5 Health Benefits of Superfood Moringa

Moringa (Moringa oleifera)—also called drumstick tree, horseradish, or ben oil—is a medicinal and nutritious plant native to India. It is also common in other tropical areas, including Florida. The Moringa tree is sometimes called the “tree of life” because of its ability to reduce pain and the risk of heart disease, ulcers and other chronic health conditions.

In traditional medicine, people use almost all parts of the tree, including leaves, bark, roots and sap.

The moringa plant has become very popular in America as a leaf powder, supplement, and skin care ingredient.

Antioxidants help fight oxidative stress. Chronic oxidative stress is an imbalance in the amount of antioxidants and free radicals in your cells. It is associated with the development of chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease and diabetes.

The moringa tree is full of phenolic compounds, molecules that have anti-inflammatory properties. Flavonoids, phenolics, and carotenoids are phenolic compounds in the parts of the moringa tree. Researchers have found phenolic compounds like flavonoids can promote good health, prevent chronic diseases, and fight inflammation.

One study found that the moringa plant can help treat malnutrition, which occurs when you don’t get enough nutrients or energy. Moringa leaves and seeds contain vitamins, minerals, and fats that help prevent malnutrition. The plant is also rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, and fiber.

A small study found that moringa leaf powder increased body mass index (BMI) among people with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) who were receiving antiretroviral therapy. BMI is a biased and outdated metric that uses weight and height to make predictions about body fat and health. However, these research results suggest that moringa may improve the nutritional intake and condition of some people with HIV. More research is needed.

In one small study, people with diabetes who took 20 grams of moringa leaf powder per day found that the supplement had little effect on their blood sugar control. However, there is not enough research to know exactly how moringa works to control blood sugar.

Moringa can help relieve menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats and anxiety. Menopause occurs when menstruation and ovulation stop, which usually occurs between the ages of 45-55.

According to a small study, moringa may help reduce the severity of hot flashes due to the plant’s effect on oxidative stress. When there is an imbalance of antioxidants and free radicals in your body, you may experience hot flashes. Oxidative stress can also increase night sweats. Participants saw small improvements in the amount of antioxidants in their bodies, which may be linked to a reduction in their menopausal symptoms.

Moringa is growing in popularity as a skin ingredient. According to research, moringa extracts have anti-aging properties for your skin. Cosmetics with at least 3% moringa leaf extract help improve your skin’s smoothness.

A study found that moringa oil also improves skin elasticity. The rich amount of vitamins C and E in the moringa plant helps to rejuvenate your skin to get the glow you want. However, more research is needed to determine the long-term effects of moringa cream on your skin.

Research suggests that moringa oil can treat eczema and inflammation on your skin. Most of these benefits are due to its high antioxidant profile, which reduces inflammation and prevents cell damage.

Moringa seeds are also used in skin products to help with wounds, acne and blemishes. Its vitamins and minerals have anti-aging properties and help the skin to relax.

Moringa leaves and pods are often eaten in Indian and African recipes, but the powdered form is more common in the US. Each 2-tea spoon (4 grams) of moringa powder contains the following nutrients:

• Calories: 15
• Fat: 0 grams (g)
• Sodium: 0 milligrams (mg)
• Carbohydrates: 2 g
• Fiber: 1 g, or 4% of the daily value (DV)
• Added sugar: 0 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Iron: 4.8 mg, or 25% of the DV
• Calcium: 100 mg, or 8% of the DV

Moringa seeds contain more fat and protein than the powdered form of moringa. Seeds are full of monounsaturated fats, which can benefit your heart health.

You can get the moringa plant in capsule, tablet, or powder form. Besides taking it as a supplement on its own, moringa can also be added to other supplements to reduce inflammation in your body. The antioxidant benefits of moringa plants make it ideal as a supplement. However, research on the benefits of moringa supplements in humans is very limited.

Although eating moringa leaves and seeds is generally safe, some people experience side effects from eating the plant. It is important to be careful how much moringa you use as a supplement or powder. Researchers have found that consuming too much moringa can cause digestive problems such as diarrhea. Taking a high dose of 70 grams or more of moringa in supplement or powder form can put you at risk of poisoning.

Be careful which part of the moringa tree you eat. Moringa root and root bark contain alkaloids (natural plant defense compounds) that can be toxic. Ingesting toxic alkaloids can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and in extreme cases, paralysis.

Eating only the leaves, fruits and seeds of the plant can reduce the chances of having harmful side effects. Be aware of the food and medications you take while consuming the moringa plant. Drugs you may want to avoid while taking them include:

• Antidiabetic drugs
• Cytochrome P450 3A4 substrates, drugs used to treat HIV
• Levoxyl (levothyroxine) to treat hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid)
• Viramune (nevirapine) to treat HIV
• P-glycoprotein substrates, drugs used to treat heart conditions such as arrhythmia and angina, as well as HIV.

Taking moringa as a supplement or powder can also be dangerous for pregnant women. Some research suggests that moringa helps with milk production, but there is not enough research to confirm its effectiveness.

People with hypothyroidism should also be careful as moringa can reduce thyroid hormone levels.

The moringa plant has an earthy flavor that can be delicious in sweet or savory dishes. Here are some options for adding moringa to your diet:

• Add moringa powder to soup and stew
• Mix moringa powder into oatmeal or smoothies
• Eat the moringa pods when they are big enough to be tender
• Use moringa powder in your favorite pasta recipe
• Make tea from moringa leaves

Moringa trees have become famous for their various health benefits. The plant is often consumed as a powder, supplement, or as pods that grow on the tree. In each of its forms, moringa can help prevent inflammation, lower blood sugar, and improve the appearance of the skin. However, there is not enough research to know how effective moringa is.

More human studies need to be completed to fully understand the effect of moringa on the body. Consult a health care provider or nutritionist before making moringa or any other supplement part of your diet or supplement routine.