Health Benefits of Moringa, Uses And Its Side Effects
Last Updated: Dec 09, 2022
Moringa is one of the greatest plants to use for a holistic health experience because it has a variety of health benefits. It is referred to as a "superfood" since it contains more than quadruple the nutrients present in other common plants, fruits, or vegetables, which can result in a variety of health advantages.
The herb moringa is frequently used to treat a variety of conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, anaemia, asthma, cancer, diarrhoea, constipation, and epilepsy. It can defend your body against a variety of issues including chronic illnesses, eye-related issues, lung ailments, stomach, colon, and lung cancer, hypertension, and diabetes. It also possesses incredibly potent antioxidants and remarkable anti-inflammatory effects.
What is Moringa?
Moringa or Moringa oleifera is otherwise known as the ‘drumstick tree’ and has a variety of nutritional benefits. The name Moringa may have been derived from the word ‘Murungai’ which means ‘twisted pod’ in the Tamil language.
Moringa is native to India, but is also grown in different parts of the world and is also known by a host of different names. Various parts of the plant including the roots, leaves, barks, flowers, fruits and seeds are used to make medicines.
Although Moringa has recently become all the rage when it comes to substances that are vital for holistic and organic health, not many people have heard of this herb. It has been in use for thousands of years and also goes by the name Ben Oil Tree.
The National Institute of health even called this tree “Plant of the Year” back in 2008 because it has so many health benefits for your body. It is used all over the world to treat many illnesses and is mainly known for the fact that it is extremely good at healing.
Nutritional Value of Moringa
There are a large number of nutrients and vitamins present in moringa that are beneficial for us. The vitamins which are present in moringa plant are Vitamin A, Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B3, Vitamin B6, folates and ascorbic acid.
In nutrition content list of moringa inlcudes Calcium, magnesium, iron, potassium, phosphorus and zinc are the essential minerals which are present in this plant. It also contains essential amino acids which help in the production of protein in our body.
Finally, it has 6.2 g of protein while cow’s milk only has 3.2 g of the same. Thus, as you can see, moringa provides more nutrition than any other plant or food item out there and can therefore be extremely beneficial for your health.
Nutritional facts Per 100 Grams
Vitamins and Minerals
Health Benefits of Moringa
You can use Moringa in different ways, you use Moringa powder, Moringa tea, moringa juice, moringa seeds, moringa oil, and moringa capsules. You can add Moringa in your weight loss management diet and even people suffering from diabetes also consume it to control it. Mentioned below are the best health benefits of Moringa. We also discuss side effects of Moringa powder and cultivation details of Moringa .
Moringa anti inflammatory properties
The presence of flavonoids like beta-carotenoids, Vitamin C, quertecin and Chlorogenic acid in moringa help to prevent inflammation. Quertecin helps to stabilize histamine production in the body and while Chlorogenic Acid helps to balance blood sugar levels. Moringa helps to control inflammation as fluctuations in blood sugar levels have been found to cause inflammation, diabetes and other problems.
Moringa benefits for bones health
Moringa has essential minerals like calcium and phosphorus which help to keep our bones healthy and strong. Extracts from this Moringa plant have been found to possess anti-inflammatory properties that help to treat conditions like arthritis and also help to fix mandibular or jaw bone fractures.
Moringa for cancer patients
Moringa extracts help to prevent cancer as they contain phenolic components like quertecin and kaempferol which exhibit chemopreventive properties. Niazimicin is a bioactive compound present in moringa which help to restraint the development of cancer cells.
Moringa extracts prevent the proliferation of malignant cells and helps induce apoptosis or programmed cell death and thus helps prevent various types of cancer like ovarian cancer, liver cancer and skin cancer.
Moringa antibacterial properties
Moringa extracts act against food-borne microorganisms like Salmonella, Rhizopus species, E.coli, Enterobacter aerogenus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus and thus protect us from the disease-causing microbes. The leaves of moringa plant have anti-fungal properties that help to inhibit the growth of disease-causing fungi and prevent us from contracting diseases.
Moringa benefits for brain health
Moringa is rich in Vitamin E and Vitamin C and these help to fight oxidation which may lead to neural degeneration. Moringa has an essential role in regulating essential neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine and noradrenline in the brain which play a vital role in the functioning of memory, mood and even organs.
Consumption of Moringa can help to have an affirmative effect on mental health and aids in preventing Parkinson’s disease.
Moringa good for liver disease
The liver is one of the most vital organs of our body and it is responsible for metabolism of fats and nutrients, bile production and even blood detoxification. The liver carries out all these functions with the aid of enzymes and moringa oil helps to maintain the liver enzyme levels.
