Never
heard of moringa before? Although this plant was initially discovered for its
beneficial properties thousands of years ago, only recently has moringa
(sometimes called the Ben oil tree) become known as one of the most impressive
herbal supplements to hit the holistic health market. In fact, in 2008 the
National Institute of Health called moringa (moringa oleifera) the “plant
of the year,” acknowledging that “perhaps like no other single
species, this plant has the potential to help reverse multiple major
environmental problems and provide for many unmet human needs.” (1) Clearly, moringa benefits are highly touted and deservedly so.
To
date, over 1,300 studies, articles and reports have focused on moringa benefits
and this plant’s healing abilities that are important in parts of the world
that are especially susceptible to disease outbreak and nutritional
deficiencies. Research shows that just about every part of the moringa plant
can be utilized in some way, whether it’s to make a potent antioxidant tea or produce an
oily substance that lubricates and nourishes the skin. Throughout the world,
moringa is used for treating such widespread conditions as: (2)
·
inflammation-related
diseases
·
cancer
·
diabetes
·
anemia
·
arthritis
and other joint pain, such as rheumatism
·
allergies
and asthma
·
constipation,
stomach pains and and diarrhea
·
epilepsy
·
stomach
and intestinal ulcers or spasms
·
chronic
headaches
·
heart
problems, including high blood pressure
·
kidney
stones
·
fluid
retention
·
thyroid
disorders
·
low
sex drive
·
bacterial,
fungal, viral and parasitic infections
(3)
Moringa is an excellent source of protein, vitamin A, potassium, calcium and
vitamin C. Just how strong is moringa? According to Kuli Kuli, an
organization that harvests moringa plants in Africa and makes them accessible
to customers in the the U.S. and other western nations, gram for gram, moringa contains:
·
two
times the amount of protein of yogurt
·
four
times the amount of vitamin A as carrots
·
three
times the amount of potassium as
bananas
·
four
times the amount of calcium as
cows’ milk
·
seven
times the amount of vitamin C as oranges
19 Proven Moringa Benefits
1.
Moringa offers excellent nutritional support
Having a Moringa tree in the garden is sufficient to meet the
nutritional requirements of the entire household. The leaves have the highest
score in this regard.
Moringa leaves are an excellent calcium source and a storehouse
of many other minerals and vitamins. 100 grams of dry Moringa leaves contain 17
times more of calcium than milk and 25 times more iron than spinach. Their beta-carotene
content is 10 times more than carrots. They are rich in minerals like
potassium, iron and zinc and in Vitamin C and B-complex vitamins.
Moringa leaves are surprisingly rich in protein too, containing
4 times of what eggs provide. There are 2 grams of protein in every cup of
fresh Moringa leaves.
Although most vegetable sources of protein are considered
inferior to animal sources, Moringa has the advantage of containing all the
essential amino acids, making it a complete protein.
2.
Moringa extract lowers serum cholesterol
Mainstream medicine is starting to recognize some of the health
benefits of Moringa, one among them being its capacity to reduce
cholesterol. Many traditional medicine
systems of Asia have been using the extract of Moringa leaves and root as heart
tonics.
These herbal preparations have been shown to reduce serum
cholesterol and the formation of atherosclerotic plaques.
Laboratory studies in rabbits have shown 50% reduction of serum
cholesterol and 86% reduction of atherosclerotic plaque formation in 12 weeks
of administering Moringa extract.
3.
Moringa leaves help to control blood sugar
Eating a tablespoon of lightly toasted Moringa leaves early in
the morning is a traditional herbal remedy for hyperglycemia. Recent laboratory
studies using leaf powder on diabetic animals show that this is indeed helpful
in regulating blood sugar.
The beneficial effect is partially attributed to the fiber
content, but the quercetin-3-glucoside in Moringa as well the isothiocyanates
and chlorogenic acid could be playing an important role.
Small-scale studies on diabetic people have shown promise with
just 7 grams of Moringa leaves in powder form taken for a period of 3 months.
50 grams of fresh leaves as part of normal diet has been found to significantly
reduce blood sugar spikes after the meal.
4.
Moringa may help fight various types of cancers
The anti-cancer arsenal of moringa is impressive. Besides
antioxidant vitamins A, C, and E, it contains kaempferol, quercetin, and
rhamnetin. Since cancerous growths are triggered by free radical damage at the
cellular level, it is not surprising that Moringa should have an anti-cancer
effect.
