MORINGA OLEIFERA AND ITS RECENT PRACTICE IN FOOD INDUSTRIES - A SUPER FOOD PRODUCT TO BEAT MALNUTRITION: A REVIEW

Moringa oleifera commonly known as drumstick tree or horseradish tree is widely distributed in India and other subtropical and tropical parts of the world. Besides its conventional culinary uses, Moringa has profound contribution to herbal medicine, agricultural and livestock development, water purification, bio-fuel production and so on. Being one of the richest sources of different macro and micro nutrients, antioxidants and other bioactive compounds, this miracle tree recently has gained popularity in food processing industry with the aim to curb the sprawling malnutrition. In some countries like African countries, either fresh or dried Moringa leaf, seed and flower powder are being used to fortify different foods. Improved texture, sensory and nutritional quality and extended shelf life of the target products have been making this tree important for food industry. So the aim of this review is to reveal the present application of Moringa as food fortificant in food processing industries in different countries, factors those restrain its further applicability and also to focus on the need of future research in this regard.