Moringa oleifera, or just moringa for short, is a plant highly regarded for its multitude of health benefits that Asians, Indians, Africans, and South Americans have been using for thousands of years.
What is Moringa?
The moringa plant is known in a variety of ways such as the drumstick tree, ben oil tree, horseradish tree, and what many Westerners know it as the Miracle tree.
Moringa contains a lot of proteins, vitamins, and minerals. The majority of its medicinal properties come from its leaves.
Moringa contains many healthful compounds such as:
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vitamin A
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vitamin B1 (thiamine)
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B2 (riboflavin)
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B3 (niacin), B-6
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folate and ascorbic acid (vitamin C)
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calcium
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potassium
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iron
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magnesium
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phosphorus
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Zinc
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Quercetin
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Chlorogenic acid
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niazimicin
It is also extremely low in fats and contains no harmful cholesterol.
With this amount of vitamins and minerals, moringa boasts to be antifungal, antiviral, antidepressant, and anti-inflammatory.
What are the benefits of moringa?
Moringa is thought to have numerous health and beauty benefits, as well as the ability to help prevent and cure diseases.
Boosts immune system
Due to its antibacterial, antifungal, and antimicrobial properties, moringa extracts combat infections. It also revs up your immune system for increased immune defense.
Prevents & treats cancer
Moringa extracts contain properties that may aid in the prevention of cancer.
It also contains niazimicin, a compound that inhibits the growth of cancer cells.
Heals wounds internally & externally
Moringa extract was shown to help close the wounds and to reduce the appearance of scars in both skin lesions and internal organs.
Nourishes skin & hair
Moringa cleanses the hair from free radicals. Moringa also contains protein, which helps protect skin cells against damage. It also contains elements that moisturize and detoxify skin and hair.
Makes bones healthier
Moringa has calcium and phosphorus that help maintain healthy and strong bones.
Together with its anti-inflammatory properties, moringa extract can also contribute to treating conditions such as arthritis and cure damaged bones.
Strengthens the heart
Moringa extract can prevent heart damage and has also demonstrated that its high level of antioxidant is healthy in the heart.
Treats mood disorders
Moringa is thought to be helpful in treating depression, anxiety, and fatigue.
Treats diabetes
Moringa contributes to reducing the amount of blood glucose and urine sugar and protein. Researchers have found that patients have increased the levels of hemoglobin and the total protein content.
Treats asthma
Moringa can contribute to reducing the severity of certain asthma attacks. The improvement in lungs and breathing overall has also been shown.
Reduces high blood pressure
Moringa contains isothiocyanate and niaziminin, which prevents artery thickening. which causes blood pressure to lower.
Treats anemia
Moringa could help the body absorb more iron so that their red blood cell count increases.
The plant extract is very helpful in the treatment and prevention of anemia and sickle cell disease.
Protects kidneys
Stones in the kidneys, bladder or uterus may be less likely to develop if moringa extract is ingested. Moringa contains high antioxidant levels which can contribute to kidney toxicity.
Improves eyesight
Moringa has anti-aging properties due to its high antioxidant content.
Moringa has been shown to reduce retinal vessel dilation, prevent capillary membrane thickening, and inhibit retinal dysfunction.
Reduces weight
Moringa extract has been shown to be effective in weight loss and control.
Its high vitamin B content aids in smooth and efficient digestion and can help the body convert food into energy rather than storing it as fat.
What are the side-effects of moringa?
There are very few side effects reported in existence. The only reported side effect, but unverified still, is that moringa may have anti-fertility qualities.
Pregnant women are advised to consult with a doctor before taking moringa supplements.
Best sources of moringa
According to studies, the best source for moringa are fresh leaves. However, moringa plants only survive in hot and humid climates such as the tropics.
Moringa supplements made from organic moringa leaf powders are the best source of moringa’s vitamins and minerals next to the actual plant itself.