Lab tests have proven that it has a beneficial action against liver,
lung, ovarian and skin cancers. While more studies are being done to assess the
clinical significance of these findings, it doesn’t hurt to include more
Moringa in our diet or use just 7 grams of leaf powder (1 ½ teaspoons)
(available to buy from this page on Amazon) as a nutritional supplement.
5.
Moringa reduces inflammation in the body
The inflammatory response to injuries is an integral part of the
natural healing mechanism of the body, but chronic inflammation, probably
resulting from the damage inflicted by free radicals, can have an adverse
effect on our metabolic system.
Heart disease and metabolic disorders like insulin resistance
and diabetes are thought to be the result of chronic inflammation.
Not only the leaves of Moringa, but its fruits and flowers used
as a vegetable as well as the extract of its seeds, have anti-inflammatory
action. Including them in your diet or in the form supplements may help ward
off these disease conditions.
6.
Moringa leaves and drumsticks provide energy boost
Our body is in constant need of energy just to function
normally.
The energy requirements of our body for the growth and repair of
tissues are met by the food we eat, but as we age, our body faces more cellular
damage and becomes less efficient in the regenerative process.
This makes us tired and listless. We often depend on energy
boosters like caffeine, but they only provide temporary spurts. Besides, we
tend to need ever increasing doses to get the same effect.
Moringa has a heavy load of antioxidants to reduce cell damage.
It also contains high amounts of vitamin, minerals, and most importantly, all
the essential amino acids required for the repair and regeneration of tissues.
This highly nutritious, wholesome food can provide lasting
energy boost.
7.
Moringa improves immune function
Including Moringa leaves and fruit in the diet helps increase
immunity and offers protection against seasonal ailments. In India,
Moringa leaves are usually added to lentil soups during the cold
and flu season to increase disease resistance. This practice is a lifesaver in
poor communities where people live in crowded, unsanitary conditions with
little or no access to medical facilities.
Moringa leaves are part
of the herbal supplement given to HIV+ve patients as an adjuvant to
anti-retroviral therapy.
8.
Moringa leaves promote weight loss
People taking Moringa leaf extract and leaf powder often report
weight loss. This beneficial effect could be due to many factors.
The anti-inflammatory and diuretic effect helps reduce water
retention. The high fiber content reduces fat absorption in the gut.
The reduction in insulin resistance may prevent excess fat
accumulation.
9.
Moringa is useful for treating gastrointestinal problems
Adding a handful of Moringa leaves to soups and vegetable dishes
is the best way to keep things moving. Moringa leaves have a mild laxative
effect.
The high fiber content facilitates easy movement of stomach
contents along the digestive tract and relieves constipation.
Moringa can take care of minor digestive problems caused by
gastrointestinal worms and microbes. The root extract is an herbal remedy for
helminth worms.
10.
Moringa leaves increase breast milk in lactating mothers
Of all the health benefits of Moringa, this is one of the most
appreciated in Indian communities, especially in economically weaker sections,
because breast milk is the mainstay of infants in the first year of life.
Moringa leaves toasted in a spoonful of butter would be given
every day to lactating mothers as part of traditional postpartum care. If any
ailments or general fatigue causes a decrease in breast milk production in the
following months, Moringa leaves are added to the diet again. This ensures not
only plenty of milk supply but good weight gain and robust health for the infant.
The high calcium content of Moringa leaves could be an obvious
reason for the increased breast milk production, but there could be more to it
than that. For instance, the effect of calcium supplements comes nowhere near
the copious milk production resulting from the use of Moringa leaves.
11.
Moringa root can improve kidney function
The Moringa tree is also known as horseradish tree because a
spicy condiment similar to horseradish sauce can be prepared from its root.
However, the active compounds found in the leaves occur in the root at much
higher concentrations; hence, it is mainly used for medicinal purposes.
The diuretic and detoxifying properties of Moringa root extract
help improve kidney function and resolve urinary tract infections.
Moringa root extract is used to treat kidney stones since it
helps flush out excess calcium from the kidneys. While helping to expel the
stones, it can reduce the associated pain and inflammation too.
12.
