Explanation
There are actually believed to be at least a dozen different varieties of the moringa tree, which belong to the plant family Moringaceae. These are fast-growing, tall, leafy plants that produce flowers or pods. Prior to the plant’s effects being demonstrated in scientific studies, it was used extensively in traditional medicine practices like Ayurveda medicine for over 4,000 years.
Moringa has gained a reputation for fighting inflammation and combating various effects of malnutrition and aging, earning the nickname “the miracle plant.”
Moringa tree intriguing nickname
Moringa (moringa Oleifera) is known by over 100 names in different languages around the world.
Horseradish tree – Because of the sharp flavor of its roots
Drumstick tree – the long thin bean pods
Miracle tree – because it’s medicinal uses
Mulunggay – as known in maritime or archipelagic areas in Asia
Tree of life – classified as an important herbal plant
Nutrition Value
Moringa leaves an excellent source of vitamin C. The dried leaves contain.
• Calcium
• Iron
• Vitamin C
• Thiamine
The moringa pods have three times the amount of vitamin C of an orange. Even though moringa tea does not contain caffeine. Moringa leaves to treat
• inflammation-related diseases
• cancer
• diabetes
• anemia
• low energy and fatigue
• arthritis and other joint pain, such as rheumatism
• allergies and asthma
• constipation, stomach pains 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
The most popular medicinal use of this plant involves drying and grinding down moringa leaves, where most of the antioxidants and other healthy properties are found. A 2022 study revealed how most people view moringa as only a fruit/vegetable, but the moringa leaves “contain almost all essential nutrients, growth factors, vitamins, amino acids, proteins, minerals, and metals like potassium, iron, and zinc.”
Studies have also shown that moringa powder is loaded with phytochemicals, protein, calcium, beta-carotene, vitamin C and potassium. Because it provides a concentrated source of vitamin A, it’s given to thousands of children in third-world countries every year suffering from life-threatening vitamin A deficiency, which is linked to impaired immune function.
Consuming it can also improve intake of trace minerals, amino acids and phenolic compounds. The plant contains a rare and unique combination of disease-preventing phytonutrients, including flavonoids, glucosides, glucosinolates, zeatin, quercetin, beta-sitosterol, caffeoylquinic acid and kaempferol.
• 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 cow milk
• seven times the amount of vitamin C as oranges
Benifits
Provides Antioxidants and Anti-Inflammatory Compounds
Studies have shown that these compounds are protective of the heart, natural circulatory stimulants, and possess anti-tumor, anti-epileptic, anti-ulcer, anti-spasmodic, anti-hypertensive and anti-diabetic effects.
Moringa powder is high in several powerful anti-aging compounds that lower the effects of free radicals, oxidative stress and inflammation. These are associated with a reduced risk for chronic diseases, such as stomach, lung or colon cancer; diabetes; hypertension; and age-related eye disorders.
Balances Hormones and Slows the Effects of Aging
Levels of antioxidant status, including serum retinol, serum ascorbic acid, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase and malondialdehyde, were analyzed before and after supplementation, along with fasting blood glucose and hemoglobin levels.
Results showed that supplementing with moringa and amaranth caused significant increases in antioxidant status along with significant decreases in markers of oxidative stress. Better fasting blood glucose control and positive increases in hemoglobin were also found.
Can moringa help you sexually? There’s some evidence it may boost libido and work like a natural birth control compound, according to some animal studies.
Although it’s historically been used as a natural aphrodisiac, it actually seems to help reduce rates of conception. That said, it can boost the immune system during pregnancy and also increase breast milk production/lactation, according to some studies.
Helps Improve Digestive Health
Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, moringa has been used in ancient systems of medicine, such as Ayurveda, to prevent or treat stomach ulcers, liver disease, kidney damage, fungal or yeast infections (such as candida), digestive complaints, and infections.
A common use of moringa oil is helping to boost liver function, therefore detoxifying the body of harmful substances, such as heavy metal toxins. It might also be capable of helping fight kidney stones, urinary tract infections, constipation, fluid retention/edema and diarrhea.
Balances Blood Sugar Levels, Helping Fight Diabetes
Moringa contains a type of acid called chlorogenic acid, which has been shown to help control blood sugar levels and allow cells to take up or release glucose (sugar) as needed. This gives it natural anti-diabetic and hormone-balancing properties.
Aside from chloregnic acid, compounds called isothiocyanates that are present in moringa leaf have also been tied to natural protection against diabetes.
Can moringa help you lose weight? Because it can improve insulin sensitivity and hormone balance, it may offer some advantages to those following a weight loss plan.
Protects and Nourishes the Skin
Moringa contains natural antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral compounds that protect the skin from various forms of infections. Some of the common ways it is used on the skin include reducing athlete’s foot, eliminating odors, reducing inflammation associated with acne breakouts, treating pockets of infection or abscesses, getting rid of dandruff, fighting gum disease (gingivitis), and helping heal bites, burns, viral warts and wounds.
Helps Stabilize Your Mood and Protects Brain Health
A high-protein food, moringa is also rich in antioxidants and compounds that may improve thyroid health, which makes it beneficial for maintaining high energy levels plus fighting fatigue, depression, low libido, moods swings and insomnia.
Good for the Environment (Water and Topsoil)
A noteworthy characteristic of the moringa plant is that it’s capable of growing in depleted or dry soils where many other types of beneficial plants or trees cannot survive. This is precisely why certain undernourished populations, such as Somalia or India, have benefited from it during times of famine.
Aside from providing important nutrients, it is used to help restore fertile soil, aid in forest restoration efforts and filter water.
One interesting use of the seeds is for water purification. Combining moringa with water helps impurities cling to the seeds so they can be removed, leaving behind better quality water that’s lower in toxins.
Dosage Recommendations
There’s some evidence that the optimum dose for humans has been calculated to be 29 milligrams per kilogram of body weight. It’s recommended that you start by taking half a teaspoon of dried moringa orally per day for three to five days, increasing your intake slowly over two weeks as you get acclimated to its effects.
Here are the most common ways to use moringa to get the best moringa benefits possible
Dried moringa leaves or moringa powder: It takes roughly seven pounds of moringa leaves to make one pound of dried moringa powder. The leaves are considered the most potent parts of the plant, containing the most antioxidants and available macronutrients. Follow dosage directions carefully, taking up to six grams daily for up to three weeks at a time
Moringa tea: This type of moringa is made from dried leaves steeped in hot water, just like many other beneficial herbal teas. The most nutrient-dense types are organic and dried slowly under low temperatures, which helps preserve delicate compounds. Avoid boiling the leaves to help retain the nutrients best, and don’t cook with moringa if possible.