Moringa (Moringa oleifera) is a medicinal plant that can be taken to help manage blood sugar levels, assist in the treatment of respiratory problems, protect the liver, reduce muscle fatigue and promote weight loss.
Moringa is rich in nutrients, like iron, calcium, carotenoids, quercetin and vitamin C, as well as active substances such as polyphenols and chlorogenic acid, which give this plant its antioxidant, antidiabetic, analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.
However, there are still few studies available that prove all of its benefits and that outline the minimum doses, as well as its safety for human use. The FDA has not approved moringa as a registered food supplement, and should therefore only be taken as directed by your doctor or a medicinal plant specialist.
Health benefits
According to some scientific studies, moringa may be beneficial for:
1. Increasing respiratory capacity
Some studies show that this plant is able to relieve symptoms associated with chronic respiratory diseases, like asthma. It helps to increase hemoglobin levels and, consequently, the amount of oxygen circulating in the blood.
2. Preventing diabetes
Moringa contains antioxidant properties that can help to regulate oxidative stress in the body. This reduces blood sugar levels and protects tissue from damage on a cellular level.
3. Protecting the heart
Because it is rich in fiber, this plant can help to decrease the absorption of cholesterol in the intestines, as well as the formation of fatty plaques in the arteries. These actions can help reduce overall risk for cardiovascular disease.
In addition, due to its antioxidant effects, moringa can also prevent or decrease system inflammation, which will contribute to overall heart health.
4. Managing blood pressure
Moringa contains tocopherols, polyphenols and flavonoids, which all help to regulate blood pressure. These substances are natural vasodilators, which help to relax blood vessels and improve blood circulation.
5. Helping with weight loss
Moringa is a plan that is rich in fiber and protein. It helps to keep you full, which may reduce the amount of high-calorie foods eaten. Therefore, it is a great complement to a weight loss plan.
In addition, some studies in animals have shown that moringa can help to burn accumulated fat.
6. Preventing and treating anemia
Moringa leaves contain a high quantity of iron (105 mg for each 100 g of leaves), which can help to increase red blood cell production and increase levels in the blood. This can help to treat anemia, especially anemia that is caused by iron deficiency.
7. Increasing immunity
Moringa contains vitamin C, polyphenols, and betacarotenes, which are substances that help to strengthen the immune system and increase the body’s natural defense capabilities.
8. Analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects
This plant contains isothyocyanates, quercetin and chlorogenic acid, which are substances that reduce the inflammatory process. Therefore, moringa can be used to treat symptoms associated with inflammatory diseases, like rheumatism and prostate swelling, for example.
9. Protecting and hydrating the skin
Due to its high levels of B-complex vitamins and vitamins C, E and A, moringa can stimulate the formation of collagen, and promote healing and skin hydration.
10. Improving digestion
Consuming moringa may help to complement the treatment of stomach ulcers. It may also help with constipation, due to its high fiber content.
Because of its vasodilator action, moringa can also be used to complement the treatment of hemorrhoids, as it helps to promote circulation.
11. Preventing cancer
Some studies appear to indicate that moringa contains an anti-carcinogenic effect. It seems to stimulate the destruction of malignant cells, mainly in the breasts and intestines.
12. Improving vision
Moringa is rich in beta-carotenes, which a precursor to vitamin A production. Beta-carotenes are also important for the production of pigmentation in the eyes that help to maintain eye health and function.
13. Decreasing menopause symptoms
Inflammation and oxidative stress levels tend to be high during menopause, which makes moringa a great supplement to use during this time. It additionally helps to manage hormone levels during menopause, leading to decreased intensity of symptoms experienced. Learn more about menopause symptoms that you should monitor for.
14. Preserving bone health
Because it is rich in calcium, moringa serves to maintain the health of teeth and promote the development and maintenance of bone structure, being important to prevent diseases such as osteopenia or osteoporosis, which is a disease that leaves bones weak and can cause fractures. . Find out more about what osteoporosis is and its main causes.
15. Protecting the liver
Moringa has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory substances that help maintain liver health, as it improves its functioning and has a preventive and therapeutic effect in cases of fatty liver caused by a diet rich in fat.
16. Reducing muscle fatigue
Moringa has properties that help improve physical performance and reduce muscle fatigue, as it facilitates the mobilization of fat deposits in the body. It can delay the depletion of muscle glycogen reserves and reduce the accumulation of substances, like lactate, that are produced by muscle wear.
Therefore, moringa can be recommended for people who do intense training or play sports.
Moringa properties
Moringa may contain antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-diabetic, vasodilator, anticholinergic, anti-rheumatic, antihypertensive, antimicrobial, hepatoprotective and healing properties.
However, it is important to keep in mind that formal studies completed on this plant remain inconclusive.
Ways to consume it
Medicinal plant specialists state that moringa tea should not be consumed in high amounts. You should limit your intake to two cups per day (or 500 ml total), as these quantities do not appear to have any negative health effects.
In addition to tea, moringa can also be found in capsule, seed and powder form.
Side effects
Some common side effects of moringa are nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
You should avoid consuming moringa root or its extracts without guidance from a health care professional, as it may contain toxic substances that can cause paralysis or death if consumed in high doses.
Contraindications for use
The ingestion of moringa is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women, as this medicinal plant can interfere with both pregnancy and breast milk production.
Also recommended: 5 Teas Safe for Pregnancy (and How to Prepare Them) tuasaude.com/en/teas-safe-for-pregnancyPeople with thyroid problems should also avoid consuming this plant, as it appears to affect the production of thyroid hormones.
Nutritional information
The following table indicates the nutritional information of 100 g of powdered moringa