The Benefits Of Moringa At A Glance

The super food trend hasn't stopped winning over us for years. Dried goji berries, turmeric, spirulina and other types of seaweed, baobab, etc.: ingredients that we like to incorporate into the many healthy smoothie recipes. And in this context, today we are bringing you a new food trend that deserves special attention. Also known as the tree of life and native to India and Sri Lanka, the Moringa plant has been used in Eastern cultures for centuries to treat various ailments. So, before taking the plunge, it is important to first learn about the benefits of Moringa and the possible side effects.

What exactly does the Moringa plant represent?

It is no accident that the Moringa is called the tree of life. This miracle plant contains a very high amount of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. What is more, it has the nine amino acids essential for the proper functioning of the human organism. Alternative medicine uses Moringa to lower high blood pressure, relieve headaches, boost the immune system, and more. It is important to note that there are scientific studies on the benefits of Moringa, but most of them are based on animal tests. Further research will therefore be necessary.

The ripe seeds and leaves of Moringa as well as its flowers, bark and roots are edible. Most often available in powder or as a food compliment in powder form, this miracle plant invites itself in many culinary dishes by marrying wonderfully with curries, salads and stews. The taste of Moringa leaves is reminiscent of spinach while the flavor of the powder is similar to other green superfoods such as matcha or spirulina. In addition, a study published in the journal "Food Science and Human wellness" found that Moringa provides the following nutrients:

• 17 times more calcium than cow's milk
• 15 times more potassium than bananas
• 4 times more protein than eggs
• 10 times more vitamin A than carrots
• 25 times more iron than spinach

However, these nutritional values relate only to the fresh leaves and not to the powder or the tea.

The health benefits of Moringa

In traditional medicine, the seeds of Moringa have been used to treat stomach pain, joint ailments, visual disturbances as well as to aid digestion. The leaves and stems of the plant have been used as a remedy for diabetes, asthma, bronchitis, anemia and more. It also has powerful antibiotic effects, which allows it to fight against a wide range of pathogens namely Salmonella typhimirium, Candida albicans and Helicobacter pylori. So, zoom in on the main benefits of Moringa in the following paragraphs!

• Moringa and type 2 diabetes: recent scientific studies have confirmed that this miraculous plant can be very effective in the fight against diabetes. Research published in 2018 found that consuming 8 grams of Moringa powder daily for a period of 40 days lowers blood sugar levels by 28%.
• Effects on cardiovascular disease: A study in rats in 2019 confirmed that Moringa can lower high blood pressure.
• Asthma and other respiratory diseases: a study conducted by the journal "Frontiers in Pharmacology" showed that daily intake of 4 grams of Moringa powder for 3 weeks contributes to the reduction of asthma symptoms and promotes lung function.
• Anemia: chronic diseases, malnutrition, infections, iron deficiency - anemia occurs as a result of various causes, and women aged 18 to 40 are most often affected. As one of the main ingredients in Moringa, iron and folic acid are said to be beneficial in the treatment of anemia.

• Benefits of Moringa on the immune system: Strengthening your immune system is crucial in order to protect us effectively against infections and diseases. And in this context, Moringa leaves are an excellent source of vitamin A and iron: two essential elements for the correct functioning of the immune system.
• Optimization of muscle growth: A diet rich in amino acids is necessary in order to stay in good physical shape. And as already mentioned, Moringa contains all 9 essential amino acids. What's more, its leaves are made up of around 30% protein, which helps in muscle growth. Even people who exercise regularly can reap the benefits of Moringa.

• Effects on Stress and Depression: A 2011 study published in the “Research Journal of Pharmacology and Pharmacodynamics” confirmed that the leaves of the Moringa tree are a potent natural adaptogen. For your information, adaptogens are herbs with a relaxing effect and have been used in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine for centuries to reduce stress and improve attention and concentration.
• An Ideal Source of Plant-Based Protein: Whether you're a vegan, vegetarian, or just want to cut down on meat, finding a good source of plant-based protein can be a headache. And this is where the miracle plant comes in: 1 tablespoon of Moringa powder provides 3 grams of protein and is much more iron than spinach.

The benefits of Moringa on the skin

Thanks to its high content of vitamin A and B, Moringa makes the skin radiant and healthy while protecting skin cells from oxidative stress and fighting against free radicals. These appear due to air pollution, unhealthy diet, and sun exposure. They damage cells and tend to cause premature skin aging.

But the benefits of Moringa on the skin are far from over. This miracle plant is too rich in antioxidants and zeatin - the two key elements which guarantee faster skin regeneration and which further neutralize oxidative stress and the aging process.

Can Moringa purify water?

In addition to using as a superfood as well as a medicinal plant, the tree of life benefits from another surprising application. Moringa seeds act as natural coagulants and can therefore be used to purify water. What's more, a 2014 study concluded that the seeds kill almost 100% of bacteria and viruses found in polluted water.

Be careful to opt only for high quality products! Since the market is swarmed with all kinds of Moringa products, we recommend that you check the ingredients and make sure they are organically sourced without pesticides. Take into account that powders and tablets are made in different countries and therefore their quality can vary widely.

Are there any side effects and for whom is Moringa not suitable?

Although the benefits of Moringa are numerous, that generally the plant is classified very healthy and that there are no specific dangers, it is recommended to be more careful in the following cases:

• Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult their doctor before consuming Moringa because its flowers and root contain chemicals, which can cause problems.
• Since this miracle plant lowers blood sugar and hypertension, it is not recommended to consume it if you are taking drugs to treat diabetes or blood pressure. It is therefore essential to consult your doctor first.

• Consumed in large quantities, Moringa can cause diarrhea and upset stomach. To help the body get used to it, health experts recommend starting with small amounts. In order to avoid side effects, the daily intake should be gradually increased: 1/2 - 1 teaspoon per day will do.
• People who get enough iron from their diet should also pay attention to their Moringa intake. Although iron deficiency is dangerous, too much iron in the body can lead to digestive problems such as constipation, vomiting and nausea.