Moringa

Moringa can be a valuable addition to your list of herbs that can enhance your health and prevent diseases. Moringa, popularly called the drumstick tree, is known for its strong medicinal properties, which can help you in the treatment and prevention of a range of disorders. 

This plant is highly valued for its versatility in enhancing the health of humans begins. It belongs to the family, Moringaceae. It is a fast-growing plant that is native primarily to India. It is also called Horseradish tree, Ben oil tree, Mulaga, Sahijan, and Nugge in different parts of the world. It is also cultivated in the tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, South America, and Africa. It was also valued by the Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians for its medicinal effect on a range of ailments.

Several scientific investigations have proved the medicinal properties of this plant. That is why; the use of Moringa has been widely encouraged by researchers to prevent malnutrition and several disorders.

Let’s delve deeper into the secret benefits of Moringa and how it can help you to stay fit and healthy.

Nutritional facts about Moringa 

Moringa Oleifera provides a rich supply of bioactive plant compounds and strong antioxidants. The leaves of this plant are an excellent natural source of several essential vitamins and minerals. 

About 100 grams of the dried Moringa leaf powder can provide the following nutrients: 

• Calories: 205.0
• Moisture:7.5%
• Protein: 27.1 grams 
• Carbohydrate: 38.2 grams
• Fat: 2.3 grams
• Fiber: 19.2 grams
• Magnesium: 368 milligrams
• Calcium: 2003 milligrams 
• Phosphorous: 204 milligrams
• Copper: 0.6 milligrams
• Potassium: 1324 milligrams
• Iron: 28.2 milligrams
• Vitamin A: 16.3 milligrams
• Vitamin B (Choline): 423.0 milligrams
• Vitamin B1 (Thiamin): 2.6 milligrams
• Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin): 20.5 milligrams
• Vitamin B3 (NicotinicAcid): 8.2 milligrams 

One cup of fresh, leaves (about 21 grams) of Moringa can provides you the following nutrients: 

• Vitamin B6: 19% 
• Iron: 11% 
• Vitamin C: 12%
• Magnesium: 8% 
• Riboflavin (B2): 11% 
• Vitamin A: 9% 
• Potassium: 15% 

These values are based on the recommended daily allowance of these nutrients. Additionally, the pods of Moringa tree are also rich in vitamins and minerals. They provide a great source of vitamin C. One cup or 16 tablespoons of fresh pods of Moringa provides 157% of the daily requirement allowance for this vitamin.

Moringa is also filled with several phytonutrients including Alpha-carotene, Beta-cryptoxanthin, Beta-Carotene, Zeaxanthin, Lutein, and Chlorophyll. These phytonutrients help to flush the harmful toxins from the body, strengthen the immune system, purify the liver, rebuild the red blood cells and rejuvenate the body. 

The regular use of Moringa can be beneficial in the prevention of malnutrition and the disorders caused due to the deficiency of essential nutrients such as proteins, vitamin B, vitamin C, iron, and riboflavin.

The scientifically proven health benefits of Moringa are discussed beneath: 

Offers cardiovascular protection 

Moringa is helpful in the prevention of myocardial infarction. It regulates the functions of the heart. It prevents cardiac damage by producing an antioxidant effect. 

It also inhibits the increase in the lipid perioxidation in the cardiac tissues and helps to maintain a healthy heart.

Prevents hypertension and high cholesterol

Moringa helps to maintain the blood pressure and cholesterol levels within normal limits. The bioactive components present in this herb such as niaziminin and isothiocyanate prevent atherosclerosis, thus reducing the risk of hypertension caused due to high cholesterol.

Protects the liver 

The extract of Moringa possesses hepatoprotective properties. It can protect the liver against the damage caused by toxins and the side effects of some drugs. It can also prevent the disorders caused due to alcoholism such as alcoholic hepatitis and cirrhosis. 

It also helps to restore the levels of glutathione in the body and protect the liver cells against the radiation-induced lipid peroxidation. 

These protective effects of Moringa can be attributed to the presence of phytochemicals like epicatechin, catechin, vitamin C, and ferulic acid in this plant. 

Relieves stomach disorders

Moringa can be beneficial for the patients who suffer from frequent stomach upsets. It contains isothiocyanates, which helps to improve the digestion of food. It also reduces the symptoms of digestive troubles such as constipation, flatulence, bloating, peptic ulcers, gastritis, irritable bowel syndrome, and ulcerative colitis. 

Reduces the risk of Cancer

Moringa possesses strong anticancer properties that are effective against the cancer of colon, breast, ovaries, prostate, and the rectum.  

