Moringa oleifera, simply called moringa is native to India and Nepal. The moringa plant is also known as “drumstick tree,” “miracle tree,” and “tree of life”; today it is also grown in Africa, Latin America, and Asia and also goes by the “horseradish tree.” Moringa powder, made from the leaves of the moringa tree, has many benefits and medicinal uses that have scientific backing. This superfood has been used as a traditional remedy in phytomedicine and ayurvedic healing for thousands of years.
The health benefits of Moringa Oleifera are numerous, but we chose the 11 discussed below. Check them out;
Protecting and nourishing skin and hair
Moringa seed oil is beneficial for protecting hair against free radicals and keeps it clean and healthy. Moringa also contains protein, which means it is helpful in protecting skin cells from damage. It also contains hydrating and detoxifying elements, which also boost the skin and hair. It can be successful in curing skin infections and sores
It fights free radicals.
Free radicals are created by things like pollution, fried food, and sun exposure. They damage your cells by robbing them of an electron, causing oxidative stress, cell damage, and premature aging. The antidote: antioxidants, like the flavonoids, polyphenols, and ascorbic acid found in moringa.
It is highly nutritious
Moringa leaves stick out as a super food because one cup of chopped leaves is considered a good source of iron, calcium, vitamin C, vitamin B6, and riboflavin and has notable amounts of potassium, vitamin A, vitamin E, and magnesium. In fact, the leaves are more concentrated in vitamin C than oranges. That means moringa can contribute to everything from better vision and immunity to bone health and skin radiance.
It is a great source of protein
Whether you’re a vegetarian or just trying to cut down on meat, it’s not always easy finding convenient plant-based protein. Powders made from its crushed leaves are packed with protein—3 grams of protein per tablespoon, in fact—and have a leg up on legumes because they contain all the essential amino acids, necessary for muscle repair, energy production, and mood regulation.
It can improve on sexual performance
Stress can stress your sex life. It can throw hormone levels off, spiking cortisol and decreasing dopamine to lower libido. In animal studies, moringa has not only been show to bring down cortisol levels, but it may also naturally boost testosterone levels, a known sex drive booster. In one study, moringa extract worked to enhance sexual performance in stressed rats by suppressing cortisol and increasing testosterone.
It fights inflammation.
Moringa has been shown to significantly lower inflammation in cells. As well as containing inflammation-lowering polyphenols and isothiocyanates, moringa reduces inflammation by suppressing inflammatory enzymes and proteins in the body.
It can balance hormones.
Menopause can wreak havoc on women’s hormones, but moringa may help. A study found that postmenopausal women who took a combination of moringa leaf powder and amaranth leaf powder for three months not only had decreased markers of oxidative stress, but they also had better fasting blood glucose and increased hemoglobin levels, which could mean more balanced hormones. Moringa has also been linked to improved thyroid health, which controls hormones related to energy, sleep, and digestion.
It protects the liver.
The liver does the work of a detoxifier. It filters the blood, detoxifies chemicals, and metabolizes fat—and moringa may help it work better, this is becuase moringa contains high concentrations of polyphenols to reverse oxidation in the liver, and preliminary research has shown moringa consumption to reduce liver fibrosis and protect against liver damage
It improves digestion.
Moringa leaf powder contains about 30% fiber, most of it insoluble, something you not only need for digestion but that may also reduce your risk of disease. Moringa is a natural antibiotic and antibacterial and may help inhibit the growth of various pathogens that can cause digestive upset. Moringa’s anti-inflammatory properties have been shown to help with digestive disorders, like colitis.
It supports brain health.
It is estimated that one in eight people over the age of 65 have Alzheimer’s disease. Moringa leaf is high in vitamins C and E, which combat the oxidative stress associated with Alzheimer’s. Animal studies of both Alzheimer’s and dementia are showing promising results. More good news: Moringa has also been linked to increased dopamine and serotonin (“happy hormones”), and with more research, it could possibly be used to help treat depression in the future. We really hope so.
It helps regulate blood sugar.
Spikes in insulin and blood sugar levels can cause mood swings and sugar cravings and even lead to the development of type 2 diabetes and obesity. The moringa leaf powder has been effective at reducing lipid and glucose levels and regulating oxidative stress in lab studies.
Should everyone take Moringa?
Ermmm!!! NO. Even though Moringa leaf powder had been deemed safe in human studies, it is not safe for everyone. While moringa might be a miracle working plants, it is not good for everyone, especially pregnant women. Studies have shown that moringa might be unsafe for pregnant women or nursing mothers to use due to the chemicals possibly found in the root, bark, or flowers of the plant.
Moringa can have a laxative effect when consumed in large quantities or lead to stomach upset, so we suggest starting with a small dose—½ to 1 teaspoon per day. If you have an easily upset stomach, it is advisable to steer clear of moringa seeds and its extracts.