Health Benefits of the Moringa leaf

Due to its tremendous nutritional benefits, the Moringa plant or the Ben oil tree has gained massive popularity as the new age super food. It is extensively used as a natural leaf powder supplement in the herbal health supplement market, proliferating. In terms of value, the herbal supplements market is projected to reach around USD 86.74 Billion by 2022, at a CAGR of 6.8% from 2016 to 2022. Moringa leaves take an impressive share in the holistic health market.

Moringa tree leaves are one of the most important medicinal plants on earth. It is capable of treating more than 300 diseases. Other parts of the tree-like bark, seeds, root, fruit, and flowers, also have immense medicinal values. Before we start looking at the benefits, lets compare of Moringa leaves with other common foods.

What Are The Health Benefits Of Moringa Leaves?

Moringa leaves have been used in traditional medicines for treating and curing many ailments, such as diabetes, heart disorders, respiratory and skin problems, liver and digestive issues, epilepsy, thyroid disorders, anemia, and arthritis. Packed with over 90 protective compounds, Moringa has often been said to be a ‘miracle plant,’ rightly so. Moringa is a dense powerhouse of isothiocyanates, flavonoids, essential amino acids, and phenolic acids, coupled with antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties, is deservedly living up to its deemed name.

1. Treating Diabetes

Chlorogenic acid in Moringa effectively reduces lipid and glucose levels, thus lowering blood sugar levels. It has also been found that chlorogenic acid allows the cells to release sugar as needed, offering natural protection against rising sugar levels. The bioactive components present in the leaves help in preventing lipid accumulation. Due to this, there is a reduction in insulin resistance. It also reduces inflammation. (1)

2. Protects Cardiovascular system

The complex and rare combination of phytonutrients in moringas, such as zeatin, quercetin, beta-sitosterol, caffeoylquinic acid, and kaempferol, have been found to have many heart-healthy benefits. Moringa can effectively control cholesterol levels, prevent plaque formation in the arteries, and boost the blood lipid profile. It also helps maintain optimum blood pressure levels with bioactive compounds like isothiocyanate and niaziminin that keep the streets from thickening.

Moringa Oleifera leaves contain phenolic acids, isothiocyanates, saponins, flavonoids, and phenolic acids. These bioactive components help in the treatment of heart disease and fatty liver. The research was primarily done on animal models, and more research is required to prove its benefits to humans. (2)

3. Improves Brain Health

Moringa contains the amino acid phenylalanine – which helps improve memory and produces chemicals required to boost the neurotransmitter functions of the brain. This, in turn, improves neurological functions and boosts memory. Moringa also offers protection from Alzheimer’s disease. Moringa also has properties that help facilitate iron absorption in the blood, increasing red blood cell count and hemoglobin levels.

4. Nourishes and Protects The Skin

When applied directly to the skin, Moringa oil can work wonders in reducing inflammation caused by acne and also helps with burns, bites, wounds, and treating the abscesses on the skin. Moringa is an excellent hydrating agent for the skin when used regularly and has been known to possess anti-aging properties for restoring the skin’s natural moisture barrier. It is also used to treat dandruff and gum diseases and also eliminates odors. It is increasingly used in perfumes and food manufacturing industries to kill bacteria and pleasant smells.

5. Improves Digestive Health

The high concentrations of polyphenols in moringa leaves and flowers make it a great friend of the liver – the organ responsible for detoxifying the blood, bile production, metabolism, and processing nutrients. Liver damage can be reversed by using moringa leaf powder; its oil can reduce oxidative stress and increase protein content. It also serves as an excellent appetite stimulant. Constipation, gastritis, or conditions like diarrhea and Moringa can significantly boost digestive health.

6. Balances Hormones

Various glands and organs secrete multiple hormones, which significantly affect our overall health. It is well-known that most health ailments can be cured by controlling hormones or strengthening the endocrine system. Moringa provides the body with valuable antioxidant enzymes and anti-inflammatory compounds that have the potential to slow the effects of aging, stabilize mood, boost immunity and brain health, and improve the digestive system. It also has properties that make it ideal for balancing blood sugar levels. Instead of relying on synthetic hormone treatments, Moringa is a natural way to balance your hormones naturally.

7. Anti-inflammatory benefits

Several chronic diseases can be prevented by taking Moringa because of the bio-active anti-inflammatory constituent of the plant. High in several compounds that work as anti-inflammatory drugs minus the side effects, moringa leaves can effectively reduce the risk for hypertension, stomach cancers, lung and colon, diabetes, and eye disorders due to increasing age.

8. Mood Booster

Moringa comes packed with proteins and amino acid tryptophan that improve the brain’s neurotransmitter functions, including releasing the “feel-good” hormone. Increasing serotonin levels can decrease mood swings and keep you feeling good. Consumption of Moringa also helps maintain optimum thyroid health, which makes it ideal for fighting depression, fatigue, and lack of energy. The high magnesium content of Moringa also makes it an excellent anti-stress supplement.

