While the standard definition of food security encompa**** nutritional security, full food security isn't always totally plausible (yet!) in some areas of the world. However, working on nutrition is a good stepping stone to full food security. It produces definite and tangible results and has a large impact on the health and fitness of the local population.
So, what can we do about nutrition? Well, let me introduce you to an amazing
tree.
Moringa oleifera (or just moringa) is an extremely nutritious tree whose tropical/sub-tropical growing range matches perfectly with where it's needed most. The tree, which grows to about 10 meters tall, is extremely easy to cultivate. It will grow anywhere from the ground to
plastic bags, making it perfect for growth in many countries where poor soil or limited space is a factor.
The most important part of the moringa is its leaves. The leaves are highly nutritious and are, for all intents and purposes, a multivitamin; they have beta-carotene, vitamin C, protein, iron, and potassium in extremely large quantities. The leaves are easily stored can be dried into a powder that you can mix into different foods. The end result is an added boost of nutrition to food in areas where the population might not have a steady food supply—a definite help and a tool to help fight malnutrition.
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