Scientific research has proved that Moringa extracts acts as a chemopreventive agent and reduces the side effects caused due to the chemotherapeutic agents. The anticancer potential of Moringa can be attributed to the presence of phenolic components, kaempferol and quercetin, in it. These compounds prevent the growth and spread of cancer and help in the faster recovery of patients. 

Regulates the immune system 

Moringa can be used by the patients suffering from allergies such as asthma and dermatitis to reduce the intensity of the attacks of these disorders. Moringa produces an immunosuppressive effect, which helps to inhibit the abnormal activation of the immune system in response to the exposure to allergens. 

This effect of Moringa is also beneficial in the management of organ transplantation and autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. The immunosuppressive action of this herb helps in preventing the production of antibodies thus allowing the transplanted organ to be accepted by the body. This increases the success rate of the transplantation procedures. 

Prevents Neurodegenerative Diseases

The use of Moringa is highly valuable in the prevention of neurodegenerative diseases. It has the ability to restore the balance of neurotransmitters in the nervous system that play a role in performing different functions of the brain. 

It also regulates the production and release of norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin thus reducing the risk of monoaminergic deficiency induced degenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease.

Improves skin health 

Moringa oil has been found to be beneficial for enhancing the health of the skin and hair. It possesses antibacterial properties, which help in preventing bacterial and viral infections of the skin. It is particularly effective against herpes simplex virus.  

It also acts as a natural healing agent and prevents the development of skin lesions. It promotes the healing of ulcers and sores. It produces hydrating effect on the skin and helps it appear youthful and vibrant. It also detoxifies the body and provides a natural glow to the skin.

Moringa extract can neutralize the effects of pollutants on the skin and delay the signs of aging such as wrinkles, and fine lines. 

Promotes hair growth

Moringa seed oil produces a favorable effect on the hair. It prevents hair fall and premature greying of the hair. It cleanses and purifies the hair and scalp and protects them from the environmental damage. It also provides a natural conditioning effect to the scalp, and strengthens the hair roots, thus stimulating the hair growth. It increases the blood supply in the scalp thus enriching the hair follicles with the nutrients needed for hair growth. This can improve the overall appearance of a person and instill a sense of self-confidence and self-esteem. 

Makes the bones stronger

The use of Moringa is beneficial for boosting the health of the bones. This action of Moringa can be attributed to the presence of minerals such as calcium and phosphorous in it. Moringa also acts as an anti-inflammatory agent and provides relief from joint pains caused due to arthritis, low back pain, and spondylosis. It also promotes the healing of fractures. 

Controls diabetes

Moringa acts as an antidiabetic agentand helps to control diabetes. It is beneficial for the patients suffering from type 1 diabetes. It prevents damage to the beta cells in the pancreas, which are responsible for the secretion of insulin. This helps to increase the insulin levels, which is required by the body to metabolize carbohydrates and thus, reduces blood sugar levels. 

Supports lactation in breastfeeding mothers 

Breastfeeding mothers are encouraged to consume Moringa as it has been shown to promote the secretion of milk.

It increases the milk production in the breastfeeding women by stimulating the synthesis of a hormone called prolactin and also provides more nutrition to the mother and the baby.

Promotes weight loss

Moringa is commonly used as a natural weight loss remedy. It produces chemically stable and structurally unique moringa isothiocyanates that promote weight loss. It also reduces appetite and helps a person to control the cravings for high-calorie foods. 

This helps to achieve a negative calorie balance, which is essential for mobilizing the fats stored in the body to be used as a source of energy. These effects of Moringa help a person to lose weight in a safe and effective manner. 

Some more health benefits of Moringa…

• Calms the mind
• Rejuvenates the body
• Reduces mental stress
• Prevents depression
• Increases energy levels
• Boosts stamina

How to use Moringa? 

Moringa is available in the form of powder, infusion, capsules, gel, and oil. Moringa powder can be added to your favorite smoothie or tea. It has a unique flavor that can help you feel fresh, when added to tea. You can also use Moringa infusion or capsules in the recommended dosage. 

Moringa oil can be used for local application on the skin and hair. It can nourish the skin and help it appear young and vibrant. 

What are the precautions to be followed while using Moringa? 

Pregnant women are advised to avoid using Moringa as it may increase their risk of miscarriage. Women who are planning pregnancy should also avoid using this herb. It has been found that the chemicals in Moringa root can prevent the fertilized egg from attaching to the uterine wall, thus preventing pregnancy. Though this property of Moringa works well as a natural family planning aid, it may be counterproductive for the couples planning to start a family. 

However, it is advisable to avoid the consumption of raw seed extract of this plant as it has been shown to cause toxicity in the immune cells.