The 20 Health Benefits of Moringa
Although modern science has only recently discovered its value, Moringa has imparted a multitude of benefits in various cultures since antiquity. It was prized by the Romans, Egyptians and Greeks for its medicinal impact on a variety of ailments. Today, its use has been encouraged by various humanitarian organizations to combat malnutrition and its effects in poverty-stricken regions, mainly due to its economic viability and rapid growth.
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The Moringa tree has a thick, whitish bark with fragile, fragile branches and long, green, oval leaflets. In Ayurvedic therapy, it is prized for its impressive range of therapeutic uses, commonly attributed to its antifungal, antiviral, antidepressant, and anti-inflammatory properties. In some areas it is simply known as ‘shigru’.
Nutritional Value of Moringa: Moringa offers a wide variety and amount of essential proteins, vitamins and minerals. It is a rich source of essential amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins. It also contains a significant amount of vitamins such as vitamin A, vitamin B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B-6, folate acid and ascorbic acid (vitamin C). Moringa ‘s mineral wealthincludes calcium, potassium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus and zinc. It contains a very low amount of fat and does not offerharmful cholesterol .
Moringa contains an immense wealth of healthy components and phytonutrients. Due to its extraordinary and unparalleled range of medicinal benefits, it was named a “miracle tree” during the food crisis in Africa. In the Philippines, it is revered as a mother’s best friend because of its galactic properties.
The Moringa plant offers a rich blend of powerful antioxidants such as kaempferol, caffeoylquinic acid, zeatin, quercetin, rutin, chlorogenic acid and beta-sitosterol. These powerful antioxidants found in Moringa have a high ability to scavenge free radicals and have demonstrated their therapeutic value in healing the damage caused by oxidative stress. So, check out 20 Moringa Health Benefits:
Moringa Benefits for Treating Edema: Moringa extractsare beneficial in treating edema. Research studies have confirmed that treatment with Moringa oleifera root extract, which has anti-inflammatory qualities, has been significantly effective in inhibiting the development of edema. Furthermore, studies suggest that the effectiveness of Moringa herb is equal with the potent anti-inflammatory drug indomethacin in treating such painful conditions.
Benefits of Moringa for Liver Health: Moringa extractsexert a hepatoprotective effect on the liver . Research studies have validated the effectiveness of Moringa leaf against liver damage caused by antituberculous drugs, as well as its stimulating effects in speeding up the recovery process. This helps restore glutathione content levels in the body and prevents radiation-induced hepatic lipid peroxidation. This protective effect is attributed to the presence of phytochemicals like catechin, epicatechin, ferulic acid and vitamin C found in Moringa .
Moringa Benefits for Treating Stomach Disorders: The isothiocyanates present in Moringa are effective in treating abdominal disorders such as constipation, gastritis and ulcerative colitis. Studies have shown that Moringa extracts can be regarded as an effective herbal alternative to a variety of commercially available antacids and antihistamines. Research studies have shown that treatment with Moringa oleifera leads to reduced ulceration and its effectiveness in curing ulcerative colitis is comparable to commercially available prednisolone.
It contains antibiotic and antibacterial properties, and exerts inhibitory effects on the growth of various pathogens. This includes Helicobacter pylori bacteria and coliform bacteria, which can trigger conditions like diarrhea. Furthermore, Moringa helps fight obesity thanks to its highly nutritional and low-fat qualities. The impressive vitamin B content in its leaves aids digestion and converts food into energy instead of storing it as fat.
Benefits of Moringa for Skin and Hair Health: Moringa seed oilis beneficial for skin and hair. Moringa is effective against herpes simplex virus infection. The healing effects of Moringa herb prevent the development of skin lesions and inhibit the formation of plaque caused by the infecting virus. The hydrating and detoxifying effects of Moringa extracts help neutralize the effects of harmful pollutants, prevent wrinkles and delay premature aging. Moringa ‘s high protein contenthelps protect dermal cells from damage caused by heavy metals such as mercury and cadmium.
For the same reason, it is used in the production of cosmetics and skin care products. The favorable effects of Moringa seed oil for healthy hair have been enjoyed since ancient times. It is highly effective in cleaning and purifying hair and protects it from environmental damage, including ultraviolet radiation. It serves as a valuable conditioner for the scalp, strengthens the roots and stimulates hair growth .
Moringa Benefits As Antibacterial and Antifungal: It has antibacterial, antifungal, and antimicrobial properties and is effective against the growth of disease-causing microbes. Scientific research has proven that Moringa extracts exert a broad spectrum of protective activity against foodborne microorganisms such as Salmonella, Rhizopus, E. Coli, Enterobacter aerogenus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus.
This defensive activity makes Moringa extracts perfect for sanitation and preservation purposes. Moringa oleifera leaves possess antifungal qualities. Moringa ‘s inhibitory effects help in preventing the growth of diseases that cause contaminating fungi such as Aspergillus spp. And Penicillium spp.
