Moringa benefits, like preventing diabetes, promoting heart health is rich in nutrients, like iron, calcium, carotenoids, quercetin and vitamin C, as well as active substances such as polyphenols and chlorogenic acid, which give this plant its antioxidant, antidiabetic, analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.
Moringa (Moringa oleifera) is a medicinal plant that can be taken to help manage blood sugar levels, assist in the treatment of respiratory problems, protect the liver, reduce muscle fatigue and promote weight loss.
However, there are still few studies available that prove all of its benefits and that outline the minimum doses, as well as its safety for human use. The FDA has not approved moringa as a registered food supplement, and should therefore only be taken as directed by your doctor or a medicinal plant specialist.
Health benefits
According to some scientific studies, moringa may be beneficial for:
1. Increasing breast milk supply
Moringa is often prescribed as a galactagogue to help increase breastmilk production. Although its exact mechanisms are not fully known, it appears to have phytoestrogens that work similarly to normal estrogen found in the body, which is a hormone that is important for breast milk productions.
It also appears to improve prolactin hormones, which is also a hormone that plays an important role in breast milk production.
2. Increasing respiratory capacity
Some studies show that this plant is able to relieve symptoms associated with chronic respiratory diseases, like asthma. It helps to increase hemoglobin levels and, consequently, the amount of oxygen circulating in the blood.
3. Preventing diabetes
Moringa contains antioxidant properties that can help to regulate oxidative stress in the body. This reduces blood sugar levels and protects tissue from damage on a cellular level.
4. Protecting the heart
Because it is rich in fiber, this plant can help to decrease the absorption of cholesterol in the intestines, as well as the formation of fatty plaques in the arteries. These actions can help reduce overall risk for cardiovascular disease.
In addition, due to its antioxidant effects, moringa can also prevent or decrease system inflammation, which will contribute to overall heart health.
5. Managing blood pressure
Moringa contains tocopherols, polyphenols and flavonoids, which all help to regulate blood pressure. These substances are natural vasodilators, which help to relax blood vessels and improve blood circulation.
6. Helping with weight loss
Moringa is a plan that is rich in fiber and protein. It helps to keep you full, which may reduce the amount of high-calorie foods eaten. Therefore, it is a great complement to a weight loss plan.
In addition, some studies in animals have shown that moringa can help to burn accumulated fat.
7. Preventing and treating anemia
Moringa leaves contain a high quantity of iron (105 mg for each 100 g of leaves), which can help to increase red blood cell production and increase levels in the blood. This can help to treat anemia, especially anemia that is caused by iron deficiency.
8. Increasing immunity
Moringa contains vitamin C, polyphenols, and betacarotenes, which are substances that help to strengthen the immune system and increase the body’s natural defense capabilities.
9. Analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects
This plant contains isothyocyanates, quercetin and chlorogenic acid, which are substances that reduce the inflammatory process. Therefore, moringa can be used to treat symptoms associated with inflammatory diseases, like rheumatism and prostate swelling, for example.
10. Protecting and hydrating the skin
Due to its high levels of B-complex vitamins and vitamins C, E and A, moringa can stimulate the formation of collagen, and promote healing and skin hydration.
11. Improving digestion
Consuming moringa may help to complement the treatment of stomach ulcers. It may also help with constipation, due to its high fiber content.
Because of its vasodilator action, moringa can also be used to complement the treatment of hemorrhoids, as it helps to promote circulation.
12. Preventing cancer
Some studies appear to indicate that moringa contains an anti-carcinogenic effect. It seems to stimulate the destruction of malignant cells, mainly in the breasts and intestines.
13. Improving vision
Moringa is rich in beta-carotenes, which a precursor to vitamin A production. Beta-carotenes are also important for the production of pigmentation in the eyes that help to maintain eye health and function.
14. Decreasing menopause symptoms
Inflammation and oxidative stress levels tend to be high during menopause, which makes moringa a great supplement to use during this time. It additionally helps to manage hormone levels during menopause, leading to decreased intensity of symptoms experienced. Learn more about menopause symptoms that you should monitor for.
15. Preserving bone health
Because it is rich in calcium, moringa serves to maintain the health of teeth and promote the development and maintenance of bone structure, being important to prevent diseases such as osteopenia or osteoporosis, which is a disease that leaves bones weak and can cause fractures. . Find out more about what osteoporosis is and its main causes.
16. Protecting the liver
Moringa has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory substances that help maintain liver health, as it improves its functioning and has a preventive and therapeutic effect in cases of fatty liver caused by a diet rich in fat.
17. Reducing muscle fatigue
Moringa has properties that help improve physical performance and reduce muscle fatigue, as it facilitates the mobilization of fat deposits in the body. It can delay the depletion of muscle glycogen reserves and reduce the accumulation of substances, like lactate, that are produced by muscle wear.
Therefore, moringa can be recommended for people who do intense training or play sports.
18. Treating yeast infections and other fungi
Due to its alkaloid, flavonoid and steroid compounds, moringa may inhibit the growth of the Candida albicans fungus. It can be taken to prevent and treat yeast infections.
Other fungi that it appears to be effective against include Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus terreus, Aspergillus nidulans, Rhizoctonia solani, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus oryzae, Fusarium solani, Penicillium sclerotigenum, and Cladosporium cladosporioides, among others.
Moringa properties
Moringa may contain antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-diabetic, vasodilator, anticholinergic, anti-rheumatic, antihypertensive, antimicrobial, hepatoprotective and healing properties.
However, it is important to keep in mind that formal studies completed on this plant remain inconclusive.
Moringa tea
To make moringa tea, use one teaspoon of dried loose leaf moringa leaves for 1 cup of water used.
Boil the water and allow to cool to a warm temperature that is comfortable for drinking. You can steep the leaves for about 5 minutes, then strain and drink.
You can also make moringa tea using powder. One teaspoon of moringa powder for one cup of warm water is what is typically recommended, however you should read manufacturer's labels for more complete instructions.
Moringa capsules and powder
Moringa can also be purchased in capsule or powder form. Most moringa capsules are usually taken once per day, before breakfast. However you should read manufacturer's labels for more complete instructions, as capsule dosing can vary.
Moringa powder will typically come with a measuring spoon. This powder can be added to your water, smoothie, yogurt or soup to achive health benefits. Frequency and dosing will vary from brand to brand, and therefore you should refer to the manufacturer's label.
Side effects
Consuming moringa can result in side effects like nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
People who are hypersensitive to this plant may develop an allergic reaction, which may present with difficulty breathing, itchy skin, and swelling of the face, lips and tongue.
In rare cases, consuming moringa can lead to rhabdomyolysis, a condition in which muscle fibers are destroyed. This condition will usually present with symptoms such as weakness, muscle fatigue, decreased urine production and dark urine.
You are advised to avoid consuming the bark, root and extract of this plant, as they contain toxic substances that can cause paralysis and even death.
More scientific studies are still needed to better understand the adverse effects of this plant, especially when used in high doses or for prolonged periods.
Contraindications for use
The ingestion of moringa is not recommended for pregnant women, as the safety of this medicinal plant has not been studied in pregnant women.
Also recommended: 5 Teas Safe for Pregnancy (and How to Prepare Them) tuasaude.com/en/teas-safe-for-pregnancyPeople with thyroid problems should also avoid consuming this plant, as it appears to affect the production of thyroid hormones. You should speak to your doctor before consuming moringa, especially if you have a chronic disease.
Nutritional information
The following table indicates the nutritional information of 100 g of powdered moringa