Moringa has been one of the noticeable ingredients in the Indian kitchen. Moringa comes with several health benefits from managing blood sugar levels to healing wounds.
Moringa tree, also called the miracle tree, horseradish tree, Ben oil tree, and drumstick tree, Moringa Oleifera is a tree that contains anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. People have been using Moringa tree leaves for ages for different health purposes.
Through this tidbit, let’s learn about Moringa and Moringa powder benefits it brings to your health along with possible side effects.
8 Health Benefits of Moringa
Moringa has its native to Northern India, basically from the Himalayan Mountains. Popularly used in making delicious recipes, Moringa is also used in making different medicines. Surprisingly, every part of this tree is eatable. Moringa contains important nutrients like Vitamin A, Niacin (B3), Riboflavin (B2), Thiamine (B1), Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Iron, Potassium, Calcium, Phosphorus, Antioxidants, and Magnesium. Moringa contains zero harmful cholesterol and is also low in fats.
Thinking about how to make Moringa powder? When the leaves of Moringa dry out, they are ground into fine powder and can be stored for months without the need for refrigeration. Moringa powder is also used as an antiseptic to sterilize contaminated facades. The powder can easily fight various fungi and bacteria that lead to gastric cancer and ulcers.
Want to know more about Moringa tree powder and its benefits? Scroll down to learn about its secret health benefits.
1. Prevents Malnourishment
One of the most important benefits of Moringa tree powder is that it helps in the prevention of malnutrition due to lack of required energy or nutrients. As mentioned above, Moringa is a powerful source of various nutrients like fats, minerals, and Vitamins. They are also rich in fiber as well. Again, according to a study, Moringa powder can help in increasing the BMI (body mass index) in people suffering from HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) and are going for antiretroviral therapy. The powder helps HIV sufferers improve their nutritional intake.
2. Rich in Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant properties
The Moringa tree is filled with phenolic compounds that contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. Antioxidants prevent oxidative stress. Chronic oxidative stress can lead to an imbalance in the antioxidants and the free radicals present in the cells. Hence, the antioxidants present in Moringa prevent chronic diseases like heart attack, diabetes, and cancer. On the other hand, Moringa plant powder also contains anti-inflammatory properties through carotenoids, phenolics, and flavonoids present in it. These compounds help fight inflammation, avoid chronic disease, and promote immune health.
3. Reduce Blood Sugar Levels
Next on the list of Moringa Oleifera benefits is reducing blood sugar levels. According to a study, it is observed that 7 out of 10 people have diabetes. Consuming Moringa powder can help in managing blood sugar levels and insulin levels to control diabetes and the organ damage related to it. Taking Moringa in the form of a table or powder as medicine helps in reducing blood sugar levels, cholesterol levels, and blood pressure for diabetic patients, particularly type 2 diabetes.
4. For an Upset Stomach
To your surprise, Moringa powder is also helpful in treating various stomach disorders. The leaves or their powder can help in the prevention of colon cancer. They also retain a laxative effect and hence, can be used when suffering from constipation. Moringa has the capability of reducing acid secretions in the stomach. Thus, it also prevents peptic ulcers. The anti-inflammatory properties in Moringa protect you from ulcerative colitis. It also protects the digestive system from any kind of damage or health issues due to harmful foodborne bacteria. It protects your stomach from bacteria like E. Coli and S. Aureus present in sandwiches, sliced meats, contaminated water or food, raw food items, etc. leading to diarrhea or food poisoning.
5. Good for your Heart
Moringa leaf powder benefits also include a healthy heart and prevention of cardiovascular diseases. The substances present in Moringa help manage blood pressure levels. Again, the anti-inflammatory properties and various antioxidants present in Moringa like Quercetin protect you from cardiovascular health issues like heart attack. It prevents the formation of lipids and inflammation that lead to heart diseases. The tree is also an expert in reducing your cholesterol levels which also adds to several heart issues. Hence, consuming Moringa would keep your heart healthy.
6. Protects your Liver and treats Cancer
Moringa leaves contain compounds that reduce the accumulation of fats around the liver cells. They also increase the protein functions that help in fighting against the accumulation of fat around the liver. This indirectly prevents the liver from NAFLD (nonalcoholic fatty liver disease). Alternatively, the extracts from Moringa leaves or other parts of the tree carry the properties that help fight against cancer by killing its cells. Moringa is highly used during the treatment of colorectal cancer, liver cancer, breast cancer, and various other types of cancers.
