There’s a good reason why moringa trees are also referred to as “miracle trees.” The medicinal properties of the tree can be found in its leaves, fruit, sap, oil, roots, bark, seeds, pod, and flowers. Numerous applications exist for the tree’s products. It goes by the name “drumstick tree” as well. Asia, Africa, and South America are where it is primarily found.
Nutrition Level
In terms of nutrition, moringa leaves, also known as drumstick leaves, are far more abundant than carrots, oranges, or even milk. The leaves are adaptable and can be included in the diet in a variety of ways, which is why Indian cuisine uses them extensively. The most popular ways that they are consumed are as stir-fried vegetables and added to juices. Moringa leaves have no negative effects when eaten in their natural state.
Health Benefits of Moringa Leaves
1. High in Minerals and Vitamins
Vitamins B1, B2, B3 (niacin), B6 (riboflavin), C, A, and folate are abundant in moringa leaves. They are also a good source of calcium, phosphorus, zinc, iron, and magnesium. Two grams of protein, 8% of magnesium (representing the RDA), 19% of vitamin B6, 11% of iron (representing the RDA), 11% of riboflavin (representing the RDA), and 9% of vitamin A can all be found in one cup of moringa leaves.
2. Rich in Amino Acids
Amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins, are abundant in moringa leaves. They contain eighteen different types of amino acids, each of which is vital to our health.
3. Fight Inflammation
The body’s natural reaction to pain and injury is inflammation. Because moringa leaves contain isothiocyanates, they have anti-inflammatory properties. They possess niazimicin, which is known to stop the growth of cancer cells. Numerous illnesses, including cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, arthritis, and several autoimmune diseases, are primarily brought on by inflammation. The body experiences increased inflammation when we are injured or infected.
In essence, it serves as a defense mechanism against trauma, but an unhealthy diet and lifestyle can cause the body’s levels of inflammation to rise. Prolonged inflammation results in long-term health problems. Consuming leaves of the moringa plant lowers inflammation.
4. Rich in Antioxidants
The anti-oxidant qualities of moringa leaves shield the plant from the harmful effects of environmental free radicals. Many chronic diseases, including type 2 diabetes, heart issues, and Alzheimer’s, are brought on by the damage that free radicals cause. Beta-carotene and vitamin C are abundant in moringa leaves, which have anti-free radical properties.
Additionally, they contain the antioxidant quercetin, which aids in lowering blood pressure. Another antioxidant found in moringa leaves is chlorogenic acid, which aids in blood sugar stabilization after meals.
5. Lower Blood Sugar Levels
Individuals who have persistently elevated blood sugar levels eventually develop diabetes. Diabetes in turn can harm the body’s organs and result in heart issues. It’s best to maintain controlled blood sugar levels to prevent this. Because moringa leaves contain isothiocyanates, which help to stabilize blood sugar levels, they are an ideal resource for that.
6. Lowers Cholesterol
In addition to almonds, oats, and flaxseeds, moringa leaves are a dependable treatment for hypercholesterolemia. The primary cause of heart disease is high cholesterol, and consuming moringa leaves has been shown to significantly lower high cholesterol. Lowering those levels and lowering the risk of heart disease are two benefits of moringa oleifera.
Elevated cholesterol levels are often associated with pregnancy, which may raise the chance of developing gestational diabetes during the baby’s development. Gestational diabetes: what is it? This particular form of diabetes is initially identified in expectant mothers who were free of the disease prior to becoming pregnant. You can definitely include moringa leaves in your diet if you have gestational diabetes.
7. Guards the Liver
Moringa leaves are very beneficial to people with tuberculosis because they lessen the side effects of anti-tubercular medications. The leaves hasten the liver cells’ ability to mend. The leaves contain a high concentration of polyphenols, which can both prevent and even lessen oxidative liver damage. They raise the liver’s protein content.
Liver function is dependent on normal liver enzyme levels and is responsible for blood detoxification, fat metabolism, and nutrient absorption. These liver enzymes are stabilized by moringa leaves
8. Offers Protection Against Arsenic Toxicity
Arsenic Toxicity is a widespread issue in many regions of the world. Many foods, especially rice, have allowed arsenic to enter our systems.
Heart disease and cancer may develop as a result of prolonged exposure to this component. Moringa leaves can help counteract the effects of arsenic toxicity, according to research conducted on lab animals.
