Moringa oleifera is a plant basically admired for its health benefits.
Extremely rich in healthy antioxidants as well as bio-active plant compounds. Meanwhile only a fraction of it’s many reputed health benefits has been thoroughly investigated.
Nutritional Importance
Moringa is a tree popularly grown across the globe for its immense benefits to humanity.
It goes by a variety of names and mostly all parts of the tree are eaten or used as ingredients in traditional herbal medicines. This applies especially to the leaves and pods, which are commonly eaten in parts of Africa and the globe.
The leaves are an excellent source of vitamins and minerals. A cup of fresh, chopped leaves contains
Protein: 2 grams
Vitamin B6: 19% of the Daily Value
Vitamin C: 12% of the DV
Iron: 11% of the DV
Riboflavin (B2): 11% of the DV
Vitamin A (from beta-carotene): 9% of the DV
Magnesium: 8% of the DV
Nutritionally Moringa has immense dietary values, all across the globe now the dried leaves are sold as dietary supplements, either in powder or capsule form.
The pods are generally lower in vitamins and minerals but exceptionally rich in vitamin C.
Moringa leaves are rich in many important nutrients, including protein, vitamin B6, vitamin C, riboflavin and iron.
Rich in Antioxidants
Antioxidants are compounds that act against free radicals in your body.
Several antioxidant plant compounds have been found in the leaves of Moringa in addition to vitamin C and beta-carotene.
Moringa is rich in various antioxidants, including quercetin and chlorogenic acid. Moringa leaf powder can increase blood antioxidant levels.
Lower Blood Sugar Levels
High blood sugar can be a serious health problem. In fact, it’s the main characteristic of diabetes.
Over time, high blood sugar levels raise the risk of many serious health problems, including heart disease. For this reason, it’s important to keep your blood sugar within healthy limits. Moringa has been found to be very rffective in this regard.
Reduce Inflammation
This is the body’s natural response to infection or injury.
Sustained inflammation is linked to many chronic health problems, including heart disease and cancer. Moringa oleifera has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties.
Lowers Cholesterol
High cholesterol has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease.
Moringa may have cholesterol-lowering effects and can lower your cholesterol levels, potentially reducing the risk of heart disease.
Protect Against Arsenic Toxicity
Toxicity and arsenic contamination of food and water is a problem in many parts of the world.
Long-term exposure to high levels of arsenic may lead to an increased risk of cancer and heart disease.
The leaves and seeds may protect against some of the effects of arsenic toxicity. Moringa may protect against arsenic toxicity.
In Summary
To date Moringa has been known to modestly reduce blood sugar and cholesterol. It may also have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects and protect against arsenic toxicity.
Moringa leaves are also highly nutritious and should be beneficial for people who are lacking in essential nutrients.
