Blog.MoringaOleifera.Org

Our bodies contain, in various amounts, about 5% minerals. Over 20 minerals are known to be needed  for normal physiology – some in relatively large amounts (known as macroelements), such as calcium, potassium, and phosporus, and others in small amounts (known as macroelements or trace minerals), like iron, copper and zinc. Some believe that we have in our bodies all the minerals of our planet, and they all play a role, although not entirely understood by scientists at this time.

For simplification, minerals have two general functions: building tissues and regulating their function. Almost every process in our bodies is regulated at one level or another by minerals. Consequently, together with proteins, carbohydrates, fats and vitamins, we must ingest a proper amount of minerals for health maintenance.

The human body does not produce minerals; they all must be provided by food!

Macroelements in Moringa

Moringa leaves, pods, flowers, and seeds contain varying amounts of important macroelements such as calcium, magnesium, potassium,phosporus and sodium.

Calcium

Moringa leaves contain high amounts of calcium, about 500 mg per 100g of  leaves, while the leaf powdercan have about five times more calcium per 100g. The daily recommended dose for an adult is about 1,000 mg, with more needed for pregnant or lactating women. Remember, calcium is consumed calcium should equal the amount of calcium excreted.

Calcium is a vital mineral for numerous physiological processes, such as building and maintaining healthy bones and teeth, blood clotting and othervarious cellular functions (maintaining normal heart rhythm and the transmossion of nerve impulses). Almost all the calcium in the human body is stored in the bones and teeth, and when calcium is needed in the blood (for instance, if it is missing from the diet for a while), it is released (borrowed) from bones. This can lead to decalcification of bones if extended over long periods of time. Calcium is important for so many body functions, yet most of us associate calcium only with bone health or disease. Let’s explore the role of calcium in maintaining strong bones.

How Can We Delay or Prevent Osteoporosis?

The answer is by eating edequate amounts of calcium and maximizing bone stores during the time when bone is growing fast-especially up to age 30!

• By exercising regularly.
• By consuming adequate amounts of vitamin K, usually found in green leaves.
• By getting enough vitamin D.

moringa benefits here in tat least two ways; by its high content of calcium and by its good content of vitamin K. But, as we shall see later Moringa, as a plant, may fight osteoporosisin other ways, as well.

Magnesium

Moringa leaves and pods contain another important macroelement, magnesium; approximately 25 mg per 100 g of leaves or pods, while the leaf powder can contain approximately 370mg per the weight.

Magnesium is similar to calcium in several ways; 60% is found in the bones and teeth, and the balance is found mostly in the muscles. Magnesium is the second – most abundant positively charged element found within the cells, where it plays vital roles in the processing of energy.