Health benefits of moringa leaves

  

Health benefits of Moringa leaves

Moringa oleifera is a plant also called the drumstick tree, the miracle tree, the ben oil tree, or the horseradish tree.  It is found mostly in Asia, Africa, and South America.

The leaves, fruit, sap, oil, roots, bark, seeds, pod, and flowers of the tree have medicinal properties.

Moringa plant has many important vitamins and minerals. The moringa leaves have 7 times more vitamin C than oranges and 15 times more potassium than bananas. It also has calcium, protein, iron, and amino acids, which help your body heal and build muscle.

The moringa leaves are nutritionally very rich, leaving behind carrots, oranges, and even milk in terms of nutrition value

It also has antifungal, antiviral, antidepressant, and anti-inflammatory properties.

Moringa oleifera has few known side effects.

Moringa contains many healthful compounds such as:

• vitamin A
• calcium
• potassium
• iron
• magnesium
• vitamin B1 (thiamine)
• B2 (riboflavin)
• B3 (niacin), B-6
• folate and ascorbic acid (vitamin C)
• phosphorus
• zinc

It is also extremely low in fats and contains no harmful cholesterol.

Adding moringa to juices and using them as a stir-fry vegetable are the most common ways in which they are consumed. When consumed in their natural form, the moringa leaves have no side effects.

Health benefits of moringa

1. Rich in Vitamins and Minerals 

Moringa leaves are rich in vitamins A, C, B1 (thiamin), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B6, and Folate. They are also rich in magnesium, iron, calcium, phosphorus, and zinc.

One cup of moringa leaves will contain 2 grams of protein, magnesium (8 percent of the RDA), Riboflavin (11 percent of the RDA), and Vitamin A (9 percent of the RDA), Vitamin B6 (19 percent of the RDA), Iron (11 percent of the RDA).

 

 

2.  Rich in Amino Acids

Moringa leaves are also rich in amino acids, the building blocks of proteins. 18 types of amino acids are found in moringa leaves and each of them makes an important contribution to our wellbeing.

3.  Fight Inflammation

Eating moringa leaves help to reduce inflammation. Inflammation is how a body naturally responds to pain and injury. Moringa leaves are anti-inflammatory in nature due to the presence of isothiocyanates. They have niazimicin that is known to reign in the development of cancer cells.

 Inflammation is the main cause of many diseases like cancer, arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and many autoimmune diseases. When we suffer an injury or infection, the body suffers increased inflammation.

4.  Rich in Antioxidants

Moringa has anti-oxidative properties and protect against the damaging effects of free radicals present in the environment. The damage caused by free radicals is responsible for many chronic diseases like type 2 heart problems, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s.

Moringa leaves are also rich in vitamin C and beta-carotene that act against free radicals.

They also have Quercetin which is an antioxidant that helps to lower blood pressure. Another antioxidant that is present in moringa leaves is Chlorogenic acid which helps to stabilize blood sugar levels post meals.

5.  Lower Blood Sugar Levels

Sustained high blood sugar levels lead to the development of diabetes in individuals. Diabetes, in turn, can cause heart problems and organ damage in the body. To avoid this problem, it is good to keep the blood sugar levels in check. Moringa leaves are a perfect resource for that as they stabilize the blood sugar levels due to the presence of isothiocyanates.

6.  Lowers Cholesterol

Apart from oats, almonds, and flaxseeds, moringa leaves are a dependable remedy against high cholesterol.

 Cholesterol is the major reason for heart diseases and eating moringa leaves shows considerable improvement against high cholesterol levels. Moringa can lower those levels and protect against the risk of heart disease

7. Protects the Liver

Those who have tuberculosis can benefit greatly from moringa leaves as they reduce the negative effects of anti-tubercular drugs. The leaves accelerate the repair of the liver cells. The leaves have a high concentration of polyphenols that protect against oxidative damage to the liver and may even reduce it. They increase the protein levels in the liver.