7. Reduces Premature Aging
Moringa powder benefits skin from various aging symptoms. It is one of the secret ingredients in skincare. It carries anti-aging properties that give your skin a younger appearance by making it smooth. The creams made from Moringa improve the elasticity of the skin. As Moringa is rich in Vitamins E and C, it revitalizes the skin and helps you with a natural glow on your face. Moringa seeds carry antioxidant properties along with essential minerals and Vitamins that help your skin from issues like pigmentation, acne, scarring, etc. Hence, Moringa helps you achieve young and vibrant skin by reducing premature signs of aging.
8. Helpful during Menopause
Menopause is a phase that arrives when the ovulation and menstruation stages end in the life of a woman at the age of 45 to 55. During this period, women suffer from symptoms like anxiety, night sweats, and hot flashes. And to your surprise, this point is counted among the Moringa benefits for women. Moringa has antioxidants that reduce the sternness of these symptoms. It reduces oxidative stress and balances the free radicals and antioxidants in the body, which indirectly reduces the effect of hot flashes. It also eliminates the chances of night sweats. Hence, consuming Moringa in any form would surely help reduce the impact of menopause by working on its symptoms.
Apart from all these, Moringa also helps with other health benefits like managing healthy weight, treating nervous system disorders, depression, Alzheimer’s disease, mood swings, rheumatoid arthritis, edema, anemia, sickle cell disease, asthma, and much more. It also helps in the prevention of vision diseases. Moringa powder is also helpful when suffering from hypertension, typhoid, gastric cancer, gastric ulcers, and malaria.
What are the possible side effects of consuming Moringa?
Generally, consuming Moringa is safe. However, there are very few side effects that should be considered before initiating its consumption.
Moringa is possibly safe to use when consumed by mouth or applied on the skin. However, pregnant women should avoid it during the first trimester. Pregnant women should also avoid consuming the flowers, bark, and roots of Moringa throughout their pregnancies as the chemicals present therein might lead to the contraction of the uterus or miscarriage. Traditionally, the bark and roots were used to make medicines for miscarriages. Hence, better to avoid it and choose the safe side.
Talking about lactating mothers, it is safe to consume Moringa in the initial 4 months. However, it is advisable to consult your health practitioner before initiating it to stay safe. For children, taking Moringa through the mouth is usually safe, but with the advice of your doctor.
Last but not least, people suffering from hypothyroidism should avoid consuming Moringa in any form as it could worsen their situation.
Moringa – Consumption and Dosage
Moringa is popularly used for preparing several appetizing dishes throughout the world. The drumsticks are used while preparing meals similar to green beans, while the seeds are cooked like roasted nuts or peas.
Wondering how to use Moringa powder? Well, the Moringa leaves are first dried, and then ground into fine powder that can be stored for months without refrigeration. The leaves can also be cooked similarly to spinach.
Considering the dosage of Moringa, it can be consumed as a supplement. The seeds and leaves are often consumed by adults in a dosage of around 6 to 10 grams daily by mouth. However, it is advised to seek the help of a healthcare provider before starting with the dosage to have the right one.
Quick Tips About Using Moringa or Drumsticks
Moringa is a delicious plant that can be used in both savory and sweet dishes. Here is how you can add this ingredient to your meals.
- Blend Moringa powder into smoothies or oatmeals
- Use Moringa powder in stews or soups
- Consume Moringa pods when immature
- Add Moringa powder to your delicious pasta recipe
- Use Moringa leaves to make Moringa tea
Conclusion
The range of health benefits it brings has made Moringa one of the best healthcare sources. This green plant is highly consumed in meals, as a supplement, or in powdered form. No matter what form you consume, you are sure to receive all the health benefits.
However, it should be noted that additional research is needed to be carried out to confirm the health benefits of Moringa, it is still safe to consume it in moderate amounts. Again, make a point to purchase it from trustful sources to have accurate details regarding its consumption.
So, have you consulted your medical practitioner on how to start with Moringa to improve your overall health?
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