and manganese, a very good source of protein, and a good source of vitamins B2, B6 and C. Abundant plant compounds in moringa leaves are beta-carotene (provitamin A), quercetin, chlorogenic acid and isothiocyanates.*