Moringa oleifera is a potent plant that has been linked with several health benefits, and it is often regarded as “the miracle plant.” The scientific name of moringa is Moringa oleifera.
It is a great source of healthy antioxidants and bioactive plant compounds.
However, this article contains 10 Intriguing Health Benefits of Moringa, and it will interest you to know that each point is scientific-based.
Nutritional Content of Moringa Leaves
Moringa is packed with so many rich and powerful nutrients. The nutritional content of moringa leaves are as follows:
• Proteins: Moringa plant is exceptionally rich in proteins. 100g of Moringa contains 9.4g protein.
• Vitamins: Moringa is also full of essential vitamins that are vital to the body. It contains Vitamin C, Thiamine, Pantothenic acid, Riboflavin, Niacin, and folate.
• Minerals: Moringa leaves also contains minerals such as Calcium, Iron, Manganese, Phosphorus, Magnesium, and Potassium.
10 Intriguing Health Benefits of Moringa Leaves
Below are some of the health benefits of the moringa leaves, the miracle plant:
1. Boosts Immunity
Multiple studies show that Moringa helps in enhancing the human immune system, stimulating the cellular immune response, as well as improving many other immune system parameters such as the leucocyte count.
The immunosuppressive properties in this plant also make it a great option for people with autoimmune diseases as it allows their body to accept certain conventional treatments. These properties also enhance the production of antibodies, which ensures that new organs and other transplanted material are safely settled in the body.
2. Fights inflammation
Inflammation is very delicate such that it may result in chronic diseases, including diabetes, respiratory problems, cardiovascular disease, arthritis, obesity, but to mention a few. On the plus side, Moringa contains potent properties that can help reduce inflammation by suppressing inflammatory enzymes and proteins in the body, and again Moringa leaf is proven to be very effective in lowering inflammation in the cells by a significant margin.
3. Promotes Heart Health
Excesses of bad cholesterol in the body may increase the risk of numerous heart conditions, including heart attacks. Fortunately, Moringa contains Isothiocyanates and niaziminin, powerful components that help in preventing thickening of arteries. It also regulates blood pressure and cholesterol levels in the human body, which in turn reduces the effect of hypertension and preventing other health ailments in the body.
4. Stabilizes Mood and Enhances Brain Function
Moringa is very rich in protein, particularly the amino acid tryptophan that plays an important role in ensuring the proper functioning of the neurotransmitter. It also promotes the production of a hormone called “serotonin,” which boosts your vitality as well as overall wellbeing.
Additionally, Moringa is also proven to be beneficial to thyroid health, which ensures high energy levels, combat fatigue, and insomnia.
5. Protects the Skin and Nourishes Hair
Moringa contains numerous antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties that work to protect the skin from infectious threats. Aside from that, it hydrates and detoxifies the skin, while reducing the effects of harmful toxins caused by pollution, sweat, as well as certain chemical products
Additionally, Moringa is very rich in protein which offers protection to dermal cells against damage caused by mercury and cadmium; this is the major reason why Moringa is widely used in several skin care products on the market.
That being said, this powerful plant also strengthens the hair and protect it from harmful UV rays and pollutants while enhancing rapid hair growth and preventing the thinning of the hair. This is one the health benefits of moringa on the skin and hair.
6. Treats Stomach Disorders
Part of the powerful properties found in Moringa is the “isothiocyanates,” which is very effective in treating numerous digestive tract disorders, ranging from ulcers, gastritis, constipation, and the likes. In this regard, Moringa is often used as an herbal alternative to over-the-counter antacids, and it provides a noticeable effect when used.
That being said, Moringa comes with some antibiotic and antibacterial qualities which restrain the growth of pathogens like Helicobacter pylori and coliform bacteria which are widely associated with diarrhea.
Furthermore, the high content of vitamin B in Moringa aids proper digestion of food and immediately converts them into energy rather than accruing fat in the body, which in turn facilitates weight management.
7. Protects the Liver
Moringa offers a great benefit to the liver as it helps combat liver damage brought by certain drugs, and this plant also accelerates the recovery process. Additionally, the phytochemical composition of catechin, epicatechin and vitamin c in Moringa helps in restoring glutathione levels in the body to the normal state and also prevents hepatic lipid peroxidation.
8. Stabilizes Blood Sugar Levels
Consistent High blood glucose levels in the body increase the risk of diabetes. And one thing about diabetes is that it often comes with complications that may pose a greater risk on delicate organs of the body, including the heart, kidneys, eyes, liver, etc. Moringa has some hormonal balancing and glycemic controlling properties which are very helpful in fighting type 2 Diabetes. The plan also contains chlorogenic acid and isothiocyanates that works to regulate blood glucose levels, which allows each cell to utilize glucose as it is required.
9. Prevents Kidney Stones Formation
Moringa contains certain properties which are very effective in the decomposing uterus, bladder, as well as kidney stones. The miracle plant also reduces the development of stone deposits while regulating endogenous oxalate synthesis in the human body.
In addition to everything said above, Moringa shields the kidney from various kidney issues, including nephrotoxicity, which is often caused as a result of taking certain medications or exposure of certain toxins. Again, the nephroprotective properties in Moringa are very beneficial in healing renal injuries and also serves as a great bio-absorbent, which gets rid of heavy metals and toxins away from the body.
10. It Helps Prevent Cancer
Moringa has certain phenolic components, quercetin, and kaempferol which aids in treating cancer. The miracle plant also contains a potent bioactive compound called “niamzimicin,” which helps in inhibiting the spread of cancer cells and stimulating caspase-mediated cell death. These chemo-modulatory effects are also said to be effective in curing certain cancer types (in initial stages).
Possible Side Effects of Moringa
Although Moringa leaves are very nutritious and are okay to be eaten by pregnant and nursing mothers, there are some restrictions and side effects of moringa you should know.
The leaves, immature seed extracts (known as drumsticks) are good for consumption, but the root, bark, flowers, and mature seed extracts are not safe for pregnant women. The root and bark constitute of chemicals that can cause uterine contractions. Also, the flowers and mature seed extracts contain chemicals that can be passed through breastmilk from the mother to the body, and it can be dangerous to the infant. The reason behind this because the flowers and mature seed extracts have chemicals that slow down liver function, and in a developing baby who doesn’t have the normal liver function, it could harm them.
They are very few medical studies to back this up. Additionally, no medical reports have claimed that moringa affects fertility.
Bottom Line
Moringa oleifera is highly beneficial and should be taken by all and sundry because of the great benefits it provides human health with. Fortunately, you can get this miracle plant from the nearest store to you or better still place an order online.
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