What is moringa?
Moringa is also called as drumstick tree, and the botanical name is Moringa oleifera. Moringa is considered as “superfood” as it is rich in nutrients and minerals and is commonly cultivated in the regions of Africa and Southeast Asia.
However, the moringa tree can be seen planted in our homes. Moringa does not require more space or water. So, it is easy to cultivate in our home.
Moringa contains many health benefits and medicinal properties like antifungal, antidepressant, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties. The reason for moringa being used in many Ayurvedic and Unani medicine.
According to NCBI, moringa is a fast-growing tropical plant with thick tuberous roots and abundant flowering with seeds and fruits. Additionally, moringa is used in the treatment of certain diseases like asthma, eye and skin diseases and epilepsy in ayurvedic medicine.
Moringa trees can tolerate a soil pH of up to 4.5-8. However, the moringa tree grows better in a slightly acidic pH.
The health benefits of moringa are discussed further in the blog.
Nutrients in moringa
Moringa contains a wide range of nutrients that can benefit our health. They are
- Proteins,
- Vitamins A, C, D and E,
- Folic acid,
- Pyridoxine,
- Nicotinic acid,
- Antioxidants,
- Flavonoids,
- Isothiocyanates,
- Calcium,
- Iron and
- Zinc
According to NCBI, moringa contains iron which can be an alternate source in the treatment of anaemia due to iron deficiency. Additionally, moringa is placed first to treat anaemia compared to beet and spinach.
Moringa contains vitamins A and C, potassium and proteins in abundance compared to oranges, apples, carrots, yoghurt and bananas.
Zinc is required for RNA and DNA synthesis and for the growth of sperm cells. These nutrients can be fulfilled by consuming moringa. The detailed benefits of moringa are listed below.
Uses of moringa
Suppress inflammation
Pathogens like bacteria, fungi and viruses can trigger a reaction, and the body stimulates by producing an inflammatory response.
Moringa can effectively suppress inflammation caused due to these pathogens and other conditions like asthma, metabolic diseases and ulcerative colitis.
According to NCBI, the moringa leaves extract can significantly inhibit inflammatory markers like prostaglandins E2, tumour necrosis factor and interleukin-6. It concluded that the moringa plant could be an effective treatment for inflammation-associated diseases and disorders.
Reduce diabetes symptoms
Diabetes is a chronic health condition that can affect your body and affect your quality of life. The body breaks down the food we eat and then releases it into the bloodstream.
As the blood glucose level increases, it can lead to the build-up of sugar levels in the blood, and this condition is called diabetes.
People affected with diabetes have complications like neurological conditions. These conditions can cause significant health issues and lead to major complications.
Moringa can be used in the treatment of diabetes and reduces the severity of the symptoms. An animal study was conducted with rats and was administered with moringa extract. The study proved that there was a reduction in glycaemia after 60 and 12 minutes when rats were fed with glucose.
Rich in nutrients
According to the NCBI article titled “Moringa oleifera is a Prominent Source of Nutrients with Potential Health Benefits”, as denoted in the below table.
| Nutrients | Comparison with other foods |
| Vitamin C | 7 times more than oranges |
| Vitamin A | 10 times more than carrots |
| Calcium | 17 times more than milk |
| Iron | 25 times more than spinach |
| Potassium | 15 times more than bananas |
Moringa is considered as a superfood due to the above-mentioned nutrients. Additionally, they contain polyphenols and flavonoids that justify them as superfoods.
Fights free radicals
The human body naturally maintains a health ratio between oxidants and antioxidants. External stress in life can produce reactive oxygen species, and free radicals are produced. This imbalance is termed as oxidative stress.
Free radicals can cause oxidative stress, which leads to certain conditions like type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Moringa contains antioxidants like beta-carotene, which protects against heart diseases and inflammatory conditions and strengthens the immune system.
When it comes to balancing oxidative stress, moringa is a great source and a better producer of antioxidants when compared to other plant-based sources.
Improves brain health
Moringa naturally enhances memory by altering the enzyme activity in the brain. Moringa effectively reduces oxidative stress and neurodegeneration that occurs due to the breakdown of the brain cells.
Additionally, moringa can treat and reduce the symptoms of anxiety, depression and fatigue. Moringa leaf is used in ayurvedic medicine to treat the symptoms of paralysis and other nervous disorders.
Protect the cardiovascular system
Moringa contains bioactive compounds that effectively combat vascular dysfunctions and myocardial damage.
Some of the bioactive compounds include phenolic acid, isothiocyanates, flavonoids, tannins and saponins. These bioactive compounds can effectively prevent and improve the symptoms of cardiovascular diseases like hyperlipidemia and hypertension.
Antimicrobial and antibacterial properties
Moringa contains phytochemicals like glucosinolates which are rich in antibacterial activity. These properties can effectively fight infections and safeguard the body from such infections.
Moringa can also be used on the skin, which helps fight certain fungal and bacterial infections that can damage the skin.
Protects liver
Moringa can be consumed by people who have liver diseases. Additionally, people who are administered anti-tubercular drugs can consume moringa leaves daily. It effectively hastens the repair process of liver damage caused by the drugs.
According to Science Direct, moringa can manage fructose-induced fatty liver. However, moringa will not protect from fructose-induced fatty liver.
Heals wound
Moringa heals and fastens the healing process. However, the biological mechanism behind the healing process is still not clear.
According to scientific data, the moringa plant as a whole regulates inflammation and fastens the healing process.
There is also evidence that states that moringa leaves can be applied on the skin to kill the germs that cause skin infection, and it also acts as an astringent.
The leaves are ground to apply on infection pockets (abscesses), dandruff, gums inflammation, snakebites, warts and wounds.
Balances hormone
Moringa leaves and seeds can regulate hormonal imbalance. Moringa contains antioxidants like quercetin and chlorogenic acid, which slows the ageing process.
According to a research paper published in Science Direct titled “Moringa oleifera: A review on nutritive importance and its medicinal application”, states that moringa is rich in phytosterols like sitosterol, stigmasterol and kampesterol, which acts as a precursor for hormones.
These precursors help increase oestrogen production, which helps to stimulate the mammary glands ducts that produce milk and nourish the child.
Who should not use moringa?
Moringa contains numerous health benefits; however, a certain category of people should not consume moringa as it can intervene in their underlying health condition and cause major complications.
Moringa can interact with diabetes, thyroid and blood pressure medications. Before consuming any moringa or their supplements, consult your doctor.
Moringa may contain anti-fertility qualities, and pregnant women are advised to limit their consumption.
A diabetic patient uses diabetic medication to lower blood glucose levels. When moringa is taken along with these medications, it can cause a person to have low blood glucose levels as moringa contains anti-diabetic properties.
There are very few side effects reported for moringa as its benefits are endless to mankind.
Conclusion
Moringa is considered a “superfood”, and it can quench all our nutritional requirements.
There are many moringa powders and teas available. These powders can be mixed with hot water and can also be used as a substitute for our regular coffee and tea.
Moringa is a boon to our health, and people with nutritional deficiencies can consume them.
FAQs
What moringa can cure?
What are the benefits of the moringa?
Antioxidants,
Vitamins A, C, D and E and
Essential amino acids.
