“Nutritious Miracle Tree” is another name for the moringa tree. The massive tree Moringa oleifera has its native habitat in North India.
It is also known as the drumstick tree, horseradish tree, and bean oil tree. Almost every part of the tree is utilized or consumed.
The tree’s leaves, fruit, juice, oil, roots, bark, seeds, pods, and flowers all have medicinal properties.
The moringa tree’s leaves and pods are actually commonly eaten in India and some regions of Africa.
What is moringa?
The moringa tree belongs to the family Moringaceae. This easy-to-grow tropical plant species have over 90 protective compounds, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, and isothiocyanates.
According to significant research, there are thought to be at least a dozen different types of moringa trees.
The seeds of the moringa tree’s pods, in addition to its priceless leaves, store oil that has medicinal properties.
You can cook with it or apply it directly to the body surface with oil made from moringa seeds.
The nutritional value of the moringa leaves is so high that it surpasses that of carrots, bananas, oranges, and even milk and yogurt.
Where to buy moringa?
- NatureBell Moringa Capsules
- Cadane Moringa Anti-Inflammatory Herbal Blend Capsules
- Incept Moringa Leaf Powder
- VADHAM Turmeric Moringa Herbal Tea
- Prime Natural Pure Moringa Oil
Moringa leaf nutrition facts:
Modern science is looking into the lengthy history of moringa (the “miracle tree”) being used in traditional health systems throughout South Asia.
The moringa tree leaves, pods, and seeds have a variety of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants.
Nutritional information per cup of fresh, chopped leaves (21 grams) is as follows:
- Protein: 2 grams.
- Vitamin B6: 19% of the RDA
- Vitamin C: 12% of the RDA
- Iron: 11% of the RDA
- Riboflavin (vitamin B2): 11% of the RDA
- Magnesium: 8% of the RDA
- Vitamin A(from beta-carotene): 9% of the RDA
- Compared to the leaves, the pods frequently contain fewer vitamins and minerals.
Benefits of moringa:
Moringa is a special plant with a long history of use in medicine and other fields.
Due to the moringa tree’s health benefits and medicinal properties, it has been used for thousands of years. It is mainly found in Asia, Africa, and South America.
The majority of the plant’s antioxidants are contained in the moringa leaves, which are dried and ground for use as medicine.
Scientific studies support the health benefits of Moringa oleifera. Additionally, it has antiviral, antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, and antifungal effects.
1. Good for the nervous system
For the neurological system, moringa leaves are particularly beneficial. By adding Moringa to your diet regularly, you can fight off various brain diseases like dementia and memory loss.
It is also used to treat a variety of other nerve ailments, such as paralysis and nervous debility. The leaves act as neuro-enhancers and promote brain health.
Alkaloids, saponins, steroids, tannins, and phenolics are only a few of the many chemicals that fight against oxidative stress.
The abundance of vitamins E and C prevents neuronal deterioration. Eat moringa leaves frequently if you experience migraines or recurrent headaches.
Because they regulate the synthesis of neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and noradrenaline, these leaves also serve as mood stabilizers.
2. Protection of the liver
The moringa leaves contain a lot of polyphenols, which can both prevent and possibly even reverse liver oxidative damage.
The leaves raise the liver’s protein levels. Moringa can speed up the liver’s healing process and protect it from harm from antitubercular medications.
The liver is responsible for detoxifying blood, metabolizing fat, and absorbing nutrients.
It can only do these things at that time when the liver enzymes are within normal range. These enzymes are stabilized by moringa leaves.
3. Good for detoxification
Moringa oleifera leaves are natural cleansers and help to detoxify the body system.
This helps to increase immunity against various infections and also increases energy levels in the body.
4. Cancer prevention and treatment
Moringa extracts of leaves and bark contain several bioactive anti-cancer compounds that might help prevent cancer from developing.
It also contains a niazimicin compound, which suppresses the development of cancer cells.
5. Treating stomach complaints
Nutrient-rich moringa leaves are beneficial for digestive disorders. Those who suffer from constipation, bloating, gas, gastritis, and ulcerative colitis should add moringa leaves to their diet.
The antibiotic and antibacterial properties of moringa may help inhibit the growth of various pathogens.
The high amount of B vitamins in the leaves also helps in improving digestion and relieves anxiety caused by digestive disorders.
6. Fight inflammation
Are you aware of the facts about inflammation? Inflammation is the root cause of many diseases, like cancer, arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and many autoimmune diseases.
When we suffer an injury or infection, the body suffers increased inflammation. And, long-term inflammation leads to chronic health issues.
Eating moringa leaves helps to reduce inflammation. In addition to supplying a hefty amount of antioxidants, moringa powder may help lower blood sugar, reduce inflammation, and improve heart function.
Moringa leaves are anti-inflammatory due to the presence of isothiocyanates. They have niazimicin, which is known to reign in the development of cancer cells. We can say that it is a protective mechanism for us.
7. Moringa leaves protect against arsenic toxicity
Contamination with arsenic is a problem that is prevalent in much of the world. Our bodies have been exposed to arsenic through a variety of foods, most notably rice.
This element can cause cancer and heart disease when exposed to it over an extended period.
Moringa leaves have been found in laboratory studies to protect against the toxicity of arsenic.
8. Cardiovascular system protection
The research suggests that the vascular protective effects of moringa may include reducing inflammation associated with oxidative stress and relaxing arteries to improve blood flow.
Moringa extract contains potent antioxidants that have been proven to help prevent cardiac damage and maintain a healthy heart.
The health of your heart may be improved by moringa leaf extracts that help decrease cholesterol.
Although this has only been tested on animals, its seeds have been utilized to control their blood pressure and improve their heart function.
