Moringa oleifera is a tree that has been praised for its health benefits for centuries. Its leaves have been used as a traditional remedy. According to the Ayurvedic medicine, this plant is related to the cure or prevention of more than 300 diseases.
Moringa leaves contain calcium, potassium, vitamin C, protein, beta-carotene, etc. This tree offers an incredible nutritional profile and it has the ability to cure various health problems. So, let’s find out more about Moringa and all the benefits it provides!
Moringa Tree Health Benefits
A Rich Nutritional Profile
- Moringa leaves are packed with vitamins, minerals and amino acids. 100g of dry moringa leaf has:
- 9 times the protein of yogurt
- 10 times the vitamin A of carrots
- 15 times the potassium of bananas
- 17 times the calcium of milk
- 12 times the vitamin C of oranges
- 25 times the iron of spinach
Antioxidants Galore
Moringa leaves are an excellent source of antioxidants, including vitamin C, chlorogenic acid, beta-carotene, and quercetin. It has been shown that chlorogenic acid has the ability to slow cells’ absorption of sugar and lower blood sugar levels.
Lower Blood Sugar Levels
This plant contains beneficial compounds like isothiocyanates which have anti-diabetic properties. According to a study, women who were taking 7 g of moringa leaf powder every day for 3 months, managed to reduce their fasting blood sugar levels by 13.5%
Reduce Inflammation
Moringa leaves are packed with isothiocyanates, flavonoids, and phenolic acids, all of which have potent anti-inflammatory properties. For many years, this plant has been used to treat stomach ulcers. Moringa oil can protect the liver from chronic inflammation. It can be used for frying or in a salad dressing. It is a great skin moisturizer and you can use it topically to treat antifungal problems and arthritis.
Maintain Healthy Cholesterol Levels
Moringa is also effective for lowering the cholesterol. It can provide similar effects like simvastatin, a cholesterol-lowering drug. It can lower the cholesterol levels and reduce the atherosclerotic plaque formation to 50-86%. Moringa possesses potent antioxidant, anti-atherosclerotic and hypolipidaemic properties and can effectively prevent cardiovascular diseases.
Protect Against Arsenic Toxicity
Moringa seeds and leaves can prevent arsenic toxicity. This is extremely important because some common staple foods like rice may be contaminated. Contamination of ground water by arsenic has become a huge public health concern. Moringa powder can protect animals from oxidative stress and reduce tissue arsenic concentration.
Moringa Leaves May Even Purify Water… and More
Moringa has a high content of fiber and can clean up your intestines. It is packed with isothiocyanates known for their potent anti-bacterial properties and their ability to eliminate H. pylori, a bacteria implicated in gastritis, ulcers, and gastric cancer. It was found out that moringa seeds can provide even better results for water purification than the conventional synthetic materials.
How to Use Moringa
You can use the moringa leaves fresh in your meals. Steam them like spinach, blend them into smoothies, or toss them like a salad. You can also use moringa powder in supplement form or added to smoothies and other foods. There is also organic, cold-pressed Moringa oil, but it is very expensive (15 times more than olive oil).
Source: Living Traditionally