Important Health Benefits of Moringa Leaves
Over the years, man has enjoy the benefits of moringa oleifera leaves and we are still enjoying it. It is very nutritious and rich in antioxidants and bioactive plant compounds.
Moringa oleifera is a very common name in the Nigerian house old – especially the Christian homes. Yet, many people do not know the benefits of this plant.
In this post you will learn about the moringa benefits for men, moringa benefits and side effects, moringa powder effects and many more.
Health experts have not been able to fully know all the benefits of moringa Oleifera for everyone. This is only a fraction of what we know:
1. Moringa oleifera is super nutritious
This is one of the most well know benefit of moringa oleifera. Almost every part of the tree is edible. Moringa oleifera is a fairly large tree native to North India.
It goes by a variety of names, such as drumstick tree, horseradish tree or ben oil tree. Moringa is also a very large source of vitamins. One cup of freshly chopped moringa oleifera leaves can give you 21 grams of vitamin dosage. Below is a breakdown of the amount of nutrients contained in one cup:
Protein: 2 grams
Vitamin B6: 19% of the RDA
Vitamin C: 12% of the RDA
Iron: 11% of the RDA
Riboflavin (B2): 11% of the RDA
Vitamin A (from beta-carotene): 9% of the RDA
Magnesium: 8% of the RDA
Compared to the leaves, the pods are generally lower in vitamins and minerals. However, they are exceptionally rich in vitamin C. One cup of fresh, sliced pods (100 grams) contains 157% of your daily requirement.
In foreign countries, especially the western world, the dried leaves are sold as dietary supplements in either powder or capsule form.
For developing nations where children are victims of malnutrition, moringa can be used to take of this aspect.
2. Moringa oleifera is rich in antioxidants
As mentioned earlier, the moringa oleifera is very rich in antioxidants. That’s one of the amazing benefits of the plant.
An antioxidant substance that inhibits oxidation, especially one used to counteract the deterioration of stored food products.
They act against high level of free radicals in the body.
These radicals may cause chronic stress which may later lead to type 2 diabetes and heart diseases.
Antioxidants like vitamin C and bet-carotene are found in moringa. In addition, you can also find:
Quercetin : This powerful antioxidant may help lower blood pressure ( 12 , 13 ).
Chlorogenic acid : Also found in high amounts in coffee, chlorogenic acid may help moderate blood sugar levels after meals ( 14 , 15 ).
One study in women found that taking 1.5 teaspoons (7 grams) of moringa leaf powder every day for three months significantly increased blood antioxidant levels.
3. Moringa may lower blood sugar levels
High blood sugar is a very big health problem. It is the main characteristic of diabetes and if not prevented, it can lead to death.
High blood sugar levels expose the body to different health problems, as such, it is better to keep the blood sugar level at a normal rate.
Another small study in six people with diabetes found that adding 50 grams of moringa leaves to a meal reduced the rise in blood sugar by 21%.
4. Moringa can lower your cholesterol
High cholesterol is very bad for human because it increases the risk of having heart diseases.
Fortunately, moringa can reduce this cholesterol.
Other plant foods can effectively reduce cholesterol. These include flaxseeds, oats and almonds.
5. Moringa helps in skin and hair treatment
Asides from the health alone, moringa is also important in the treatment of the skin and hair.
Moringa seed oils contain protein which protects the skin cells from damage. It can be used to cure skin infections also.
6. Moringa helps to protect the liver
Moringa appears to protect the liver against damage caused by anti-tubercular drugs and can quicken its repair process.
7. Moringa helps in the treatment of Oedema
Oedema is a painful condition where fluids build up in specific tissues in the body. The inflammatory properties of this plant may be very crucial in treating such.
8. Preventing and treating cancer
Moringa contains substances that may be helpful in the prevention and treatment of the world’s most abundant disease; cancer.
It can stop the cancer from developing because it contains niazimicin, which is a compound that suppresses the development of cancer cells.
9. Fighting bacterial diseases
Asides from the treatment of cancer, moringa also helps to fight against bacteria and their diseases. Due to its antibacterial, anti fungus, and antimicrobial properties, moringa may extract infections caused by various types of microbes like salmonella, e.colli,Rhizopuss.
10. Making bones healthier
Moringa contains calcium and phosphorus which help to keep the bone healthy and strong. Along with its anti-inflammatory properties moringa extract might help to treat conditions such as arthritis and may also heal damaged bones.
Other benefits of moringa include
11. Helping wounds to heal
12. Treating diabetes
13. Treating asthma
14. Protecting against kidney disorders
15. Reducing high blood pressure
16. Improving eye health
17. Treating anaemia and sickle cell disease
