Moringa oleifera is a plant that is native to South Asia and is also found in most tropical areas throughout the world. Although modern science has only recently discovered its value, moringa has actually been used medicinally for thousands of years.
Moringa was valued by the Romans, Egyptians and Greeks for its medicinal impact on a range of ailments. Today, moringa has been used by various humanitarian organizations to specifically combat malnutrition.
In Ayurvedic medicine, moringa is utilized for its impressive range of therapeutic uses, commonly attributed to its antifungal, antiviral, antidepressant and anti-inflammatory properties. In some areas, it is simply known as ‘shigru.’
With all these impactful usages, how can you personally benefit from moringa? Here’s the top 5 reasons why you should start including moringa in your life.
1. Amazing Nutritional Profile
The pods and leaves of the moringa tree are nutritional powerhouses that provide a wide range of essential proteins, vitamins and minerals. It is a rich source of essential amino acids, the building blocks of proteins that your body cannot make on its own.
Moringa is also full of vitamin A, vitamin B1 (thiamine), vitamin B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B6, folate and vitamin C. Along with those, it includes the minerals calcium, potassium, iron, magnesium, phosphorous and zinc.
2. Full Of Antioxidants
Moringa is full of antioxidants, such as vitamin C, beta-carotene, quercetin and chlorogenic acid. A study published in the Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Preventions showed that the antioxidants present in moringa help to fight free radicals that cause oxidative damage, a leading cause of cancer.
3. May Help Regulate Blood Sugar Levels
Moringa contains isothiocyanates, compounds that help the plant to have anti-diabetic effects. A study published in the Journal of Food Science and Technology found that women who took 7 grams of moringa leaf powder on a daily basis for three months reduced their fasting blood sugar levels by 13.5%.
Another study published in Biomed Research International showed that diabetic patients who added 50 grams of moringa leaves to a meal reduced their increase of blood sugar by 21%.
4. Helps To Lower Cholesterol
In a study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology, researchers found that moringa has a hypocholesterolemic effect. It significantly lowered the cholesterol levels by 50% and reduced astherosclerotic plaque buildup by 86%. The study even compared these effects to the popular cholesterol lowering drug simvastatin, showing that the plant has therapeutic potential for the prevention of cardiovascular disease.
5. Can Protect Against Arsenic Toxicity
The leaves and seeds of moringa have been found to help protect the body from the effects of arsenic toxicity. This is specifically important, since contamination of groundwater by arsenic has become a global public health concern.
A study published in Cell Biology International found that 5 grams of moringa seed powder reduced the uptake of arsenic by 55% in the blood, 65% in the liver, 54% in the kidneys and 34% in the brain. This means that moringa seed powder can protect you from arsenic toxicity, reducing oxidative stress in the body.
If you’re interested in using moringa, but are not sure how to include it into your day, use some of these suggestions to easily add it to your routine:
- If Using Fresh Leaves: Add fresh moringa leaves to a salad (they have a flavor similar to a radish), steam the leaves like you would spinach, or blend them into a smoothie.
- If Using the Powder: Take them in supplement form or add them to a smoothie or a soup.
- If Using the Oil: Use it on a salad or take 1 tsp per day first thing in the morning.
So, what are you waiting for? Try this amazing miracle plant so you can start reaping all of the amazing benefits it has to offer!
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