Benefits of Moringa to Help Treat Cancer: Moringa is an anti-cancer agent and is highly valued in the therapy of tumors. Scientific research has shown that Moringa extracts have chemopreventive properties attributed to the presence of the phenolic components quercetin and kaempferol. Another study demonstrated the role of the bioactive compound niazimycin in restricting the development of cancer cells.
Moringa extracts confer chemomodulatory effects to cure various types of cancer such as ovarian cancer, liver carcinogenesis and skin papillomagenesis by inhibiting the proliferation of malignant cancer cells and inducing apoptosis, also known as programmed cell death.
Moringa Benefits for Treating Neurodegenerative Diseases: The effectiveness of Moringa has been very valuable in treating neurodegenerative diseases. Research studies have demonstrated that treatment with Moringa extracts has the potential to alter brain monoamines such as norepinephrine, serotonin and dopamine, and further enhances your protection against monoaminergenic deficiencies related to Alzheimer’s disease.
Moringa Benefits for Bone Health: Moringa extracts are beneficial for maintaining healthy bones, which is attributed to the presence of essential minerals like calcium and phosphorus. Its extracts have anti-inflammatory properties and are effective in treating painful conditions such as arthritis, while also helping to heal various bone diseases such as mandibular bone or jaw fracture.
Benefits of Moringa For Body Health: The ethanolic extracts of Moringa leaf help to stimulate the body’s immune system. It also helps improve cellular immune response and exerts positive effects on various other immune system values such as total WBC count, antibodies and hypersensitivity reaction.
Benefits of Moringa as an Immunosuppressant: Moringa oleiferaseedsDeliberate immunosuppression is necessary to inhibit the activation of the body’s immune system in order to prevent rejection of certain treatments, particularly organ transplants and autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. Research studies have shown that the immunosuppressive action of Moringa seeds helps improve antibody production to allow new organs and transplanted material to safely establish themselves in the body.
Moringa Benefits for Cardiovascular Protection and Diabetes: Moringa extractsare helpful in preventing myocardial or cardiac damage due to the presence of powerful antioxidants. They exert antidiabetic effects in the treatment of diabetes mellitus. Research studies conducted on this subject have provided supporting evidence demonstrating the antiperoxidative and cardioprotective effects of Moringa therapy . Treatment with it helps to inhibit the increase in lipid peroxidation in myocardial tissue and helps to maintain a healthy heart.
Research studies have shown that Moringa treatment works positively for the reduction of blood glucose , urine sugar and urine protein in diabetic test subjects. As per the studies, it also showed marked improvement in hemoglobin levels and total protein content of diabetic subjects.
Moringa Benefits for Treating Asthma: The benefits of Moringa plant extracts also include relief from bronchial asthma and inflammation caused in the airways. And Moringa seed extractshave anti-allergenic qualities. Scientific research has validated Moringa ‘s inhibitory action on the hypersensitive reactions involved in various allergic diseases, including allergic rhinitis and anaphylaxis. According to research, Moringa treatment helps to reduce the severity of asthmatic attacks and various symptoms like wheezing, coughing, dyspnea, and chest tightness. It extends its protective effects against bronchial constrictions and stimulates better lung function and breathing.
Benefits of Moringa for Kidney Health: Moringa extracts are effective against the formation of stones in the kidney, bladder and uterus. According to research studies, the administration of Moringa root exerted anti-urolithiasis activity and resulted in a remarkable reduction in urinary oxalate levels. The healing effect of Moringa has also been shown to reduce the formation of stone deposits and aid in the regulation of endogenous oxalate synthesis.
Benefits of Moringa for Healing Wounds: Aqueous extract of Moringa oleifera leaves has significant wound healing properties.
Benefits of Moringa for Lowering Cholesterol: Studies in humans and animals have also shown that Moringa can reduce cholesterol levels in a similar way to foods such as flaxseed, oats and almonds.
This is important because a lower cholesterol level can also mean lower risks of having heart problems.
Moringa Benefits for Weight Loss: People who take Moringa leaf extract and leaf powder often report weight loss. This beneficial effect may be due to many factors. The anti-inflammatory and diuretic effect helps to reduce water retention. The high fiber content reduces the absorption of fat in the intestine. Reducing insulin resistance can prevent excess fat accumulation.
Moringa Benefits for Treating Gastrointestinal Problems: Adding a Moringa leafto soups and vegetable dishes is the best way to keep things moving. Moringa leaveshave a mild laxative effect. The high fiber content facilitates easy movement of stomach contents along the digestive tract and relieves constipation. Moringa can take care of minor digestive problems caused by gastrointestinal worms and microbes. Root extract is an herbal remedy for helminth worms.
Moringa Benefits To Increase Breast Milk: Of all the health benefits Moringa is one of the most appreciated in Indian communities especially in economically weaker sections because breast milk is the mainstay of infants in the first year of life. Moringa leavestoasted in a spoon of butter would be given every day to nursing mothers as part of traditional postpartum care.
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Contraindications of Moringa: Moringa oleifera has anti-fertility qualities. Moringa aqueous extractsexert estrogenic activity and are beneficial in preventing sexual implantation in the body.