Move over spirulina .... we have a new favorite superfood for our smoothies.

It’s called moringa. It comes in powder form, teas, smoothie mixes and as an oil. The powder is loaded with antioxidants, it also packs a punch of protein and fiber. Basically, it contains everything you need to start your day or recover from your workouts—and it may even help you lose weight.

Moringa powder is actually ground leaves from the tropical moringa tree, namely the moringa oleifera species.

According to research from Food Science and Human Wellness; because it grows fast and survives with very little water, the drumstick tree, as it’s also commonly known, has moved beyond its native Himalayas and is often grown in tropical and subtropical areas, like southeast Asia, South America, Africa, and the Caribbean, where natives have been grounding the leaves into a medicinal and nutritional powder for centuries.

MORINGA’s  BENEFITS 
Moringa powder has two huge perks: It’s ridiculously nutritious and packed with antioxidants, so it offers a ton of disease protection.

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. Compared to kale;  moringa powder can have twice the amount of protein, four times more calcium, six times more iron, 1.5 times more fiber, 97 times more B2, and five times more B3.

It can be especially helpful for women who tend to need more iron and calcium. Further research shows moringa has such high levels of minerals that the powder could help reduce micronutrient deficiencies in malnourished populations.

Another study in Phytotherapy Research reports that it is high in antioxidants such as polyphenols, phenolic acids, and flavonoids, moringa leaf extract can help protect tissue, including the liver, kidneys, heart and lungs, act as a pain reliever, protect against ulcers, protect against hypertension, and boost immune function.

Consuming moringa may actually help you lose weight by boosting your metabolism due to it’s high levels of B vitamins.  B vitamins act as co-enzymes, so they help foster a more efficient metabolism. A more efficient metabolism burns more calories, which can in turn help with weight loss.
 
HOW TO USE IT
Moringa comes packaged in a few different ways. It is in powder form, as teas, smoothie mixes or as an oil which can be used on the body.  Moringa oil is extremely stable so it doesn't lose its antioxidant capacity after sitting on the shelf like other good-for-you oils.   

The other most accessible form is a moringa leaf powder. Research shows extracts from this part of the plant exhibit the greatest antioxidant activity. The best way to add moringa powder into your diet is by adding it into your smoothies or drinking it as a tea.

Golden Rule No. 1:  Eat A Vibrant Fruit Meal A Day
 
Fruits are cleansing, help strengthen our immune system and are high in antioxidants. Fruit should be eaten on an empty stomach and preferably in the morning.
 
The three main ways which you may eat fruit are by having a fruit smoothie, a fruit salad or whole fruit pieces such as an apple or a banana.  It is best to add some protein or fat to the fruit meal such as a tablespoon of yoghurt, raw nuts and seeds or coconut oil.   
 
Golden Rule No. 2: Add In A Fresh Raw RAINBOW Salad Meal A Day.
 
Salad should make up 4/5 of your plate. The remaining 1/5 is made up of toppings. Use as many different coloured vegetables as you can. 
 
Below are some topping ideas you may choose from:
 
Sardines
Beans, chick peas, lentils
Shrimps
Feta cheese  
Raw nuts and seeds (e.g. walnuts, sunflower seeds, pine nuts)
Avocado
Boiled Eggs
Steamed vegetables (artichokes, green beans, boiled potato)
Sprouts
 
These are just some suggestions, feel free to use your imagination and create your own healthy delicious salad !
 
Golden Rule No. 3.  Use Herbs And Spices Daily
 
The World Health Organization estimates that 80 per cent of the earth’s population today depends on plants to treat common ailments. 
 
An easy way of incorporating herbs in your daily routine is by drinking them as teas and using their essential oils.
 
A simple way of preparing teas is to place the herb or herbs in a large 1 ½ liter thermos, pour boiling water over them, close the thermos and let them steep for a minimum of twenty minutes. Drink the tea throughout the day. 
  
Some Common herbs to consider using are:  cinnamon, anise, peppermint, fennel, chamomile, sage, dandelion, ginger, rosemary and nettle.
 
 
Golden Rule No. 4.  Take Wholefood Supplements Everyday
 
 Supplements which are whole, organic, plant based, derived from natural sources and are minimally processed are always the preferred choice. Given our polluted and stress filled world it can be difficult, if not impossible to get our full quota of nutrients in our diet. Favourites are chlorella, spirulina, maca, bee pollen, royal jelly, ginseng, Aloe Vera, 
 
Golden Rule No. 5. Exercise
 
Regular exercise can firm muscles, shed pounds, and add a healthy glow to your complexion.
 
Add in 30 minutes of aerobic exercise at least three times a week.
 
Golden Rule No. 6.  Limit Exposure To Toxins
 
There are so many new substances, some highly toxic in nature, which are proving difficult for both the Earth and our bodies to handle.

1. Avoid Plastic.
2. A shopping guideline to follow is: “If you can’t pronounce it, don’t buy it.”
3. Use personal care products you can eat !

 
 
Golden Rule No. 7.  Fun And Laughter !  
 
Play : Quite simply ….. take time out and have Some Fun !
 
Health and wellbeing includes this balancing of challenge and nurturance.