What Is Moringa?
Did you know that moringa is sometimes called the “tree of life”? There are over a dozen species of the moringa plant worldwide, but Moringa oleifera is the most commonly used as a food source and supplement. Found in sub-Saharan Africa and parts of Asia, this species is also known as the Ben oil tree, drumstick tree, horseradish tree, and the “tree of life.” It has green, lace-like leaves that droop outward, creating shade and beauty.
Every part of the moringa tree is edible, including the roots, bark, flowers, pods, seeds, and leaves. Traditional medicine practitioners have relied on moringa for centuries. It’s often sold as a bright green powder that you can add to smoothies or juice, or as herbal extracts that provide moringa’s nutrients in highly concentrated servings.
Moringa Benefits & Uses
Studies suggest that moringa offers several potential health benefits. Moringa not only boosts your energy and sex drive but may also help you maintain a normal weight. This unique plant promotes normal blood glucose levels, which helps maintain a healthy weight. Due to its high protein levels and abundant vitamins and minerals, some experts believe moringa could combat malnutrition — and in some areas, it already does. Moringa seeds contain “Ben oil” used for cooking, biodiesel, cosmetics, and mechanical lubrication.
In this article, we focus on the human health benefits of moringa. Read on to learn more.
Boosts Energy
The moringa tree’s high vitamin and nutrient content replenishes you at a cellular level. According to a Discovery Channel documentary called Miracle Tree, some people crave moringa for its invigorating properties. Vicky Domingo, a moringa farmer in Hawaii, stated, “You keep on eating and eating and you can feel your body is more energetic, more healthy. You’re not drooping. You keep on going, so active!” This energy-boosting effect is likely due to the tree’s nutritional benefits.
Possesses Exceptional Nutritional Value
The moringa plant is a powerhouse of natural nutrition. One scientific study found that moringa contains over 46 antioxidants and 36 anti-inflammatory compounds. Rich in vitamins, minerals, and nutrients, moringa has a higher nutritional value than most other fruits and vegetables. Gram for gram, moringa contains 15 times more potassium than bananas, four times more vitamin A and 2.5 times more beta-carotene than carrots, and seven times as much vitamin C as oranges.
Stimulates Sex Drive & Fertility
Moringa leaf may improve your sex life! In one animal study, moringa leaf promoted normal testosterone levels and sperm production in male rats and boosted female fertility as well. Its strong nutritional content helps circulation and blood flow, which are essential for sexual arousal in both males and females.
Acts as a Strong Antioxidant
Moringa leaf contains many antioxidants that deter free radicals, molecules that damage your cells. These antioxidants boost your immune system and lower oxidative stress. Moringa also contains chlorogenic acid, an antioxidant found in coffee beans that promotes healthy blood sugar levels.
Promotes Normal Blood Sugar
Balanced blood sugar means more even energy throughout the day, reducing cravings, mood swings, and fatigue. Several studies have shown that moringa seed extract can promote normal blood sugar levels in laboratory animals. However, one small human trial found no impact on blood sugar levels, though it did promote healthy blood pressure.
Supports Heart Health
Moringa may help keep your heart healthy. It contains high levels of bioavailable iron, which supports your body’s ability to make hemoglobin, increasing the amount of oxygen your blood can carry. This promotes alertness and wakefulness. Moringa extracts have been shown to promote normal blood pressure and cholesterol levels in animal studies.
Protects the Liver
Animal studies have shown that moringa oil supports the liver and helps maintain normal enzyme levels. By promoting healthy liver function, moringa aids the body’s detoxification processes, which are crucial since we are regularly exposed to harmful toxins.
Boosts Mood & Memory
Moringa can lift your spirits and promote a stable, uplifted mood. According to animal studies, moringa may support brain health and memory as you age. Its antioxidants protect brain cells against oxidative stress, which causes cell death, DNA damage, and other physiological issues that increase with age.
Promotes Wound Healing
The moringa tree helps blood to clot normally. The leaves and roots have coagulant properties, and extracts from the bark, stem, seeds, and leaves deter harmful microorganisms. Animal studies suggest moringa may promote a healthy stomach lining with a normal stomach acid balance.
Reduces Redness & Swelling
In multiple animal studies, moringa reduced redness, swelling, and irritation in the colon, joints, abdomen, and throughout the body. Some clinical trials on humans have found similar results. Moringa’s antioxidant compounds work inside cells and tissues to reduce redness and swelling.
May Promote Normal Weight
Moringa’s high-fiber content could promote a faster metabolism while keeping you full between meals, according to some animal studies. When rats fed a high-fat diet were given moringa, it promoted normal weight, cholesterol, insulin, and leptin levels. Because of these benefits, people looking to maintain a normal weight sometimes add moringa to their daily regimen.
Moringa Nutrition Facts
The leaves of the moringa plant are high in essential vitamins and minerals and several antioxidant compounds like quercetin and chlorogenic acid. Moringa has a strong, earthy, spinach-like flavor. In one cup of chopped fresh leaves (21 grams), you will find:
– 2 grams protein
– 400 mg fiber
– 9 mg magnesium
– 10.9 mg vitamin C
– 39 mg calcium
– 1 mg iron
– 252 μg vitamin B-6
– 79 μg vitamin A
– 8 μg folate (vitamin B-9)
How to Use Moringa
You can use moringa in several forms: powder, fresh or dried leaf, liquid extract, or cold-pressed oil. Here are some popular ways to consume it:
– Moringa tea: Steep fresh or dried leaves in hot water; add raw honey and a wedge of lemon for a soothing tea.
– Moringa powder: Add the powder to smoothies, soup, or recipes.
– Moringa capsules: Many people take encapsulated moringa to avoid the strong flavor. Take capsules with a full glass of water.
– Moringa extracts: These contain a highly concentrated form of the herb in an alcohol or vegetable glycerin base. Glycerin is gentler on your system, has a low glycemic index, and preserves the compounds’ bioactive properties.
Moringa Side Effects & Precautions
The fruit, seeds, leaves, and oil of the moringa tree have been consumed for thousands of years with few reported side effects. In the modern era, you’re most likely to consume moringa as a processed powder or supplement. Read ingredient labels carefully and avoid products with unwanted fillers or additives.
Moringa leaf naturally packs more nutrients per gram than most other plants, but it contains certain antinutrients, including tannins and oxalic acid, which may block the absorption of other nutrients. These “antinutrients” may also be responsible for some of its therapeutic potential.
Moringa has been shown to possibly induce miscarriage through uterine contractions in female rats, so it’s best to avoid this supplement if you are pregnant. Check with your healthcare provider before taking a moringa supplement if you are breastfeeding.
Points to Remember
People have dubbed Moringa oleifera “the miracle tree” and the “tree of life” because of its exceptional nutritional value and versatility in supporting overall health. Modern studies show that moringa has a range of potential benefits, including promoting normal cholesterol levels, supporting heart and liver health, encouraging a happy mood and strong memory, and even boosting your sex drive.