Moringa regulates thyroid function
Moringa seems to be having a regulatory action on the thyroid
gland. For example, people with Grave’s disease or overactive thyroid find
significant improvement in their symptoms on regular use of Moringa
supplements.
Inflammatory conditions of the thyroid such as Hashimoto’s disease
could be resolved without medication if Moringa is consumed regularly.
13.
Provides relief from rheumatoid arthritis
Moringa has immune-modulating properties that are particularly
useful in treating autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma,
and psoriasis. Many herbal preparations for arthritis include Moringa leaves.
The anti-inflammatory effect reduces the pain and swelling of
the joints.
14.
Gives relief from insomnia
Including Moringa leaves and drumsticks in the diet is known to
improve sleep. Taking Moringa extract or leaf powder may be just as effective.
The amino acid tryptophan found in appreciable amounts in
Moringa could be a contributing factor. It is essential for the production of
the neurotransmitter serotonin and the sleep cycle regulating hormone
melatonin. Vitamin B6 is another necessary player in serotonin production, and
Moringa is rich in that too.
15.
Moringa stimulates hair growth
The abundance of Zinc, and Vitamins A, and E, as well as the
amino acids required for the production of keratin, makes Moringa an excellent
hair tonic.
Moringa seeds have very high fat content. The oil extracted from
the seeds is known as Ben oil, and it forms 40% of the seed. This edible oil is
odorless with a light texture and sweet taste. A unique feature of this oil is
its stability and resistance to oxidation.
The main component of Ben oil is a
saturated fat called behenic acid, which does not become rancid on keeping, unlike
most vegetable oils. This expensive oil is used in many high-quality skin and
hair care products.
Moringa seed oil improves blood circulation in the scalp and
stimulates hair growth. However, on account of it being very expensive,
traditional herbal remedies employ seed powder instead.
Taking Moringa supplements is very effective too, as they supply
the minerals and B complex vitamins that are important for hair growth.
16.
Reduces dandruff and other scalp problems
The light texture of Ben oil helps with absorption and is highly
moisturizing.
It promotes blood circulation and regulates the oil glands in the
hair follicles, improving overall scalp health.
Application of the oil as well
as the seed extract is found to be effective in controlling dandruff and hair
loss.
17.
Controls skin wrinkles and fine lines
The Ben oil pressed from the seeds of the Moringa tree has a
long history of being used as a skin detoxifier and wrinkle remover.
The Egyptians used it in cosmetic preparations as an anti-aging
emollient as early as 1400 BC. Rich in vitamins A, C and E, and a number of B
complex vitamins as well, it is no surprise that the oil has excellent
antioxidant property.
Antioxidants reduce the cell damage and aging caused by free
radicals and help maintain the smoothness and youthful appearance of the skin.
Apply a few drops on the face and hands and gently massage it in.
The light consistency of the Moringa seed oil makes it a natural
cleanser and moisturizer without making the skin oily.
18.
Reduces acne and blackheads
Ben oil helps in reducing common skin complaints such as acne
and blackheads that arise from imbalances in oil secretion by skin glands.
They are often worsened by bacterial and fungal infections.
Massage the oil on the face and allow it to be absorbed by the skin pores. The
light nature of the oil unclogs the pores and lifts up the dirt and debris.
Besides the cleansing action of the oil, its antiseptic property
reduces bacterial overload in the hair follicles, while the anti-inflammatory
effect prevents inflammatory acne that usually require antibiotic treatments.
Long-term use of topical antibiotics is known to cause acne flare-ups resulting
from increased bacterial resistance, but no such adverse effect has been
observed with regular use of Ben oil.
19.
Moringa helps control eczema and psoriasis
Moringa oil and extracts have an ameliorating effect on skin
conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.
The oil is non-irritating and
moisturizing.
The anti-inflammatory substances in Moringa help control
inflammation while the antiseptic effect protects the skin from secondary
infections that exacerbate these conditions.
Moringa is available in many different forms. You can try it in
powder form, supplement form, as a tea, or as an oil.
Alternatively, if you’d like to experience all that Moringa has
to offer but with the added benefit of ten other herbs, superfoods, plants,
algaes and roots, then you’ll want to try Organifi.
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Reference
http://www.naturallivingideas.com/moringa-benefits/
https://authoritynutrition.com/6-benefits-of-moringa-oleifera/
https://draxe.com/moringa-benefits/
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