9. Great for Stomach
The leaves of the moringa plant are good for stomach problems. Add moringa leaves to your diet if you have ulcerative colitis, gastritis, bloating, constipation, or gas. Because of their antibacterial and antibiotic qualities, the leaves are a great treatment for digestive issues. Digestion is improved even by the leaves’ high B vitamin content.
10. Improves Bone Health
Rich sources of calcium and phosphorus are found in moringa leaves. To maintain healthy bones, you need both of these components. Moringa leaves are anti-inflammatory, which helps reduce arthritis and may even help repair broken bones. Moreover, moringa oleifera prevents osteoporosis and maintains strong bones and teeth.
11. Work as Antiseptic
The antiseptic properties of moringa leaves help prevent numerous bacterial infections. Because they shorten the clotting time, they are even helpful in the healing of wounds and can speed up the healing of burns, minor cuts, and bruises.
12. Boost the lactation process
Because moringa leaves are high in nutrients, consuming them during pregnancy may be advantageous for the developing fetus as well as the expectant mother. Moringa leaves were used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine to stimulate lactation in nursing mothers. Eating moringa leaves is very beneficial to the health of both the mother and the unborn child because they are a rich source of protein, vital vitamins, and necessary nutrients.
13. Assists with Weight Control
Moringa leaves boost the body’s ability to burn fat. They reduce body fat without causing the person’s energy levels to drop. The person feels nourished and buoyant as a result. Both their metabolism and food cravings are reduced by them. Additionally, they reduce cholesterol.
14. Good for Skin and Hair
Moringa leaves enhance the condition and look of skin and hair because they are a rich source of antioxidants and nutrients. They give the skin more suppleness and the hair more shine. The antioxidants in moringa leaves help to minimize the look of wrinkles and fine lines on the skin. About thirty antioxidants are found in them. Not just this; moringa leaf paste for hair. adds vigor and bounce to lifeless, dull hair when applied topically, and minimizes dandruff. Additionally, the leaves support the hair follicles.
Further study is needed, but applying moringa leaves topically has also been shown to help skin prone to acne. For this reason, a lot of cosmetics contain moringa leaves. Because of their therapeutic qualities and purifying nature, they even out the tone of the skin and add a glow.
15. Good for Nervous System
The application of moringa leaves has been shown to be beneficial for a variety of nervous disorders. They function as neuroenhancers and promote brain health. The high content of vitamins C and E helps to prevent neural degeneration and enhance brain activity. Moringa leaves are necessary to consume on a regular basis by those who experience migraines or recurrent headaches. Because these leaves stabilize the production of neurotransmitters like noradrenaline, dopamine, and serotonin—which are crucial for mood, memory, and stimulus-response—they also function as mood stabilizers.
16. Detoxifies the Body
Natural purifiers and aid in system detoxification are moringa leaves. By doing this, the body’s resistance to different infections is boosted. They also raise the body’s energy levels.
17. Good for Eyes
Vitamin A, which is crucial for preserving maximum eye health and averting ailments like night blindness and cataracts, is abundant in moringa leaves for the eyes. Drinking moringa leaf juice can definitely improve your eye health and vision power.
Downsides of Moringa Leaves
- Leaves of the moringa plant might not be suitable for all. Although most people consider moringa to be safe and healthy, there are a few mild side effects to be aware of. The fruit, bark, roots, and leaves of the moringa plant may be laxative when consumed in large quantities.
- The extract, bark, and roots of Moringa can induce uterine contractions in expectant mothers. Before incorporating moringa leaves or products into their diets, expectant mothers should consult with their doctors.
- Likewise, moms who are nursing ought to stay away from Moringa leaves because it’s unclear if any of the compounds could find their way into the child’s milk.
- It has occasionally been discovered that moringa leaf powder contains more lead than is tolerable; therefore, whenever possible, source your extracts from reliable suppliers.
- Also, it is advised that individuals using blood thinners stay away from moringa unless they first speak with their physician. Like anything else, it can be safe for most people when taken in moderation, but use caution whenever using it.
Conclusion
Moringa leaves are rich in nutrients and have anti-inflammatory properties. They are a new kind of “superfood,” thanks to their antioxidative and cellular health-protective qualities. They also decrease blood sugar levels and inhibit the synthesis of inflammatory enzymes. Make these a regular part of your diet to reap rich health benefits.
You might not experience benefits right away from moringa consumption. For best effects, you need to consume moringa for a minimum of one or two months.