What is Moringa anyway? Have you ever heard of it before? Don’t worry about that, many people don’t know what Moringa is, neither the benefits of using Moringa.
This plant comes from the Eastern countries. It’s actually a small tree that can be found in India, Pakistan and Nepal. Eastern cultures have been using Moringa for generations to treat and mainly to prevent disease such as anemia, diabetes, arthritis, heart disease, liver disease and digestive, skin and respiratory disorder.
Moringa became popular in recent years (although people have been using it for thousands of years) and it’s known as one of the most impressive herbal supplements. The National Institute of Health called moringa ‘the plant of the year’ in 2008, confirming that ‘this plant has the potential to help reverse multiple major environmental problems and provide for many unmet human needs.’
Many studies, reports and articles have focused on the benefits of moringa and its healing abilities. The numerous researches show that every part of the moringa plant can be used is some way. It became popular as a leaf powder supplement but moringa’s pods, bark, roots, flowers, seeds and fruits can also be consumed.
Moringa is used for treating many conditions. Here is a list of 10 scientifically proven benefits from using moringa:
- Moringa is nutrient-packed.
Moringa is an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. And how strong is moringa? According to Kuli Kuli (an organization that harvests moringa plants in Africa) moringa contains:
- seven times the amount of vitamin C as oranges
- four times the amount of vitamin A as carrots
- four times the amount of calciumas cows’ milk
- two times the amount of protein of yogurt
- three times the amount of potassiumas bananas
- Moringa provides antioxidants.
In the leaves, in the flowers and in the seeds, moringa contains antioxidants called called flavonoids, polyphenols, and ascorbic acid.
These antioxidants actively fight the free radicals (molecules that cause cell damage, inflammation and oxidative stress).
A recent study shows that moringa flowers and seeds have less antioxidant activity than the moringa leaf. The moringa leaf is more useful for preventing the damage and degradation that free radicals cause in the cells of different organs in the body, thus keeping them safe and sound.
Moringa leaves are also high in several anti-aging compounds, including polyphenols, vitamic C, quercetin, beta-carotene and chlorogenic acid. These compounds are also known for lowering the risk for chronic diseases (such as diabetes, hypertension etc.).
- Moringa has anti-inflammation compounds.
Moringa reduces inflammation that can be very dangerous for our health and subsequently inflammation can lead to chronic diseases such as diabetes, respiratory problems, artrithis and more. This miraculous tree reduces inflammation since it contains a mix of essential amino acids, antioxidants such as quercetin, carotenoid phytonutrients, and natural antibacterical compound which, believe it or not, works as the same way as most of the drugs which are anti-inflammatory.
- Moringa helps in reducing some diabetes symptoms.
The powder made from the moringa leaf contains a type of acid called chloregnic acid which has been proven to lowers blood sugar and cholesterol. This gives moringa natural ant- diabetic properties. It also improves protection against cell damage. The powder from moringa leaf has proven effective at reducing lipid and glucose levels and regulating oxidative stress in diabetic patient.
Besides chloregnicacid, moringa contains compounds called isothiocyanates and these have been labeled as natural protection against diabetes.
- Moringa protects the cardiovascular system.
The moringa leaf powder has healthy benefits especially in blood lipid control. The powder from moringa leaf is very powerful and prevents plague formation and also reduces cholesterol levels.
- Moringa stabilize the mood and provides brain health.
Brain health and cognitive function are supported by moringa because of moringa’s antioxidant and neuro-enhancer activities. Moringa has been used in test as a treatment for Alzheimer’s disease and the primary results are pretty good.
Moringa contains great content of vitamins E and C which helps moringa to fight oxidation that leads to neuron degeneration, thus improving the brain function. Moringa also normalizes the dopamine, neurotransmitters serotonin and noradrenaline in the brain. These elements in the brain have the key role in memory, organ function, mood, responses to stimulus and mental health as well.
- Moringa protects the liver.
The liver is one of the most important organs in our body so it’s vital that the liver enzymes stay at normal levels. The high concentrations of polyphenols in moringa leaves and flowers protect the liver against toxicity, oxidation, and damage.
Moringa can also lower liver damage and fibrosis and also it can reverse oxidation in the liver. The oil from moringa restores liver enzymes to normal levels. The oil from moringa also increases protein content in the liver.
- Moringa has antimicrobial and antibacterial properties.
Moringa contains antibacterial and anti-fungal properties that fight various infections. Moringa has proven to be effective against types of fungi that cause skin infections and strains of bacteria that are responsible for digestive problems as well as for blood and urinary tract infections.
- Moringa enhances wound healing.
It’s very interesting that moringa has blood-clotting properties in its leaves, roots, and seeds. These properties enhance wound healing. This means that moringa reduces the time needed for scratches, cuts, or wounds to stop bleeding.
10. Moringa is used as an aphrodisiac.
According to some studies, moringa benefits the libido and might work like a natural birth control compound. Moringa has been used as a natural aphrodisiac to increase sex drive and performance for thousands of years. Moringa also boosts the immune system during pregnancy and increases breast milk production.
How to Use It
There are various recipes for using moringa. The powder from moringa can be added to smoothie or drink such as tea. The powder use is safe even in larger dose according to several studies.
The seed extracts from moringa have shown a level of toxicity in immune cells so you might want to stay away from them.
Also, moringa can have laxative effects if taken in larger quantities. A safe dose to avoid digestive problems is ½ to 1 teaspoon per day.
Enjoy your moringa and stay healthy.