9. Healing Properties

The extract of Moringa leaves possesses some oil with significant healing properties. Wounds, burns, and scars can be healed if this oil is used for cooking or directly on the skin. Moringa also fights the infection due to the herpes simplex virus. It also possesses blood clotting properties, which can help reduce the bleeding time from cuts and wounds.

10. Fights Free Radicals

High levels of free radicals in the system can cause chronic heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Moringa has excellent antioxidants that can help reduce oxidative stress in the body. Prolonged oxidative stress in the body can cause cellular damage and may significantly contribute to the aging process.

Other Benefits

Other Top Benefits of Moringa as per traditional medicine practices

1. Increases the Natural Defenses of the body
2. Provides nourishment to the eyes and the brain
3. Promotes the Cell structure of the body
4. Lowers the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines
5. Promotes the normal functioning of the liver and the kidney
6. Helps in proper digestion
7. Acts as an antioxidant
8. Takes care of the immune system of the body
9. Promotes healthy circulatory system
10. Used to reduce swelling
11. Used as aphrodisiac to increase sex drive
12. It is great for mothers as it increases the breast milk production
13. It acts as an astringent and can be used as a drying agent for the skin. If applied on the skin directly, it acts as a germ killer
14. Oil extracted from Moringa seeds is used to prepare hair care products, perfume, foods, and lubricants for machines
15. Post oil extraction from the seeds, the cake that is left behind is used as fertilizer or in removing salt from sea water

Nutrients in Moringa leaves and their health benefits or effects

Points To Note When Buying Moringa

Moringa has gained popularity only in recent years, and with the fame, the possibility of degrading Moringa cannot be ruled out. Furthermore, the market is flooded with various moringa extracts, which could be combined with toxins or artificial ingredients. Therefore, always buy pure moringa oleifera to derive maximum benefits. Also, ensure that you stick to limited dosages- six grams daily for up to three weeks at a time.

According to the annals of the Ayurveda, India’s old tradition of medicines, the leaves of the Moringa Tree could treat at least 300 diseases.

Moringa leaf has no proven harmful effects and is safe and organic. Because of its tolerant properties, it has been given to malnourished babies in Africa. In addition, athletes worldwide boost their performance abilities by taking vast quantities of the leaf to keep them mentally and physically fit. It is their secret weapon. Even for senior citizens losing their sharpness of mind, the Moringa tree leaf could be a great help. The powder is suitable for people from any age group.

The Moringa leaf is comparatively unheard of even though it was mentioned more than two thousand years ago. Nevertheless, the World Health Organization has been observing and utilizing the tree for more than forty years now as a cheap health supplement in the world’s poverty-stricken countries. There is a reason behind this. Selling all kinds of health supplements, minerals, and vitamins is a lucrative business. Therefore, no big company would risk introducing a name that could harm and lower the sale of all other nutritional items. The same holds for pharmaceutical companies, too. These vast companies would prefer to keep the general public in the dark about the benefits of the Moringa leaf to make big bucks for their help.

FAQ

What Is Moringa?

Moringa is known by many names in different countries and cultures, but the most common words are horseradish tree, ben tree, or drumstick tree. It is a small tropical tree native to the Indian subcontinent and Africa and comes packed with excellent nutritious value. Of many variants of the plant, Moringa oleifera has been acknowledged as the “plant of the year” for its health and healing benefits. (Source) Research has proven that though moringa leaves are robust for their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and tissue-protective properties, the other parts of the tree, like the bark, roots, flowers, fruits, and seeds, are also utilized in some way or another.

What Is The Nutritional Composition Of Moringa Oleifera?

Moringa has been found to possess excellent protein, vitamin A, potassium, calcium, and vitamin C components with a rich flavor resembling spinach. It is also very high in antioxidants, contains all nine amino acids, has more than 30% fiber content, and is a rich source of iron. Add to that the plant’s anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and anti-aging properties, and you have one of the world’s most nutrient-rich plant extracts in your hands!

Are There Any Side Effects Of Taking Moringa?

It is considered safe when taken by mouth or applied on the skin in appropriate doses. However, the roots and extracts should not be consumed as they may cause certain toxic compounds to react. If you are pregnant or are breastfeeding, it is best to take your doctor’s advice. If you do happen to take Moringa, take it in tiny doses, avoiding the root and its extracts.

How To Use Moringa?

Moringa can be taken by mouth or applied to the skin. Moringa leaves are often used to make tea. Just brew some dried moringa leaves in hot water like you prepare green tea and drink to good health. You can also dry fresh leaves at room temperature for about two weeks. Use these dried leaves to make a very nutritious moringa tea. It is best to use mature leaves for this purpose. If you have powder, dash up a refreshing and energizing drink by adding half a teaspoon. Add some honey, and squeeze a bit of lemon in water for that zing. Or smooth it all up by whipping up a smoothie. You can add it to your meals, but just enough not to spoil the dish’s flavors!