Moringa Oleifera (MO), a plant from the family Moringacea is a major crop in Asia Africa. Moringa has many health and nutritional benefits. Moringa health benefits are nothing but miraculous. In this article, we will discuss what are the benefits of Moringa leaves, the benefits of Moringa, the effectiveness, and the safeness of the herb in chronic disease.
Moringa has nutrients in the leaves, pods, and seeds.
What Are the Benefits of Moringa leaves?
Moringa oleifera (Moringaceae) is a fast-growing softwood tree indigenous to sub-Himalayan tracts of Northern India.
Moringa seed is a promising source of medicinal benefit because of its high nutrient value of monounsaturated fatty acids with a high monounsaturated/saturated fatty acids ratio. The nutritional content of Moringa. The benefits of Moringa leaves are enormous.
Moringa is also rich in protein and amino acids. These amino acids are important nutritionally because the body needs protein and amino acids.
The Moringa tree grows rapidly, therefore it is very valuable to the locals who depend on it. All parts of the Moringa tree (leaves, seeds, roots, and flowers) are suitable for human and animal consumption.
The leaves that are rich in protein and other minerals are used for human consumption and traditional medicine.
Moringa Seeds Benefits
The seeds have attracted scientists’ interest because the seeds contain a significant amount of oil that has a high quality of fatty acids. This oil is also resistant to degradation. This is very promising. We know that the brain and heart require good quality fat that does no go rancid.
Commercially Moringa oil is known as Behen oil. Moringa oil can be a substitute oil for olive oil because it has similar properties.
Moringa Antioxidant Properties
Several studies have shown that Moringa had excellent antioxidant properties. Raw or crushed seeds ahs have been used to treat stomach pain, poor vision, and to aid digestion.
We know that antioxidants have been used to prevent cancer and aging.
In the labs, Moringa has been shown to exhibit antibacterial properties. The protein in Moringa causes bacterial cell damage.
In some underdeveloped countries, Moringa seeds are used to purify the drinking water.
Another study showed Moringa seeds possess liver-protective properties that prevent liver damage and fibrosis.
Moringa seed at 750mg per day was given for 8 weeks and it reduced the heart rate and improved cardiac diastolic function. In addition, left ventricular wall thickness was reduced.
Moringa also has antidiabetic properties.
Moringa oleifera Nutritional Benefits
Moringa is extremely nutritious. Moringa has more nutritional value than many superfoods. For example:
- Moringa has 7 times as much Vitamin C as an orange. We know that vitamin c is needed to sustain the immune system. Especially during the winter season. Vitamin C is also needed to help heal wounds, cuts, and burns.
- Moringa has 4 times as much Vitamin A as carrots. We know that we need Vitamin A to help vision, the optic nerve, the immune system, and cell growth. Vitamin A or retinoid comes from two different sources: plant sources and meat sources. Moringa provides the plant source.
- Moringa has four times the calcium of milk. Calcium is needed for proper muscle and bone growth. Calcium is also needed for the proper utilization of Vitamin D.
- Moringa has three times the potassium of bananas. This is a big one because we need potassium for so many body functions. We need potassium for proper muscle function and proper heart function. Potassium is present in all body tissues and is required for normal cell function because of its role in maintaining intracellular fluid volume.
- Moringa has two times the protein of yogurt. Protein is important for muscle and bone repair. You also use protein to make enzymes and hormones. Protein is an important building block of bones, muscles, cartilage, skin, and blood.
As you can see, Moringa has a plethora of vitamins and minerals. In addition to the vitamins and minerals that are listed above, Moringa also has the following:
- Ca – Calcium
- K – Potassium
- Cu – Copper
- S – Sulphur
- Zn – Zinc
- Cr – Chromium
- B – Boron
- Mg – Magnesium
- P – Phosphorus
- Fe – Iron
- Na – Sodium
- As – Arsenic
- Mn – Manganese
- Se – Selenium
- A – Vitamin A
- B1 – Vitamin B1
- B2 – Vitamin B2
- B3 – Vitamin B3
- C – Vitamin C
- E – Vitamin E
- K1 – Vitamin K1
Amino Acids in Moringa
- Isoleucine
- Leucine
- Valine
- Lysine
- Methionine
- Tryptophan
- Phenylalanine
- Threonine
- Histidine
Moringa Has Benefits for Pregnant Women
In Senegal, the World Health Service conducted a test to see if the Moringa leaf powder would prevent malnutrition in pregnant and breastfeeding women and children. The test was done by a Morinaga well-known expert, Mr. Lowell Fuglie.
The results were astonishing! The children maintained or increased their weight. The children also have improved health.
The pregnant women recovered from anemia. Pregnant women also had higher birth weight babies.
Ways to Eat Moringa
In Africa, the leaves were boiled like spinach. Indians used the seed pods as a delicacy.
The Senegalese people make a “sauce” out of Moringa. The plant is boiled down so that is is highly concentrated. The Moringa plant is also treasured in Africa because unlike other vegetables, the Moringa plant is very hardy. This plant can withstand tough drought conditions.
Moringa Dosage
There are no standardized dosages for Moringa. However, the dosages that were used were from 800mg to 1000 mg once a day. However, as always it is best to start out at a lower dosage and work your way up. You can also buy Moringa powder and make tea.
Buy Your Moringa Today!!!
Conclusions
Moringa is a promising plant. There have been over 800 studies done on the benefits of Moringa. The benefits of Moringa is vast and I suspect it is due to the nutritional properties.
You see, we know that the majority of diseases and disorders are actually nutrient deficiences. When the body does not have adequate nutrition, it goes into a state of inflammation. Most of the diseases and disorders listed above are related to diet.
In fact, Type 2 diabetes is a complete lifestyle disease and it can be modified. I will be doing a series of articles on the benefits of Moringa. Stay tuned!
References:
Moringa Oil and Seeds
My name is Phyllis Robinson MSN, RN. I have been a Registered Nurse for 27 years in the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit. I am passionate about cardiac care and heart disease. I also want this blog to be an educational tool that people can refer to for traditional and alternative treatment. I will blog on heart disorders such as high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, cardiomyopathy, and high cholesterol.
I received my Nursing degree from Baltimore Community College.
I went on to receive my Masters in Nursing from Walden University
I have worked for almost 30 years in Critical Care with a focus on heart health. I am an advocate of preventive healthcare.
