Ace-De-stress

Start the year stress-free with this multi-beneficial treat

Our latest obsession has been tipped as the turmeric of 2018 and boasts the ability to not only be highly nutritious and an exciting new superfood, but is also an antioxidant with tissue-protective properties too. It’s no surprise then that sales in the UK have more than doubled in recent months.

The leaf of the moringa tree, or ‘miracle tree’, has been consumed for centuries in Africa and Asia due to its many healing properties, and this year it is set to explode onto the healthy eating scene in Europe and we cannot wait. The nutrient-rich leaves are typically eaten in powder form and contain a natural adaptogen which helps the body to combat stress. Shabir Daya, co-founder of Victoria’s Health and member of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society, explains: “Adaptogens are a special class of herbs that act rather like a thermostat – they give energy and focus and at the same time work to calm the body. They basically help to bring the body back into balance and of the thousands of herbs, only a few are classified as true adaptogens, with moringa being one of them!”

We knew it was good for us! She continues: “Moringa’s benefits include nourishing our immune system, enhancing circulation, increasing energy, promoting healthy digestion and much more. Moringa is considered an adaptogen because it aids an increased resistance to stress, whether this stressor is physical, chemical or biological. It also supports your body and brings it back into balance no matter where the stress is coming from and does not interfere with its normal functions.”

Moringa has also been proven to reduce liver damage and fibrosis as well as having blood-clotting properties, which means it helps reduce the time it takes for scratches, cuts or wounds to stop bleeding.

So, how do you use it? The truth is there is a multitude of answers. You can add the powder, which has a mild flavour and quite an earthy taste, to a smoothie or drink it as a tea, or even add a small amount to soup or porridge once cooked. Just remember that in large quantities moringa has been shown to have laxative qualities, so when introducing it to your diet it’s best to start with half a teaspoon per day.

You can purchase a 275g bag of moringa powder for £13.99 from hollandandbarrett.com