Overview

Moringa oleifera is a plant native to northern India that can also grow in other tropical and subtropical places, like Asia and Africa. Folk medicine has used the leaves, flowers, seeds, and roots of this plant for centuries.

It's traditionally used as a remedy for such conditions as:

• Diabetes
• Long-lasting inflammation
• Bacterial, viral, and fungal infections
• Joint pain
• Heart health
• Cancer

Moringa has many important vitamins and minerals. The leaves have 7 times more vitamin C than oranges and 15 times more potassium than bananas. It also has calcium, protein, iron, and amino acids, which help your body heal and build muscle.



It's also packed with antioxidants, substances that can protect cells from damage and may boost your immune system. There's some evidence that some of these antioxidants can also lower blood pressure and reduce fat in the blood and body.

What is in Moringa?

Moringa contains many healthful compounds such as:

• Vitamin A
• Vitamin B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), & B-6
• Folate and Ascorbic Acid (vitamin C)
• Calcium
• Potassium
• Iron
• Magnesium
• Phosphorus
• Zinc

It is also extremely low in fats and contains no harmful cholesterol.

Health Benefits of Moringa

Moringa is believed to have many benefits and its uses range from health and beauty to helping prevent and cure diseases. The benefits of moringa include:

1. Protecting and Nourishing Skin and Hair

Moringa seed oil is beneficial for protecting hair against free radicals and keeps it clean and healthy. Moringa also contains protein, which means it helps protect skin cells from damage. It also contains hydrating and detoxifying elements, which also boost the skin and hair.



It can be successful in curing skin infections and sores.

2. Treating Edema

Edema is a painful condition where fluid builds up in specific tissues in the body. The anti-inflammatory properties of moringa may be effective in preventing edema from developing.

3. Protecting the Liver

Moringa appears to protect the liver against damage caused by anti-tubercular drugs and can quicken its repair process.

4. Preventing and Treating Cancer

Moringa extracts contain properties that might help prevent cancer from developing. It also contains niazimicin, which is a compound that suppresses the development of cancer cells.

5. Treating Stomach Complaints

Moringa extracts might help treat some stomach disorders, such as constipation, gastritis, and ulcerative colitis. The antibiotic and antibacterial properties of moringa may help inhibit the growth of various pathogens, and its high vitamin B content helps with digestion.

6. Fighting Against Bacterial Diseases

Due to its antibacterial, antifungal, and antimicrobial properties, moringa extracts might combat infections caused by Salmonella, Rhizopus, and E. coli.

7. Making Bones Healthier

Moringa also contains calcium and phosphorous, which help keep bones healthy and strong. Along with its anti-inflammatory properties moringa extract might help to treat conditions such as arthritis and may also heal damaged bones.

8. Treating Mood Disorders

Moringa is thought to help treat depression, anxiety, and fatigue.

9. Protecting the Cardiovascular System

The powerful antioxidants found in Moringa extract might help prevent cardiac damage and have also been shown to maintain a healthy heart.

10. Helping Wounds to Heal

Extract of moringa has been shown to help wounds close as well as reduce the appearance of scars.

11. Treating Diabetes

Moringa helps to reduce the amount of glucose in the blood, as well as sugar and protein in the urine. This improved the hemoglobin levels and overall protein content in those tested.

12. Treating Asthma

Moringa may help reduce the severity of some asthma attacks and protect against bronchial constrictions. It has also been shown to assist with better lung function and breathing overall.

13. Protecting Against Kidney Disorders

People may be less likely to develop stones in the kidneys, bladder, or uterus if they ingest moringa extract. Moringa contains high levels of antioxidants that might aid toxicity levels in the kidneys.

14. Reducing High Blood Pressure

Moringa contains isothiocyanate and niaziminin, compounds that help to stop arteries from thickening, which can cause blood pressure to rise.

15. Improving Eye Health

Moringa contains eyesight-improving properties thanks to its high antioxidant levels. Moringa may stop the dilation of retinal vessels, prevent the thickening of capillary membranes, and inhibit retinal dysfunction.

16. Treating Anemia and Sickle Cell Disease

Moringa might help a person’s body absorb more iron, therefore increasing their red blood cell count. It is thought the plant extract is very helpful in treating and preventing anemia and sickle cell disease.

Can Moringa Extract Aid Weight Loss?

Evidence has shown that moringa extract can be effective in reducing and controlling weight gain in mice. Its high vitamin B content helps with smooth and efficient digestion and can assist the body when converting food into energy, as opposed to storing it as fat.

Moringa is thought to:

• reduce weight gain
• help to lower cholesterol and blood pressure
• prevent inflammation
• help the body convert fats into energy
• reduce fatigue and improve energy levels
  

Riska

Some of the medications to be particularly aware of are:

Levothyroxine: Used to combat thyroid problems. Compounds in the moringa leaf may aid the thyroid function, but people should not take it in combination with other thyroid medication.

Any medications that might be broken down by the liver: Moringa extract may decrease how quickly this happens, which could lead to various side effects or complications.

Diabetes medications: Diabetes medications are used to lower blood sugar, which moringa also does effectively. It is vital to ensure blood sugar levels do not get too low.

High blood pressure medication: Moringa has shown to be effective at lowering blood pressure. Taking moringa alongside other drugs that lower blood pressure may result in it becoming too low.

Side Effects

Anyone considering using moringa is advised to discuss it with a doctor first.

Moringa may possess anti-fertility qualities and is therefore not recommended for pregnant women.

There have been very few side effects reported.



People should always read the label on the extract and follow dosage instructions.

Takeaway

Moringa oleifera is an Indian tree that has been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years.

However, only a few of its many reputed health benefits have been studied scientifically.

To date, studies show that Moringa oleifera may lead to modest reductions in 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.