The liver is the site of blood detoxification, fat metabolism, and nutrient absorption and it can function properly only if the liver enzymes are normal. Moringa leaves stabilize these liver enzymes.

8.  Protects Against Arsenic Toxicity 

In many parts of the world, arsenic contamination is a common problem. Arsenic has found its way into our systems through many food items, particularly rice.

Long-term exposure to this element can lead to the development of cancer and heart disease. Research on lab animals has shown that moringa leaves combat the effects of arsenic toxicity.

9.  Good for the Stomach 

Moringa leaves prevent many digestive disorders. Those who suffer from constipation, bloating, gastritis, gas, and ulcerative colitis should add Moringa leaves to their diet.

The moringa leaves have antibiotic and antimicrobial properties which make them an ideal remedy against digestive disorders. Even the high amount of B vitamins present in the leaves helps in improving digestion.

10.   Improves Bone health

Moringa leaves are rich sources of calcium and phosphorus. Both of these elements are needed for good bone health. Since moringa leaves are anti-inflammatory in nature, they help combat arthritis and may even heal bones that are damaged.

Moringa oleifera also fights against osteoporosis and keeps bones and teeth strong.

11.   An Antiseptic

Moringa leaves are considered antiseptic and fight off many bacterial infections. They are even beneficial towards wound healing and help to heal minor cuts, bruises, and burns quickly as they reduce the clotting time.

12.   Improve Lactation

In traditional ayurvedic medicine, moringa leaves were used to increase lactation in nursing mothers. Since they are a rich source of protein, important vitamins, and essential nutrients, consuming moringa leaves is very good for the health of the mother and the baby.

13.   Helps in Weight Management

Moringa leaves help to burn fat in the body. They slim down the person without depleting energy reserves. This keeps the person feeling buoyant and nourished. They help to reduce cravings for food and boost metabolism. They also lower cholesterol.

 

 

 

 

14.   Good for Skin and Hair 

Due to an abundance of antioxidants and nutrients, moringa leaves helps to improve the health and appearance of skin and hair. Moringa leaves add suppleness to the skin and shine to the hair.

 The antioxidants present in moringa leaves reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles on the skin. These leaves have about 30 antioxidants present.

 A paste of moringa leaves when applied to the scalp and the hair reduces dandruff and adds life and bounce to dull, lifeless hair. The leaves also strengthen the hair follicles. They are also good for acne-prone skin. This is why moringa leaves are part of many cosmetics. They improve the skin tone and add a glow due to their purifying nature and therapeutic properties.

 

15.   Good for Nervous System

Many nervous disorders have been known to show positive results against the use of moringa leaves. Moringa leaves support brain health and works as neuro-enhancers. The high concentration of vitamins E and C combat neural degeneration and helps improve brain function.

Those who have a migraine or suffer from recurring headaches must eat moringa leaves regularly. These leaves also work as mood balancers as they stabilize the production of neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and noradrenaline which are important for memory, mood, and for stimulus-response.

 

16.   Good for Detoxification

Moringa leaves are natural cleansers and help to detoxify the system. This helps to keep the body and increases immunity against various infections. They also increase the energy levels in the body.

 

17. Treating asthma

Moringa may help reduce the severity of some asthma attacks and protect against bronchial constrictions. It has also been shown to assist with better lung function and breathing overall.

18. Protecting against kidney disorders

People may be less likely to develop stones in the kidneys, bladder, or uterus if they ingest moringa extract. Moringa contains high levels of antioxidants that might aid toxicity levels in the kidneys.

 

Conclusion

Moringa leaves provide a powerful punch of nutrition and have an anti-inflammatory nature. Their antioxidative properties combined with their cellular-health protective properties make them a new ‘superfood’. They suppress the production of inflammatory enzymes and lower sugar levels. Make these a regular part of your diet to reap rich health benefits.

Side effects

Anyone considering using moringa is advised to discuss it with a doctor first.

Moringa may possess anti-fertility qualities and is therefore not recommended for pregnant women.

There have been very few side effects reported.

People should always read the label on the extract and follow dosage instructions.