Health Benefits Of Moringa: Why It Is Called Tree Of Miracles

Moringa Oleifera is considered one of the most nutritious plants ever discovered. It is also referred to as Miracle Tree, Drumstick Tree, or Ben Oil Tree. There are numerous health benefits of moringa, with most of its benefits coming from its little green leaves. We will be talking about that in this article.

Moringa is full of healthful compounds such as Vitamin A, Vitamin B1, B2, B3, Vitamin C, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Potassium, Zinc, Amino Acids, and Protein as well. Due to its highly nutritious profile, moringa is gaining more popularity as a superfood and a nutrition supplement.

Moringa is a plant native to India, and have also been part of traditional diet in tropical and sub-tropical regions such as Asia, Africa and South America.

The plant holds a special place in Ayurveda for ages due to its medicinal properties. What makes it more special is that it is extremely low in fats and contains no cholesterol.

From roots to leaves, almost all parts of moringa are edible. Moringa seems to be most potent when fresh and can be grown as a plant to use as a herbal remedy. Other names of moringa include Sehjan, Murinna, Munaga, Mulaga, Murungai, Nuggekai, Horseradish tree, etc.

Health Benefits of Moringa:

Moringa has many uses and benefits in terms of health, beauty, and helping prevent and cure diseases. Moringa tree extracts contain high levels of healthy antioxidants that have been shown to reduce cancer cell growth in the body. In addition, the plant contains all the 9 essential amino acids which our bodies cannot produce and must come from the food.

Today, moringa is readily available in various forms. You can eat the leaves by adding them to your salads. On the one hand, you can purchase moringa tea to drink, or its leaf powder to add to smoothies, soups, sauces, and salad dressings. Once packed, the powder can remain fresh for a long time, retaining all of its nutritional value.

Here are the key health benefits of moringa that are backed by scientific research:

1. Controls Diabetes and Blood-Sugar Levels:

Moringa is extremely beneficial for diabetic patients. It can be used as herbal medicine to control diabetes for its ability to regulate glucose levels in the blood. A study on people with type-2 diabetes found that consuming 8g of moringa powder daily resulted in a 26% decrease in post-meal blood-sugar levels on average after 40 days.

As an effective home remedy, you can consume a drink made from moringa powder on a daily basis to keep the sugar levels normal. Moringa extract is also found to support weight loss.

2. Helps Reduce Inflammation:

Prolonged inflammation is linked to many chronic illnesses such as cardiovascular disease, stroke, dementia, and memory problems. If you don’t work on lowering your stress levels, your body could break down in the end. A study found that moringa can be helpful in combating chronic inflammation and muscle pain due to the presence of isothiocyanates.

Along with its anti-inflammatory properties, moringa can help to treat arthritis and may heal damaged bones. It contains calcium and phosphorus, which helps to keep the bones strong.

3. Controls Blood Pressure:

Moringa has been shown to be effective at controlling and maintaining healthy blood pressure. Moringa leaf extract lowers high blood pressure by reducing vascular dysfunction and decreasing oxidative stress. The antioxidants found in moringa help to eliminate harmful compounds from the bloodstream.

Moreover, magnesium, zinc, and vitamin E help to relax the muscles of blood vessels. This is essential for maintaining healthy blood pressure.

Also read: 10 Superfoods You Should Consider Eating Every Day

4. Rich In Antioxidants:

Moringa leaves contain a high concentration of phytochemicals and antioxidant compounds. These compounds have been shown to reduce chronic diseases and inflammation. Antioxidants help prevent cell damage by fighting free radicals and help maintain a healthy heart.

Research says people who consume moringa extracts are less likely to develop stones in the kidneys due to high levels of antioxidants.

5. Lowers Cholesterol Levels:

High levels of cholesterol increase the risk of heart disease. Due to the extremely low contents of fat, the daily intake of moringa powder can help to reduce the bad fat in the body and lowering cholesterol levels. Both human and animal-based studies have shown that moringa has cholesterol-lowering effects.

6. Combats Bacterial Diseases and Infections:

Moringa has anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-microbial properties which makes it great for fighting infections and bacterial diseases. Detoxification increases our metabolism. For this reason, moringa is often used to remove toxins from the body and rejuvenate the cells. In some countries, people use moringa seeds for the purification of water and to prevent waterborne diseases.

Just add one tablespoon of moringa powder to the boiling water. Make the extract and consume it on an empty stomach in the morning for at least 2 weeks. This will help in the detoxification of your body and increase your metabolism.

Also read: Broccoli Helps Heal The Brain, Protect Your Gut, And Accelerate Recovery

7. Improves Strength and Immunity:

Moringa is a good source of many essential nutrients. It has the potential to treat both malnutrition and obesity simultaneously. Due to its high fiber content, moringa can be extremely beneficial for the digestive system. It plays a major role in generating new white blood cells. As a result, it helps in improving immunity and developing overall strength.

Moringa helps in protecting the body against both infectious diseases and foreign invaders. It can be a lifesaver in developing nations where malnutrition is quite common. In fact, many villages are cultivating a moringa plant in order to make it an important part of their diet.

8. Improves Eye Health and Vision:

Moringa aids in improving eye health and vision, thanks to its high levels of antioxidants. No doubt, the leaves of moringa are an excellent source of vitamins and minerals. It has more vitamin A and beta carotene than carrots. This means moringa is even better than carrots in terms of improving eye health.

A study found and verified that moringa helps the restoration of proper levels of glutathione, catalase, and protein in the eye. Another study published in 2010 by the Journal of Ocular Pharmacology and Therapeutics showed remarkable results by moringa in the prevention of cataracts.

9. Nourishes Hair and Skin:

Moringa powder is proven to help with hair and skin conditions. It is one of the best remedies when used in the right proportion. You can use the powder as a face pack for smooth and blemish-free skin. The antioxidants and nutrients found in moringa may help in delaying the aging process. They can also reduce the appearance of wrinkles by blocking the oxidation of tissues.

Moringa seed oil is beneficial for protecting and nourishing hair. The hydrating elements found in moringa help in keeping hair clean and healthy. Along with vitamins and minerals, moringa is also a good source of protein and healthy fats. This means it can protect hair and skin cells from damage.

Here’s an informative video by Dr. Ahmet Ergin explaining what happens when a diabetic consumes Moringa:

Final Thoughts:

Moringa is abundant in essential nutrients. Now, I’m sure you won’t be having any doubt about why moringa is called a tree of miracles. However, it is important for pregnant and breastfeeding women to consult their doctor before consuming moringa.

The diet of people in developing nations sometimes lacks vitamins, minerals, and protein. In these countries, Moringa oleifera can be an important source of many essential nutrients.

Do you take moringa in your diet? Let us know about your experience in the comments below.

Neha Verma

Neha Verma is a diet-conscious food blogger and a spiritual seeker. She likes to share healthy food recipes with pictures on her Instagram. In her free time, you can find her reading books, singing songs or making utterly delicious dishes. Check out her profile @ instagram.com/nutriifyme