Health benefits and side effects you should know; An indigenous to northern India plant known as Moringa oleifera may also thrive in tropical and subtropical areas of Asia and Africa.
This plant’s leaves, petals, seeds, and roots have all been used in traditional medicine for ages.
It has traditionally been used to treat the following ailments:
- Bacterial, viral, and fungal infections
- Joint pain
- Diabetes
- Cancer
- Long-lasting inflammation
- Heart health
Do They Have Health Benefits?
Moringa contains a wide range of essential vitamins and minerals. The leaves provide seven times more vitamin C per serving than oranges and 15 times more potassium per serving than bananas. Iron, calcium, protein, and amino acids are also present, all of which promote the development and repair of muscles.
One cup of moringa leaves has 2 grammes of protein, 8% of the recommended daily allowance of magnesium, 19% of the recommended daily allowance of vitamin B6, 1% of the recommended daily allowance of iron, and 1% of the recommended daily allowance of vitamin A. (9 per cent of the RDA).
Additionally, it has a lot of antioxidants, which may help to boost immunity and shield cells from damage. Some evidence suggests that some of these antioxidants can help lower blood pressure and reduce body and blood fat.
Uses of Moringa
Animals have been used often up until this point in investigations on moringa. We don’t know what would happen if individuals were involved. Although further investigation is necessary to discover the precise effects of this tree’s extracts on people, preliminary findings indicate they could be advantageous for:
Rheumatoid arthritis pain, redness, and fluid swelling may be lessened by a moringa leaf extract.
Diabetes: Several preliminary studies indicate that the insulin-like proteins found in moringa may help decrease blood sugar levels. It’s likely that plant substances found in leaves may affect how the body makes insulin and will enhance how well the body breaks down sugar.
Cancer: In laboratory trials, leaf extracts prevented the growth of pancreatic cancer cells and increased the effectiveness of chemotherapy. Other laboratory studies show that the leaves, bark, and roots of the moringa plant have anti-cancer effects, indicating novel drug options.
Scientists have hypothesised that antioxidants and other beneficial plant compounds may lessen stress and inflammation in the brain.
A body’s natural response to pain and injury is inflammation. Because there are isothiocyanates in moringa leaves, they have an anti-inflammatory effect. They possess niazimicin, which is known to stop the growth of cancer cells.
The underlying cause of several ailments, including Several autoimmune disorders, include rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, and arthritis. The body experiences heightened inflammation after an accident or infection.
Inflammation is essentially a defence mechanism against trauma, but due to a poor lifestyle and a poor diet, it may get worse. Chronic health problems are brought on by long-term inflammation. Consuming moringa leaves can lower inflammation.
Moringa leaves increase fat burning in the body. They slim down the person without depleting energy reserves. This keeps the person feeling buoyant and nourished. They reduce cravings for food and boost metabolism. They also lower cholesterol.
Good for Skin and Hair: Due to an abundance of antioxidants and nutrients, moringa leaves improve the health and appearance of skin and hair. They 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. They have about 30 antioxidants present. Not just this, 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
Scientists are also trying to prove if it might help with:
- High blood pressure
- Diarrhea
- Liver damage caused by medicines
- Stomach ulcers
- Asthma
- Arthritis
- Wound healing
- Cholesterol
- Ulcerative colitis
- Anemia
Can i take Moringa everyday?
Everyday use of moringa may result in small reductions in cholesterol and blood sugar levels. For those who are deficient in critical nutrients, moringa leaves may be ingested daily and are very nutritious.
How safe is Moringa?
According to research, it’s normally safe to consume the immature seed pods or leaves, and leaf extracts prepared from powder and water could also be secure. However, eating bark or pulp might be harmful, particularly for pregnant people.
- Moringa and its leaves may not be for everyone. While generally considered safe and healthy for most, there are some minor side effects to watch out for. In large doses, the leaves, bark, roots and moringa fruit may have laxative properties.
- In pregnant women, the roots, bark and extract of Moringa may cause uterine contractions. Pregnant women should take the advice of their doctors before including Moringa leaves or products into their diets.
- Similarly, breastfeeding women should avoid Moringa leaves since it is unknown whether any of the chemicals or substances present can pass through the milk to the child.
- In some cases, Moringa leaf powder has been found to contain higher than the recommended tolerable amounts of lead, please source any extracts you use only from reputable companies.
- Lastly, it is recommended that people on blood thinners should also avoid Moringa unless you consult your doctor first. As with all things, when taken in moderation it can be safe for most people, so always use it with caution.
Conclusion
The nutritional punch of moringa leaves is strong, and they are also anti-inflammatory. They are a new type of “superfood” because of its antioxidant and cellular health preserving qualities. They reduce sugar levels and the development of inflammatory enzymes. Include them frequently in your diet to get their numerous health advantages.
