Written by Gloria Cavallaro and originally published on Yahoo! News here.

If you haven’t heard already, there’s a new superfood to track: Moringa. And it’s not only being coined as a new superfood, but as a super skincare savior as well.

WHAT IS MORINGA?

In short, it’s a tree called the moringa oleifera. It’s native to arid climates and sandy soil: most moringa originates in India, at the foot of the himalayas, but it’s also grown in Thailand, Taiwan, Africa, and the Philippines. The leaves of the Moringa tree are loaded with vitamins, minerals, essential amino acids, and more.

It’s being hailed as a so-called ‘superfood’ primarily because its leaves are very rich in antioxidants, including vitamin C, beta-carotene, quercetin, and chlorogenic acid (chlorogenic acid, has been shown to slow cells’ absorption of sugar, and we all know sugar is one of our worst enemies).  As noted in the Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention, “The leaves of the moringa oleifera tree have been reported to demonstrate antioxidant activity due to its high amount of polyphenols. Moringa oleifera extracts of both mature and tender leaves exhibit strong antioxidant activity against free radicals, prevent oxidative damage to major biomolecules, and give significant protection against oxidative damage.”

MORINGA OIL = TOPICAL SKINCARE MAGIC

Not only is Moringa incredibly amazing to eat, it’s also a super anti-aging skincare ingredient that pledges to clear skin of acne, inflammation, reduce wrinkles, and restore health to your shining locks. Moringa oil, which is pressed from the seeds of the moringa tree, is perhaps the most remarkable product the tree produces—in fact, Egyptians were buried with jars of it. Moringa oil, also known as ben or behen oil, is unique in that it keeps for years without turning rancid. It’s also easily absorbed into the skin.

Although it hasn’t yet gained the widespread popularity of oils like argan or rose, moringa is slowly popping up in skincare brands. Emma Hardie, London-based aesthetician for Sophie Dahl, Angelica Huston, and the Spice Girls, swears by the oil and includes it in her proprietary skincare line.

ACCORDING TO THE EXPERTS

Charlotte’s Book Premiere Provider Julia March, sought-after aesthetician and skin care therapist, has been drinking moringa tea and using products containing moringa for some time. After years of undetected Celiac’s disease, March began looking for natural supplements with the highest levels of nutrients to reverse her severely anemic state. In her search, she learned about moringa. “Moringa contains Vitamins B1, B2, B3, B6, C, E, A,” she explains. It also boasts minerals “iron, fiber, calcium, zinc (so needed for a repair of epithelial tissues!), copper, sulfur (which provides acne skin benefits, just like from Zinc), folic acid, selenium, chromium, potassium, phosphorus, manganese, and magnesium (another great mineral important for the skin, hair and nails).” She uses moringa products—including cleansers, lotions, tea, and powder supplements—in her practice and everyday routine.