Moringa Oleifera
Moringa Oleifera, Miracle tree or drumstick tree, is one of the most nutritional plants available. Moringa powder has so many nutrients, antioxidants, proteins and amino acids available, the health benefits of Moringa make it a powerhouse of nutrition for our bodies. Moringa leaves help with inflammation, blood pressure, blood sugar, anemia, eye health, kidney disorders, asthma, gastrointestinal disorders, edema, bones, arthritis, depression and the list goes on.
With so much published research, Moringa Oleifera has been clinically proven to be effective against over 300 illnesses and diseases. Since Moringa can either prevent or improve so many illnesses, it makes sense to consider adding this to your diet for the many health benefits and vitamins and minerals it provides.
Not just for people, but pets too ! Moringa can help our pets by increasing their natural defenses against viruses and disease. It nourishes the brain, eyes, skin and coat, while also providing support for the kidneys, liver, digestive tract, circulatory system, wound healing and helping with inflammation.
Let’s explore some more facts about Moringa
What is Moringa Oleifera?
Moringa Oleifera is a tropical tree that grows in warm climates of India, Asia and South America. Once established It is drought tolerant and can stand temperatures up to 118 degrees Fahrenheit. It can reach heights of up to 39 feet. It can be grown in the US in the ground in zones 9 and 10, or grown in a pot and brought indoors in the winter in colder climates. It is also know by the names the Miracle tree, horseradish tree, drumstick tree or ben oil tree. All parts of the tree are edible and provide an abundance of nutrition and has been used in traditional and herbal medicine for thousands of years. Let’s look at some of the benefits.
Moringa leaves, flowers and unripended fruit are used in cooking all over the world. Besides being used for medicine, it is also used in areas of water sanitation, for animals, as fertilizer, in cleaning agents, skin care, gum, and many other applications. It has been used to combat malnutrition in many countries.
We all know that Kale is promoted as a super food and is good for us, but Moringa has been shown to have more benefits. It has 2 times the amount of protein than Kale, 4 times the amount of iron, 3 times the calcium and 2.5 times the fiber. What an amazing plant that has so many nutrients and benefits.
What are the many Health benefits of Moringa Oleifera ?
Superfood rich in vitamins and mineral
Provides plant based protein
Helps Improve Digestive Health
Nourish and Protects Skin and Hair
Prevent or treat edema
Treats stomach and digestive complaints
Improve Eye Health
Slow the effects of Aging
Balances Hormones
Fight Inflammation
Can help protect the liver
Rich in Antioxidants
Cholesterol lowering effects
Balances Blood Sugar Levels
Supports Brain Health
Supports Bone health
Good for the Environment
Superfood Rich in Vitamins and minerals
Moringa contains 92 Vitamins and Minerals, along with 46 Antioxidants !
Since most of the nutrients are found in the Moringa leaves, they are usually dried and ground into a powder and used as a supplement in either capsules or loose powder form. An article on the Science Direct website gives information on studies that show Moringa contains medicinal properties that can be used to cure more than 300 diseases. Moringa leaves are rich in nutrients and surpass carrots, oranges and milk in nutritional value and health benefits. Moringa leaves are rich in vitamins A, C, B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B6 and folic acid. They are also rich in magnesium, iron, calcium, phosphorus and zinc. One cup of Moringa leaves contains 2 grams of protein, magnesium (8% of the RDA), vitamin B6 (19% of the RDA), iron (11% of the RDA), riboflavin (11% of the RDA) and vitamin A (9% of the RDA) E. of RDA).
Moringa leaves are rich in amino acids, the building blocks of protein. They contain 18 types of amino acids, each of which plays an important role in our well-being.
Kuli Kuli, which is an organization in Africa that harvests Moringa plants, claim the plant contains
3 time the potassium in bananas
2 times the protein in yogurt
4times the Vit A in carrots
4 time the calcium in cow’s milk
7 times the Vit C in oranges
Provides Plant Based Protein
Protein is essential for our body’s cell , energy and muscle production . Protein consists of 22 amino acids which are essential for energy, brain function, hair, muscles, eyes, etc. Moringa is a complete protein, which contains 40% protein and all 9 of the essential amino acids our bodies need. Of all the plants studied, Moringa is considered to have the highest protein ratio. This makes it a perfect addition to the vegan diet. Athletes can also benefit from the high protein and amino acids in Moringa.
The Moringa plant provides these nutrients whether eaten fresh or dried.
If you are vegan, you can sometimes not get enough protein in your diet. Sure there is lentil or tempeh, but sometimes you’ll have something easy to add into smoothie mixes or soups. Here Moringan is at the centre. Powders from crushed leaves contain high protein – 3 grams of protein per tablespoon, if not 3 grams of fat per tablespoon.
Helps Improve Digestive Health
If you suffer from stomach or digestive disorders like gastritis, ulcerative colitis, constipation, etc Moringa extracts may be help. Since it contains high Vitamin B and has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory benefits, taking Moringa powder daily could help ease discomfort. Used for years in Ayurveda, Moringa has been known to help with issues like , liver disease, fungal or yeast infections like candida, kidney damage, digestive complaints, and to prevent or treat stomach ulcers.
Nourish and Protects Skin and Hair
Many people use Moringa oil for maintaining moisture of the skin or soothing dry skin. It has also been used to speed wound healing.
Moringa can protect from various infections of the skin due to it’s natural antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral compounds. Many use Moringa oil to reduce acne flareups, reducing athlete’s foot, treating dandruff, healing bug bites, soothing burns, etc.
