Moringa has been regarded as the king of all superfoods as it is one of the most impressive herbs ever used in folk medicine. Modern research supports the fact that moringa is nature’s most potent superfood and has many health benefits. It is highly nutritious, supports brain health, gut health, blood sugar levels, nourishes the skin, prevents aging, and can be safely used during pregnancy.
So, what is moringa and what are its benefits?
Moringa is a nutrient-rich superfood
While virtually any part of a moringa tree can be used, the leaves are jam- packed with nutrients. For example, a 2013 study evaluated the micro and macro nutrients of Moringa leaves, either fresh or dried. Using gram-for-gram comparisons of moringa oleifera leaves and other highly nutritious plants and foods, researchers found that moringa provides more than 7 times vitamin C than oranges, 10 times the vitamin A found in carrots, 17 times the calcium found in milk, 9 times the protein found in yogurt, 15 times the potassium found in bananas and 25 times the iron found in spinach. Furthermore, moringa is also a good source of phosphorus, copper, vitamin E, B2, B3, B9 (folate), B6 and vitamin A (in the form of β-carotene), The leaves of moringa also contain significant amounts of 10 essential amino acids.
Moringa can fight microbes
What is moringa beyond a superfood? Moringa can be a powerful ally against a variety of microbes. Research shows its efficacy against viruses like HIV, herpes viruses, hepatitis B virus, Epstein Barr virus, foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV), bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Salmonella and certain fungi. Its antimicrobial effects make this supplement attractive not only for human consumption but also as an alternative to harsh chemicals for water purification.
Moringa for weight loss and gut detox
Moringa may help shed extra pounds, especially when combined with turmeric and curry. According to one study, the participants who had excess weight (obese) and used this herbal combination lost 4.8 kgs compared with the control group that lost only 1.8 kgs, over an 8-week period. Moringa’s active ingredients have powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and detox qualities, promoting liver detox from toxins, heavy metals and drugs like acetaminophen (Tylenol) and gentamicin. Studies found improvement in liver enzyme values with moringa supplementation, which also helps prevent constipation and promotes gut health.
Moringa keeps blood sugar in check
Moringa has well documented anti-diabetes effects. It can help prevent and manage diabetes by promoting healthy blood sugar levels, reduce sugar spikes and protect insulin-producing cells from getting damaged. Furthermore, moringa may protect the kidneys and eyes from diabetes related complications.
Moringa during pregnancy and lactation
Moringa leaves supplements can help support healthy pregnancies, and reduce the risk of complications. Based on research studies, moringa helps prevent iron deficiency anemia, a common problem experienced by women during pregnancy. In addition, moringa leaves provides much needed essential nutrients like B and C vitamins which are essential for both the mother and child’s health. Moringa may also enhance milk production.
Moringa for skin health
Moringa helps reverse the aging process by fighting wrinkles, skin inflammation, maintaining skin moisture and protecting it from free radicals. While moringa leaves can be used for facemasks, moringa oil is incorporated in creams and other skin and hair products.
Moringa for brain health
Moringa is high in tryptophan, the precursor of feel-good chemical serotonin and sleep hormone melatonin. Thus, moringa promotes a healthy mood, and a good night's sleep, while preventing depression, mood swings and insomnia. Due to its high levels of antioxidants, moringa may also help prevent brain degeneration and damage, support healthy memory, and has potential to prevent or help manage Alzheimer’s disease.
References:
1. Rockwood, J.L. *,Anderson, B.G. *,Casamatta, D.A.;Potential Uses of Moringa oleifera and and examination of antibiotic efficacy conferred by M.oleifera seed and leaf extracts ;International Journal of Phytotherapy Research; ISSN 2278 – 5701
2. D.Biswas, S.Nandy, A.Mukherjeeb, D.K.Pandey, A.Dey; Moringa oleifera Lam. and derived phytochemicals as promising antiviral agents: A review; South African Journal of Botany; Volume 129, March 2020, Pages 272-282
3. Alessandro Leone,* Alberto Spada, et al; Cultivation, Genetic, Ethnopharmacology, Phytochemistry and Pharmacology of Moringa oleifera Leaves: An Overview; Int J Mol Sci. 2015 Jun; 16(6): 12791–12835; doi: 10.3390/ijms160612791
4. Veni Hadju, Andi Imam Arundhana; Supplementations on Pregnant Women and the Potential of Moringa Oleifera Supplement to Prevent Adverse Pregnancy Outcome; International Journal of Science and Healthcare Research; Vol.3; Issue: 1; Jan.-March 2018
5. Jogender Mehla 1, Pooja Gupta; Indian Medicinal Herbs and Formulations for Alzheimer's Disease, from Traditional Knowledge to Scientific Assessment;Brain Sci; 2020 Dec 10;10(12):964. doi: 10.3390/brainsci10120964.
