moringa is the new matcha – try it in this mint lemonade recipe

I first heard about it probably a year and a half ago or so when watching a documentary that claimed moringa was a ‘miracle’ food that has incredible high, bioavailable nutrient, minerals, and amino acids. On top of that, it is an excellent supplement to our diets, as the nutrient content in our food supply becomes increasingly diminished.

After doing some digging, I found that the claims were backed up. While moringa was new to me, this plant has been used as a primary source of nutrition in countries with inadequate food supplies for centuries. What’s more, studies have shown its efficacy at relieving anxiety, promoting sleep, increasing energy (without caffeine or stimulants), strengthening digestion, and stabilizing blood pressure.

If you’re not yet familiar with moringa, I think you’re going to start noticing it more and more in beverages, on menus, and on the shelf next to your other go-to supplements. I’ve been started to see it at Whole Foods, and in a matcha moringa latte at a local coffee shop. Not only is moringa super nutrient dense, when compared to other pricey supplements, it’s a pretty good value. But be careful not to opt for the cheapest, and choose from a well reputed brand. I trust the quality and sourcing of Sun Potion and went ahead and ordered a jar to experiment with this celebrated leaf.

Moringa is most commonly consumed as a tea – and that was how I began drinking it. I mixed ½ teaspoon of the powdered leaf into 8 ounces of hot water. I’ve found the powder dissolves best if you let it absorb the water for a few minutes before stirring. The taste is really reminiscent of green tea, but slightly more herbal and brighter tasting. I’ve shared moringa with participants at several of my cooking classes, and the consensus seems to be that those who like green tea really enjoyed the moringa, and those that don’t found it a little harder to adjust to.

This recipe for Moringa Mint Lemonade is one way to integrate this nutrient-dense super food into your daily diet that you may find more palatable. That being said, if you do decide to add moringa into your daily wellness routine, I encourage you to do so regularly in whatever way is easiest and most enjoyable. Some cooking class participants said they have take to mixing a bit into a large water bottle in the morning and sipping it throughout the day.

resources:

• Therapeutic Potential Review – A Food Plant with Multiple Medicinal Uses
• Conscious Lifestyle Magazine – Health Benefits of Moringa