Prevent or treat edema
Moringa has anti inflammatory properties that may help reduce the painfulness of fluid buildup in the body. Using it may help prevent edema from developing.
Treats stomach and digestive complaints
The high Vitamin B content of Moringa leaves can help with many stomach and digestive issues. The anti inflammatory, anti-bacterial and antioxidant properties could help with various digestive issues like stomach ulcers, fungal and yeast infections (such as Candida), constipation, ulcerative colitis, and gastritis.
It can help with digestion
Using moringa fiber can help prevent stomach issues. The plant contains both soluble and insolube fiber. The two forms provide several nutritional and digestive benefits. The insoluble fiber dissolves and becomes a gel which slows digestion, keeping you fuller for longer. It also contains compounds that support the beneficial gut bacteria.
Improve Eye Health
With some of the highest antioxidant levels, Moringa contains eyesight-improving properties that could help improve with many eye conditions like allergies, conjunctivitis, inflammation, cataract development, retinal dysfuntion, or dilation of retinal vessels along with preventing your risk of having any eye diseases.
Moringa is very rich in beta carotene (Vitamin A), which is an antioxidant that fights free radicals that can significantly help with cataracts and other eye diseases. Along with Lutein and Zeaxanthin which have all been studied and recommended for protecting eye health. One study published in 2010 in the “Journal of Ocular Pharmacology and Therapeutics” showed the “remarkable activity” of flavanoids from Moringa to prevent and stop the development of cataracts. Along with another study that showed significant improvement.
Plus there was a follow up study that showed Moringa has the ability to restore proper levels of glutathione, catalase and protein in the eye.
Slow the effects of Aging
According to an article on pubmed, a study was done that showed improvement in several areas of aging with the use of Moringa.
Moringa is loaded with antioxidants that can reduce premature skin wrinkles. It is known for a strong anti-inflammatory effect and anti-aging effects on skin and is highly promising for skin, but it requires additional research.
Free radicals can come from pollution, cooking, and sun exposure. This causes cells to lose their electrons and causes oxidative stress, cell damage and premature aging. Anti-oxidants, Flavonoids, polyphenols and ascorbic acids are found in moringa. A healthy eating plan involving antioxidants can prevent premature wrinkles, as well as prolong life.
It may help balance hormones
Menopause may ruin women’s hormones if not controlled correctly. The results show that postmenopausal female patients who had used moringa leaf powder and amaranthus leaf powder had lower markers of oxidative stress and better fasting blood pressure.
Moringa decreased the markers of oxidative stress and increased blood glucose for postmenopausal women. Moringa is also has proven health promoting properties that affect sleep, energy and digestibility.
It may improve cholesterol levels
Healthy cholesterol is crucial to prevention of cardiovascular disease. Moringa can help maintain healthy cardiovascular function and potentially lower cholesterol.
It may support brain health
Around 50 million people live with Alzheimers or other dementia and cognitive issues. Moringa leaf has a high content of vitamin C and E to fight against oxidative stress in Alzheimer’s. Moringa was cited as having a positive effect on dopamine and serotenoid levels and can also be used as a treatment option for depression.
It fights against inflammation
Inflammation is a physiological response occurring within the body to protect against infections or restore damaged skin tissues. Moringa contains phytonutrients and anti-microbial agents that are immune system fighting compounds. Moringa helps combat inflammation in cells by reducing oxidative damage, inflammation and helping to fight against cancer.
Inflammation is mainly influenced by stimuli present in our bodies. Chronic inflammation is a common occurrence but may cause serious health problems such as high blood pressure or chronic pain as well as a high chance of stroke. Moringa tea and moringa powder contains isothiocyanates which have also been demonstrated to be able to reduce inflammation. In an animal study conducted in pharmaceutical biology, moringa extract helped reduce pain in inflammation.
It may support cognition and mood
The extracts from plants like Moringa that improve the cognitive ability continue to get thorough reviews. Moringa can improve cognition with amino acid and mineral properties. It contains tryptophan which is the precursor of serotonin, aka happiness hormone.
Both vitamin C and E are found in moringa – which are powerful antioxidants that help decrease oxidative damages to the brain.
It balances blood sugar levels
It can also improve blood sugar control by helping you maintain an optimum blood sugar balance. The Moringa plant may aid in regulating blood glucose levels through chlorogenic acid and isothiocyanates. Besides controlling blood sugar, it is known to also regulate glucose release in gastrointestinal tissues. Studies suggest Moringa can help with blood glucose balance and may improve insulin levels.
It may reduce blood pressure
It may help you reduce your blood pressure by adding Moringa to your food regularly. Moringa powder can inhibit hypertension symptoms. It helps reduce inflammation of the blood vessels, reduces the blood pressure levels and helps regulate blood pressure in humans. If you are taking blood pressure medication, you should talk to your doctor if your blood pressure drops too quickly.
It may protect the liver
The liver is our detoxifier. It filters the water in the blood and removes toxins. Moringa has been found by researchers to reduce symptoms from liver inflammation by reducing liver acid and liver inflammation in animals.
You’ll feel more energized
If you need energy that’s caffeine-free, you might consider moringa as part of your daily routine. Diets high in vitamin & fatty acids such as iron as they are necessary for boosting metabolic activity. Moringa has B vitamins that provide energy and support healthy metabolic processes.
Cautions and Side effects of moringa oleifera leaf extract
Pregnant women
During pregnancy, women can eat moringas. A new study has revealed that the rhizomes and germination of moringa contain substances which can induce a contraction and lead to premature and miscarriages.
Medication interactions
It is a plant with alkaloids that can lower your heartbeat. Before drinking moringa tea consult a physician.
