What are the Benefits of Moringa Powder? Here’s What You Need to Know

There are 13 species of moringa tree but the most common one ismoringa oleifera,a plant native to the Himalayas (but tenacious enough to also grow in the tropics) that’s also known as drumstick tree, horseradish tree, ben oil tree and miracle tree. Moringa leaves are typically dried and ground into a bright green powder, but the flowers, seeds and fruit are also edible. And like so many buzzy ingredients, this “new” superfood has actually been used for medicinal purposes for hundreds of years.

“Moringa’s potential health benefits includeantioxidant,anti-diabetic,anti-microbial,anti-inflammatoryandanti-cholesterolproperties,” saysJane Dummer, RD. Andone studyfrom Saudi Arabia found that both the leaf and bark of the moringa plant have anti-cancer properties that could be beneficial when developing new cancer drugs. (We weren’t kidding when we said moringa was a superfood.) But Dummer notes that many studies are based on animals trials or small sample sizes, so more research is needed to determine moringa’s effectiveness.

Moringa powder is also highly nutritious, high in both protein and iron, explains Dummer. And according to a paper published inEcology of Food and Nutritionjournal, moringa leaves contain four times the vitamin A of carrots, seven times the vitamin D of oranges, four times the calcium of cow’s milk and three times the potassium of bananas.

With a slightly nutty, earthy taste (similar to matcha), try adding a teaspoon of moringa powder tosmoothiesand juices, or sprinkling on top of granola and oatmeal. It also makes a virtuous addition to baked goods, like thesepumpkin seed moringa cupcakesormoringa lime chocolate tarts. In the mood for something savory? Add the plant’s pods (which taste like slightly sweeter green beans) tosoupsandstewsfor a nutritional boost.

The beauty industry has discovered the moisturizing, nourishing and antioxidant powers of moringa seed oil, including it in makeup, cleansers, face creams and hair products. (It’s even been touted for its anti-ageing benefits.) Here are 12moringa oil beauty buys that we love.

You canbuymoringa powder onlineor in the bulk section of health-food stores and grocery stores like Whole Foods.