Moringa helps to reduce fibrosis and liver damage by reducing oxidative stress and increases protein content in the liver.
Moringa helps to improve body immunity
Moringa leaves contain ethanol which helps to boost body immunity. It helps to improve cellular immune response and increases the count of leucocytes and antibodies which protect our body against a variety of illnesses.
Moringa reduces symptoms of diabetes
Moringa helps prevent kidney problems
Moringa extracts act as effective bio-absorbent and helps to remove heavy metals and harmful toxins from the body. Thus consumption of moringa help to fight against nephrotoxicity, a condition where kidneys are damaged due to exposure to toxins or drugs. Moringa exhibits this property due to the presence of powerful anti-oxidants.
Moringa prevents respiratory problems
Moringa plant extracts help to prevent asthma and inflammation in the respiratory airways. Moringa helps to reduce the severity of asthmatic attacks and prevents other respiratory disorders like wheezing, cough, dyspnea and contraction of the chest. Moringa seeds have anti-allergenic qualities that have positive effects on the respiratory system as well.
Prevent from Arsenic Toxicity
Moringa leaves can be used to reduce arsenic toxicity, according to a number of pieces of evidence. Studies show that Moringa leaves inhibit the activities of aminotransferase, phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate, etc. in serum, which are arsenic-induced elevations of triglycerides, urea, and glucose.
Uses of Moringa
The moringa plant has a variety of other uses in addition to its health advantages. For example,
- It can be used as an aphrodisiac and has been shown to help nursing mothers produce more milk.
- The oil from moringa seeds is used as a lubricant for machinery as well as in foods, perfumes, and hair care products.
- When used topically, moringa promotes wound healing and germ eradication.
- Additionally, it can be applied topically to treat wounds, athlete's foot, dandruff, gum disease, warts from snake bites, and infections.
- Moringa leaves, bark, fruits, and roots are all edible and popular foods in India and some regions of Africa.
- Additionally, moringa extracts have anti-cyanobacterial properties and aid in the filtration of water.
Side-Effects & Allergies of Moringa
The seeds, fruits, and leaves of moringa plants can all be consumed without risk.Eating the roots is risky, though, as they or their extracts contain a toxic toxin. There are certain things to remember. For instance:
- Women who are expecting should take extra care to avoid consuming moringa roots.
- The leaves of this plant have a slight laxative effect, which may cause intestinal problems in certain people.
- Because there hasn't been much research on moringa plants, pregnant and nursing women should likewise avoid them.
All of the moringa plant's forms can normally be used without significant risk. Simply find a source for it.
Cultivation of Moringa
Moringa tree grows all over the world in areas with dry, or undernourished soils. Therefore, it is most commonly found in countries like Africa and India. This tree grows all year round and can be harvested for its numerous benefits at any given time.
The moringa plant was used in the Indian subcontinent in around 2000 B.C. It was used to treat over 300 illnesses ranging from skin blemishes to kidney stones and tubercolosis. Later it spread to Egypt where it was used as a sunscreen. In Greece and Rome, it was used both as an ointment and also as an expensive perfume. This plant also spread to South-East Asia and Pacific Islands and has since become a part of their diet.
Moringa plant grows best in the sub-Himalayan tracts of the Indian subcontinent. However it is grown throughout the world in tropical and sub-tropical regions. It grows best under direct sunlight and can be grown on a wide range of soil conditions. However, neutral to slightly acidic and well-drained sandy or loamy soil is ideal. Optimum rainfall is also required. A temperature range of 25-35 degrees celcius is best suited for the plant to grow.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is it good to take moringa everyday?
What does moringa do to a woman?
Does Moringa leaf burn belly fat?
How long does it take to see results from moringa?
References
- Fahey JW. Moringa oleifera: a review of the medical evidence for its nutritional, therapeutic, and prophylactic properties. Part 1. Trees for life Journal. 2005 Dec 1;1(5):1-5. [Cited 26 June 2019]. Available from:
- Gopalakrishnan L, Doriya K, Kumar DS. Moringa oleifera: A review on nutritive importance and its medicinal application. Food science and human wellness. 2016 Jun 1;5(2):49-56. [Cited 26 June 2019]. Available from:
- Mahmood KT, Mugal T, Haq IU. Moringa oleifera: a natural gift-A review. Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research. 2010 Nov 1;2(11):775. [Cited 26 June 2019]. Available from:
Table of content
Ask a free question
Get FREE multiple opinions from Doctors