Moringa comes from the moringa oleifera plant that originated in India, and has been used as medicine for centuries.
All parts of the plant are used: the leaves, flowers, seeds, and roots, and It is often found in powdered form.
If you haven’t tried moringa, you are missing out on some excellent health benefits. Here are 8 of those benefits:
1. It is Full of Nutrients
Some of the vitamins and minerals in moringa include vitamin A, vitamin B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B6, folate and ascorbic acid (vitamin C), calcium, potassium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, and zinc.
In fact, the leaves have 7 times more vitamin C than oranges and 15 times more potassium than bananas. It is low in fats, with no cholesterol.
2. It is a Great Source of Plant-Based Protein
Moringa is an easy and convenient way to get protein into your diet. No cooking required! Just add a sprinkle on a smoothie, soup or anything that will take a sprinkle of powder.
Powder made from moringa’s crushed leaves not only provide 3 grams of protein per tablespoon, but it also provides essential amino acids, which contribute to muscle repair, energy production and mood regulation.
3. It is Packed with Antioxidants
Antioxidants protect cells from damage and are thought to boost the immune system. There is also evidence that they can lower blood pressure and reduce fat both in the blood and body.
4. It has Antifungal and Antiviral Properties
This means that moringa is good for bacterial, viral, and fungal infections.
5. It has Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Having anti-inflammatory properties aids in conditions like edema, where fluid builds up in tissues in the body. It helps lower the fluid swelling, redness and pain of rheumatoid arthritis.
6. It May Help Lower Blood Sugar
Several studies have shown that moringa contains insulin-like proteins that may help to lower blood sugar.
It may affect how the body releases insulin, by making the body process sugar better, due to some of the plant chemicals moringa contains. These chemicals reduce lipid and glucose levels.
One animal study showed that moringa could help reduce weight gain and insulin resistance.
7. It Aids Digestion
Moringa leaf powder contains fiber – about 30% fiber, most of it insoluble. Fiber is one of the most important elements of any diet. Not only does it promote good digestion, it may also reduce the risk of disease.
Moringa’s antibiotic and antibacterial properties inhibits growth of pathogens that cause upset stomach, and Moringa’s anti-inflammatory properties help with digestive troubles like colitis. Studies in mice suggest that it may improve gut bacteria.
8. It Supports the Brain
Moringa is high in both vitamin C and E, which fight oxidative stress, which is associated with Alzheimer’s disease. Animal studies done with Alzheimer’s and dementia are showing some promise.
In addition, it has shown antidepressant properties. It has been linked to increases in the “happy hormones” dopamine and serotonin and perhaps will be used to treat depression in the future.
Taking moringa is easy, and so beneficial!