5 Health Benefits of Moringa (moringa Oleifera)

December 4, 2023 Agric4Profits

Moringa botanically known as moringa Oleifera has over 90 defensive chemicals, including isothiocyanates, flavonoids, and phenolic acids, this easy-to-grow tropical plant species is native to the Himalayan Mountains and parts of India and Africa.

The moringa tree, a member of the plant genus Moringaceae, is said to come in at least a dozen different types. These are plants that have tall, leafy growth that blossom or yield pods quickly. One species, in particular, Moringa Oleifera, is by far the most used.

For more than 4,000 years, the herb was extensively employed in traditional medical procedures like Ayurveda medicine before its effects were proven in modern studies.

The miracle plant moniker comes from the reputation that moringa has for reducing inflammation and reversing various age and malnutrition-related consequences.

The plant is a special plant since practically every component, including the leaves, seeds, flowers/pods, stem, and roots, has nutritional value and various therapeutic benefits.

The majority of the plant’s antioxidants are contained in the moringa leaves, which are dried and ground for use as medicine.

Moringa powder is abundant in phytochemicals, protein, calcium, beta-carotene, vitamin C, and potassium, according to studies. Since it offers a concentrated source of vitamin A, it is regularly provided to thousands of kids in developing nations who are suffering from a life-threatening vitamin A deficiency, which is associated with weakened immune systems.

Consuming it can also increase the intake of phenolic chemicals, amino acids, and trace minerals. Flavonoids, glucosides, glucosinolates, zeatin, quercetin, beta-sitosterol, caffeoylquinic acid, and kaempferol are only a few of the disease-preventing phytonutrients found in the plant.

The seeds of the moringa tree’s pods, in addition to its priceless leaves, store oil that has medicinal properties. You can cook with or apply the body surface directly with oil made from moringa seeds.

Currently, there is no suggested or necessary dosage for moringa because it is merely a botanical supplement and not a necessary vitamin. Nevertheless, there is some proof that the recommended dosage for people is 29 milligrams per kilogram of body weight.

You should begin by ingesting half a teaspoon of dried moringa every day for three to five days, gradually increasing your dosage over the course of two weeks as you become accustomed to its benefits.

The majority of people choose to take moringa every few days rather than every day for an extended period of time because, when taken in excess, it can have laxative effects and upset the stomach.

5 Health Benefits of Moringa (Moringa Oleifera)

1. Antioxidants and Anti-inflammatory

While there is less of a chance for negative effects, moringa Oleifera appears to have properties comparable to some conventional medications.

The building blocks of proteins, essential amino acids, carotenoid phytonutrients, antioxidants like quercetin, and naturally occurring antibacterial compounds that function similarly to many anti-inflammatory drugs are all present in it, according to a report in the Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention.

According to studies, these substances have anticancer, anti-epileptic, anti-ulcer, antispasmodic, antihypertensive, and anti-diabetic properties in addition to being heart-protective and natural circulatory stimulants.

Numerous potent anti-aging chemicals that mitigate the effects of free radicals, oxidative stress, and inflammation are abundant in moringa powder.

These are linked to a lower risk of developing chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, stomach, lung, or colon cancer, as well as age-related eye issues.

2. Anti-aging

The impact of the moringa plant popularly known as drumstick, and amaranth leaves (Amaranthus tricolor), on menopausal women’s levels of oxidative stress and inflammation.

By naturally balancing hormones, could these superfoods have the potential to halt the impacts of aging?

Along with fasting blood glucose and hemoglobin levels, levels of antioxidant status, including serum retinol, ascorbic acid, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and malondialdehyde, were examined before and after supplementation.

The results demonstrated that supplementation with moringa and amaranth significantly improved antioxidant status and significantly reduced oxidative stress indicators.

Positive improvements in hemoglobin and improved fasting blood glucose management were also discovered.

3. Improves Digestive System

Due to its anti-inflammatory characteristics, moringa has been used in traditional medical practices like Ayurveda to prevent or treat infections, fungal or yeast infections like candida, digestive problems, and ulcers in the stomach.

Moringa oil is frequently used to support liver function, which helps the body rid itself of toxic chemicals like heavy metal pollutants. Additionally, it may be able to aid in the treatment of kidney stones, uti, constipation, fluid retention/edema, and diarrhea.

4. Combats Diabetes

Chlorogenic acid, which is found in this plant has been demonstrated to help regulate blood sugar levels and enable cells to take up or release glucose (sugar) as required. As a result, it has built-in antidiabetic and hormone-balancing abilities.

In addition to chlorogenic acid, the isothiocyanates found in moringa leaves have also been linked to a natural defense against diabetes.

This plant, when consumed as part of a high-carbohydrate meal, was found to have beneficial effects on blood sugar control and insulin levels in diabetic individuals.

Separate studies have shown that the antioxidant status and enzyme synthesis within the liver, pancreas, and kidneys of rats help increase at low dosages of moringa seed powder (50-100 milligrams per kilogram body weight) and help avoid damage compared to control groups.

The administration of moringa to diabetic rats was also observed to reduce high levels of immunoglobulin (IgA, IgG), fasting blood sugar, and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), three indicators present in diabetics.

Can moringa aid in weight loss? It may benefit those on a weight loss plan because it can increase insulin sensitivity and hormone balance.

5. Nourishes The Skin

Moringa oil is frequently used to promote wound healing, moisturize skin, and calm dry or burned skin.

Natural antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral chemicals found in moringa shield the skin from numerous illnesses. It is frequently used on the skin to treat conditions like athlete’s foot, get rid of odors, treat acne-related inflammation, treat abscesses or pockets of infection, get rid of dandruff, fight gum disease (gingivitis), and speed up the healing of wounds, burns, bites, and viral warts.

In addition to being applied directly to the skin as a drying, astringent agent to kill bacteria, the oil is also known to act as a lubricant and hydrate the skin by reestablishing its natural moisture barrier when used frequently.

It kills bacteria that cause spoilage and has a pleasant scent that masks odors, it is a common ingredient used in the production of food and perfumes.

Read Also: Conventional Sewage Treatment