According to a 2017 rat study, moringa seeds have been linked to advantages for the heart and may be used to treat high blood pressure.
A 2019 rat study also indicated that moringa seeds may guard against age-related cardiac problems.
9. Disinfectant properties
Moringa leaves are antiseptic and can treat a variety of bacterial infections.
They are also excellent for wound healing and aid in the rapid healing of bruises, minor wounds, and burns by reducing clotting time.
10. Decreases blood pressure
What part does moringa play in controlling blood pressure?
The issue of high blood pressure is challenging. It is significantly impacted by several lifestyle choices made over time, including family health history and food in general.
Exercise and incorporating moringa into your diet can be the best helpers to health.
Your heart must work harder to pump blood to the rest of your body as a result of high blood pressure.
The force of your blood pressing against the walls of your arteries while your heart beats is measured as blood pressure.
Moringa contains isothiocyanate and niaziminin, compounds that help to stop arteries from thickening, which can cause blood pressure to rise.
11. Low blood sugar level
Moringa may help fight diabetes by balancing blood sugar and reducing related complications.
Sustained high blood sugar levels lead to the development of diabetes in individuals. Prolonged uncontrolled diabetes can cause many problems, so it is good to keep the blood sugar level in check to avoid this.
Research shows that moringa may help with diabetes by reducing insulin resistance, a condition where cells in the body are less able to absorb blood glucose.
Rats in the study were fed a high-fructose diet to induce insulin resistance. After four weeks of treatment with moringa, insulin sensitivity improved, helping to reduce blood sugar.
12. Making bones healthier
Additionally, Moringa oleifera prevents osteoporosis and maintains the strength of bones and teeth.
It also includes calcium and phosphorus, which support the health and strength of bones.
Moringa extract’s bone-healing and anti-inflammatory qualities may potentially help treat diseases like arthritis.
13. Lowers cholesterol
Apart from oats, flaxseeds, and almonds, moringa leaves are a dependable remedy against high cholesterol.
Cholesterol is the major reason why people suffer from heart disease, and eating moringa leaves has been known to show considerable improvement against high cholesterol levels.
Moringa oleifera can lower those levels and protect against the risk of heart disease.
Pregnant women usually experience higher levels of cholesterol, which can in turn increase the risk of developing gestational diabetes during their term.
What is gestational diabetes? It is a type of diabetes that is first detected in pregnant women who did not have diabetes before they were pregnant.
Moringa leaves can certainly be included in the diet for gestational diabetes.
14. Improving eye health
Because it contains a lot of antioxidants, moringa has benefits for improving eyesight.
Moringa may stop retinal vessel enlargement, stop capillary membrane thickening, and inhibit retinal dysfunction.
15. Treating sickle cell disease and anemia
A person’s body may be able to absorb more iron with the aid of moringa, which would raise their red blood cell count.
Moringa plant extract is believed to be very beneficial in the treatment and prevention of anemia and sickle cell disease.
16. Excellent for skin and hair
The health and appearance of skin and hair are enhanced by moringa leaves because they contain many nutrients and antioxidants.
Moringa leaves actually contain around 30 antioxidants. These help to make the skin more supple and the hair shinier.
The leaves also make the hair follicles stronger. Not only that, but applying a paste made from moringa leaves to the scalp and hair can lessen dandruff and give dull, lifeless hair some bounce.
Moringa leaves contain antioxidants that lessen the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines on the skin. They benefit skin that is prone to acne as well.
Due to their therapeutic and purifying properties, they enhance the skin’s tone and add a glow. This is why many cosmetics contain moringa leaves.
17. Asthma treatment
Moringa has been shown to help reduce the severity of some asthma attacks and to protect against bronchial constriction.
It has also been shown to help with overall lung function and breathing.
18. Increase lactation
Moringa tree leaves were traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine to increase lactation in nursing mothers.
Consuming moringa leaves is beneficial to both the mother and the baby’s health because they are high in protein, important vitamins, and essential nutrients.
19. Safeguarding against kidney diseases
People may experience a decreased risk of kidney, bladder, or uterine stones if they take moringa extract.
High levels of antioxidants are found in moringa and it may help to lessen toxicity in kids.
How to use moringa?
The most popular methods for utilizing the moringa tree to reap its health benefits are listed below:
1. Moringa powder
One pound of dried moringa powder requires about seven pounds of moringa leaves.
The leaves are thought to be the plant’s most powerful component. They contain the highest concentration of antioxidants and readily available macronutrients.
2. Moringa tea
Like many other healthy herbal teas, this variety of the moringa tree is brewed from dried leaves that have been steeped in hot water.
The organic varieties that are dried slowly at low temperatures to preserve delicate compounds are the ones that are the most nutrient-dense.
3. Moringa oil
The oil from moringa tree seeds is referred to as “Ben oil.” You can find it in organic creams and lotions. Keep the oil away from heat sources and the sun’s location.
4. Moringa seeds
The pods and flowers appear to have a high phenolic content in addition to proteins and fatty acids.
These are the plant substances that are used to clean water and diets with protein. Keep an eye out for them in creams, capsules, and powders.
The moringa tree’s young green pods, known as “drumsticks,” are prepared similarly to green beans.
The seeds within the pods are taken out and either roasted or dried like nuts to preserve their freshness.
Risks and side effects of moringa
Although the leaves, fruit, oil, and seeds of the moringa tree have been used safely for centuries, many different supplements and extracts are now available.
That’s why it’s extremely important to buy the purest product possible and read the ingredient label carefully.
Moringa tree roots, bark, and extract can cause uterine contractions in pregnant women.
Therefore, pregnant women should consult their doctors before adding moringa tree leaves or products to their diet.
Last but not least, it is advised that users of blood thinners avoid the moringa tree unless they first talk to their physician.