Moringa: Top 15 Health Benefits, Side Effects and How to Use

MORINGA LEAVES TOP 15 HEALTH BENEFITS,SIDE EFFECTS & HOW TO USE

What is moringa oleifera?

A tree, native to South Asia and Africa, moringa oleifera has a number of colloquial names including the ‘miracle tree’ because of its alleged healing abilities, and the ‘horseradish tree’ thanks to its botanical family, the brassicas. Almost all parts of the tree can be eaten, including the leaves, bark, roots, sap and flowers, although it’s the leaf extracts which appear to offer the greatest protective, antioxidant properties.

The tree is an important source of nourishment in developing countries where poor nutrition is a major concern. In the Western world, the dried leaves are more likely to be sold as a food supplement in either a powder or capsule form.

Moringa or Moringa oleifera is otherwise known as the ‘drumstick tree’ and has a variety of nutritional benefits. The name Moringa may have been derived from the word ‘Murungai’ which means ‘twisted pod’ in the Tamil language.

Moringa is native to India, but is also grown in different parts of the world and is also known by a host of different names. Various parts of the plant including the roots, leaves, barks, flowers, fruits and seeds are used to make medicines.

Although Moringa has recently become all the rage when it comes to substances that are vital for holistic and organic health, not many people have heard of this herb. It has been in use for thousands of years and also goes by the name Ben Oil Tree.

The National Institute of health even called this tree “Plant of the Year” back in 2008 because it has so many health benefits for your body. It is used all over the world to treat many illnesses and is mainly known for the fact that it is extremely good at healing.

Top 10 health benefits of Moringa

1. Rich source of protective antioxidants

Antioxidant compounds, including nutrients and phytochemicals, help protect cells from the damage incurred by molecules called free radicals, these are produced by the body when exposed to environmental toxins like pesticides and cigarette smoke. Moringa, and most notably its leaves, are rich in a number of beneficial compounds which provide antioxidant protection. These include vitamin C and beta-carotene as well as polyphenols, such as quercetin, rutin and chlorogenic acid.

2. May support blood sugar control

Most of the evidence supporting the use of moringa for balancing blood sugar has been based on animal studies – these suggest that compounds in the leaves may stimulate the cells of the pancreas, which are responsible for the secretion of the blood-sugar balancing hormone, insulin.

An interesting study looking at the effects of the leaf powder on postmenopausal woman showed that taking 1½ teaspoons of moringa leaf powder every day for three months reduced fasting blood glucose levels by an average of 13.5 per cent. This suggests that moringa may be helpful in addressing some of the physiological changes experienced by mid-life women.

3. May have anti-inflammatory benefits

Inflammation plays a pivotal role in the development of many chronic illnesses, from obesity and diabetes to arthritis. The root, fruit and leaves of moringa contain substances which inhibit this inflammatory process.  Both animal and test tube studies support the use of moringa, although there are still relatively few studies confirming these effects in humans.4. May protect the liver

The liver is essential for maintaining our health and processing nutrients from our diet. In animal studies, moringa’s high levels of protective compounds called polyphenols helped protect the liver and promote recovery of damaged tissue.

Very recent human trials suggest a possible role for moringa as an anti-cancer drug for liver cancer.

5. May support cognitive function

The rich antioxidant properties of moringa may support cognitive function and be useful in the fight against cognitive decline, as well as conditions like dementia and Alzheimer’s. In addition to this, it would appear that the plant may be useful in supporting mood, memory and neurotransmitter balance, with animal studies suggesting the leaf extract may be helpful for depression.

Studies to date in all of these areas look promising, but there’s still much for us to learn about this plant and its many reputed benefits.

               THERE ARE MORE 

Moringa anti inflammatory properties

The presence of flavonoids like beta-carotenoids, Vitamin C, quertecin and Chlorogenic acid in moringa help to prevent inflammation. Quertecin helps to stabilize histamine production in the body and while Chlorogenic Acid helps to balance blood sugar levels. Moringa helps to control inflammation as fluctuations in blood sugar levels have been found to cause inflammation, diabetes and other problems.

Moringa benefits for bones health

Moringa has essential minerals like calcium and phosphorus which help to keep our bones healthy and strong. Extracts from this Moringa plant have been found to possess anti-inflammatory properties that help to treat conditions like arthritis and also help to fix mandibular or jaw bone fractures.

Moringa for cancer patients

Moringa extracts help to prevent cancer as they contain phenolic components like quertecin and kaempferol which exhibit chemopreventive properties. Niazimicin is a bioactive compound present in moringa which help to restraint the development of cancer cells.

Moringa extracts prevent the proliferation of malignant cells and helps induce apoptosis or programmed cell death and thus helps prevent various types of cancer like ovarian cancer, liver cancer and skin cancer.

Moringa antibacterial properties

Moringa extracts act against food-borne microorganisms like Salmonella, Rhizopus species, E.coli, Enterobacter aerogenus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus and thus protect us from the disease-causing microbes. The leaves of moringa plant have anti-fungal properties that help to inhibit the growth of disease-causing fungi and prevent us from contracting diseases.

Moringa benefits for brain health

Moringa is rich in Vitamin E and Vitamin C and these help to fight oxidation which may lead to neural degeneration. Moringa has an essential role in regulating essential neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine and noradrenline in the brain which play a vital role in the functioning of memory, mood and even organs.

Consumption of Moringa can help to have an affirmative effect on mental health and aids in preventing Parkinson’s disease.

Moringa good for liver disease

The liver is one of the most vital organs of our body and it is responsible for metabolism of fats and nutrients, bile production and even blood detoxification. The liver carries out all these functions with the aid of enzymes and moringa oil helps to maintain the liver enzyme levels.

Moringa helps to reduce fibrosis and liver damage by reducing oxidative stress and increases protein content in the liver.

Moringa helps to improve body immunity

Moringa leaves contain ethanol which helps to boost body immunity. It helps to improve cellular immune response and increases the count of leucocytes and antibodies which protect our body against a variety of illnesses.

Moringa reduces symptoms of diabetes

Moringa leaf powder helps to reduce lipid and glucose levels and regulates oxidative stress. It also helps to improve hemoglobin levels and the total protein content in people suffering from diabetes. Moringa helps to fight diabetes by lowering blood sugar and cholesterol levels.

Moringa helps prevent kidney problems

Moringa extracts act as effective bio-absorbent and helps to remove heavy metals and harmful toxins from the body. Thus consumption of moringa help to fight against nephrotoxicity, a condition where kidneys are damaged due to exposure to toxins or drugs. Moringa exhibits this property due to the presence of powerful anti-oxidants.

Moringa prevents respiratory problems

Moringa plant extracts help to prevent asthma and inflammation in the respiratory airways. Moringa helps to reduce the severity of asthmatic attacks and prevents other respiratory disorders like wheezing, cough, dyspnea and contraction of the chest. Moringa seeds have anti-allergenic 

Is moringa safe for everyone?

It is generally considered safe to eat the leaves anwd seed pods, however caution should be exercised over the bark and pulp. This is especially relevant during pregnancy because the bark contains chemicals which may promote uterine contractions and may increase the risk of miscarriage.

Those on prescribed medication including blood pressure tablets, diabetes medication and levothrmacis to

WRITTER: Tajbiul Islam Tajbi 

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