The Moringa plant is native to the Asian region, including countries like Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan. Almost all parts of moringa are used to make medicines including roots, flowers, fruits, leaves, and bark. 

Moringa is suitable for many conditions including symptoms of menopause, diabetes, asthma, and obesity. However, it lacks scientific evidence to support these medicinal uses of moringa. Oil extracted from moringa seeds is used as a machine lubricant, in perfumes, foods, and hair care products. 

In different regions of the world, moringa is an essential food source. Moringa is used in India and Africa in feeding programs to combat hunger since it is cheap and easy to grow, and the leaves retain a lot of vitamins and minerals when dried. The seeds are extracted from more mature pods and cooked like peas or roasted like almonds, while the immature green pods (drumsticks) are eaten similarly to green beans. The leaves can be cooked and eaten like spinach, or dried and powdered, and used as a seasoning¹.

 

Benefits of Moringa

 

Lower Blood Sugar Levels

There are many health complications linked with high blood pressure. In short, it is the most prominent aspect of diabetes.

High blood sugar levels increase the risk of a variety of major health concerns, including heart disease, over time. As a result, it's critical to maintain your blood sugar levels in check. Many research studies show that Moringa oleifera aids in managing high blood pressure. But, it must be noted that this evidence is based on animal trials. 

Taking 1.5 teaspoons (7 grams) of moringa leaf powder daily for three months decreased fasting blood sugar levels by 13.5 % on average, according to research conducted on 30 women. In another small research conducted on 6 persons with diabetes, adding 50 grams of moringa leaves to a meal lowered the increase in blood sugar by 21%. According to the recommendation of scientists, plant chemicals such as isothiocyanates are responsible for such effects².

 

It's a source of plant-based protein.

If you are just trying to cut down on meat, or you're a vegetarian it's not always easy obtaining effective plant-based protein. Lentils and tempeh are excellent sources of protein but sometimes you just want a quick, no-cook add-in to sprinkle on smoothie bowls or add to soup. Moringa has an important role in this. Powders prepared from its crushed leaves are high in protein, approximately 3 gm per tablespoon, and have an advantage over legumes in that they include all of the essential amino acids, which are required for muscle repair, energy production, and mood control.

 

Better sex life.

Stress can have a negative impact on your sexual life. It can alter hormone levels, causing cortisol to rise and dopamine to fall, resulting in a decrease in libido. Moringa has been shown in animal studies to not only lower cortisol levels, but it may also naturally enhance testosterone levels, it is one of the well-known sex drive boosters. Moringa extract was found to improve sexual function in stressed mice by lowering cortisol and boosting testosterone levels in one study.

 

It may help balance hormones.

Hormonal imbalance happens during menopause and makes women feel weird, but moringa may be useful in such situations. Postmenopausal women who use moringa leaf powder and amaranth leaf powder combination for three months had lower oxidative stress markers, as well as better fasting blood glucose and higher hemoglobin levels, which could indicate more balanced hormones, according to a study published in the Journal of Food and Science Technology. Moringa has also been linked to energy levels, digestion, sleep, and thyroid health, which regulates hormones. 

 

It protects the liver.

Your liver is your body's natural detoxifier. Moringa may help it perform better by filtering the blood, detoxifying toxins, and metabolizing fat. Moringa contains significant levels of polyphenols, which help to reverse oxidation in the liver, and preliminary study has suggested that moringa consumption can help to prevent liver damage and fibrosis.

 

It can help fight free radicals.

Exposure to sun, pollution, and fried food, are all sources of free radicals. They cause oxidative stress, cell damage, and premature aging by robbing your cells of an electron. Antioxidants present in moringas, such as flavonoids, polyphenols, and ascorbic acid, are the antidote. Antioxidant-rich foods have been proved to reduce premature wrinkles and may even help you live longer³.

 

Treating stomach complaints

Moringa is also beneficial for some stomach diseases including gastritis, ulcerative colitis, and constipation. The high content of vitamin B improves digestion and its antibiotic and antibacterial properties fight against various pathogens. 

 

Effective against infections 

Moringa can also treat various infections caused by E. coli, Rhizopus and Salmonella, etc. because of its antimicrobial, antibacterial, and antifungal properties.

 

Making bones healthier

Moringa is a rich source of calcium and phosphorus, both of which are beneficial for bone health. Moringa extract, in addition to its anti-inflammatory effects, may aid in the treatment of illnesses such as arthritis and the healing of damaged bones⁴.

 

 

References

 

1. Moringa. [Internet]. [Cited 2021 July 16]; Available from https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-1242/moringa
2. 6 benefits of moringa. [Internet]. [Cited 2021 July 16]; Available from https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/6-benefits-of-moringa-oleifera#TOC_TITLE_HDR_4
3. 10 Powerful Health Benefits Of Moringa Powder + How To Use It. [Internet]. [Cited 2021 July 16]; Available from https://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-22401/10-powerful-benefits-of-drinking-moringa-every-day.html
4. What makes moringa good for you? [Internet]. [Cited 2021 July 16]; Available from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319916#what-are-the-benefits

 

 

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