Nutrition-Loaded: 3 Of The Numerous Health Benefits of Moringa Oleifera
Moringa oleifera as a plant has been highly regarded for its numerous health benefits, with only a fraction investigated so far by scientists. They are native northern India yet can also grow in other tropical and subtropical places, like Asia and Africa.
A large fast-growing, drought-resistant tree, it is packed with healthy antioxidants and bioactive plant compounds. It sometimes goes by the name of drumstick tree, horseradish tree, or ben oil tree.
Here are just 3 of the plentiful science-based health benefits that Moringa oleifera has to offer:
Very Nutritious
Nearly all parts of the tree are edible and can be used as ingredients in traditional herbal medicines. Its leaves and pods are commonly eaten in parts of India and Africa.
The leaves are an excellent source of many vitamins and minerals. One cup of fresh, chopped leaves (21 grams) contains: 2 grams of protein, vitamin B6 (19% of the RDA), vitamin C (12% of the RDA), Iron (11% of the RDA), Riboflavin or B2 (11% of the RDA) Vitamin A from beta-carotene (9% of the RDA), and Magnesium (8% of the RDA).
The pods are generally lower in vitamins and minerals but are exceptionally rich in vitamin C. A cup of fresh, sliced pods (100 grams) contains 157% of a person's daily requirement.
Moringa leaves does have one downside as its leases may also contain high levels of antinutrients, which can reduce the absorption of minerals and protein.
Rich in Antioxidants
Antioxidants are compounds or substances that act against free radicals in your body. The leaves of Moringa oleifera contain several antioxidant plant compounds.
Besides vitamin C and beta-carotene, it possesses: Quercetin, an antioxidant that may help lower blood pressure, and Chlorogenic acid, which may help moderate blood sugar levels after meals
A study on women found that taking 1.5 teaspoons (7 grams) of moringa leaf powder every day for three months significantly increased blood antioxidant levels. Its leaf extract also work as a food preservative, increasing the shelf life of meat by reducing oxidation
May Lower Blood Sugar Levels
High blood sugar is a common health problem, typically the main characteristic of diabetes. High levels of blood sugar raise the risk of several serious health problems, including heart disease.
Multiple studies have shown that Moringa oleifera may help in lowering it. One study in 30 women showed that taking 1.5 teaspoons (7 grams) of moringa leaf powder every day for three months reduced fasting blood sugar levels by 13.5%, on average.
An additional small study in six people with diabetes found that adding 50 grams of moringa leaves to a meal reduced the rise in blood sugar by 21%. Scientists report that these effects are caused by plant compounds such as isothiocyanates.
The Indian tree has been used for traditional medicine practices for thousands of years, although only a few of its many reputed health benefits have been studied scientifically. For many Western countries, its dried leaves are sold as dietary supplements, either in powder or capsule form.
If you want to try Moringa oleifera supplements yourself, KPTown offers Moringa in both capsule form and as processed leaf powder. The supplement cleans and strengthens blood vessels, improves immunity and insomnia, and prevents hair loss.