Health Benefits of Moringa Superfood – Learn About Moringa Powder & Oil

There are only a few plants that have multiple edible parts. Moringa is one of them, hence it’s called a “Miracle Tree” or “Wonder Tree”. The Moringa tree is also known as horseradish tree, ben tree, and drumstick tree, scientific name Moringa oleifera. It’s most known for its fruit/seed pod, the drumstick, a common vegetable in Indian cooking. However, the leaves, seeds, flowers, bark and roots of this plant are also edible and are used for traditional Ayurveda and Siddha herbal medicines. The Moringa tree is useful as food and medicine but the leaves in particular are extremely nutritious and beneficial with more healing properties. The simplest way to consume them is as a dietary supplement! One can avail various health benefits of Moringa in the form of oil, leaf powder or extract.

Moringa Oil

Moringa oil extracted from its seeds has health and nutritional benefits. It can also be used as a beauty product and as an industrial lubricant.

Moringa Leaf Powder

The leaf powder, on the other hand, is a superfood and consumed as a food/dietary supplement. It could be used in various forms like concentrated leaf extract, powders, tablets and capsules.

Why is Moringa a Superfood?

Superfood, as the name suggests, is a food with many nutritious values. No wonder Moringa is a superfood of superfoods as it is the most nutrient-dense, antioxidant-laden, therapeutic food on this planet. The numerous nutrients found in this tree bring it to the top of the superfoods list. The leaves, fruit, sap, oil, roots, bark, seeds, pod and flowers of the tree have medicinal properties. Adding this superfood to your daily diet is a good investment.

Complete protein

Moringa is high in protein and contains an impressive 8 of the 9 essential amino acids. It has been observed in various studies that plant proteins tend to be healthier than animal proteins as they are low in calories and high in fibre. Adopting plant-based nutrients as much as possible is always recommended!

Vitamin B

Moringa leaves boast a high amount of crucial vitamins like vitamin B types, which play an important role for overall well being.

Iron

Moringa is a rich source of iron. Moringa leaves contain high levels of non-heme iron, usually iron found in plants. A good recommendation for anaemia.

Magnesium

Moringa contains high levels of magnesium which plays a vital role in maintaining your nerve, muscle and cardiac functions as well as preventing muscle spasms. Magnesium also helps your body gain lean muscle mass.

Calcium

It has been claimed in a few studies that Moringa has more calcium than milk and yoghurt, which we all know is important for bone health. Calcium also helps the heart muscles contract and supply blood to the brain and other parts of the body efficiently and effectively.

Ways to consume Moringa

The leaves and flowers in their fresh form can be consumed as food, they can be consumed directly or added to smoothies, soups, and salads. Moringa oil extracted from its seed is usually not recommended for internal consumption. It is used for topical (external) application. The oil is rich in vitamins and antioxidants, and is recommended as an excellent skin cleanser, moisturizer, wound healer and has anti-ageing effects. It is also used for healthy hair and hair treatments.

Direct Consumption

Moringa leaves and flowers are used in Indian cooking. Other ways to consume Moringa are in drops, powders, tablets or capsules. However, since the drops are concentrated extract, they may not be to everyone’s taste, and an alternate method may be preferred.

Mixed with Warm Water

One of the healthiest ways to consume Moringa drops or Moringa powder is to mix in a glass of warm water and drink it in the morning on an empty stomach. This method is highly recommended.

Blended into Smoothies

Moringa Drops or Powders can be blended into a tasty smoothie. However, make sure not to mix Moringa drops with dairy products. Simply add Moringa to the blender while preparing any non-dairy smoothie and enjoy the power meal!

Moringa oil

Moringa oil is also known as ben oil or benzoyl and is used in cosmetic and beauty products. It is used in creams and oils for skin and hair products.

Health Benefits of Moringa Drops

It has been reported in a few studies that Moringa contains a staggering 92 nutrients and 46 natural antioxidants with a number of anti-inflammatory compounds. Researchers found that the leaves, which are rich in polyphenols, flavonoids, flavonoids, glucosinolates, and alkaloids, have numerous health benefits.

1. Inflammation Reduction

   Moringa contains isothiocyanates, which help reduce inflammation in our body. Free-radicals damage our cells and cause inflammation and chronic inflammation resulting in conditions like arthritis and psoriasis. Chronic inflammation may also lead to other, more serious conditions like cancer.

2. Improves Heart Health

   Inflammation in the arteries can restrict blood flow and lead to blood pressure issues. Chlorogenic acid, an antioxidant in Moringa extract, can combat inflammation from oxidative damage. Research suggests that chlorogenic acid can also regulate blood pressure. Chlorogenic acid helps burn glucose and reduces the absorption of carbs which decreases blood sugar levels.

3. Fights Cell Damage

   Moringa is rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants reduce the number of free radicals in our body. Free-radicals are unstable molecules that react with other molecules in a process called oxidation, which causes damage to our cells, proteins and DNA. This damage results in various types of illnesses like cancers.

4. Removes Toxins

   It’s pretty common to accidentally ingest toxins like arsenic through the food and water we consume. Excess consumption of toxins may lead to various health issues. Some studies have shown Moringa to be effective at removing toxins from our body.

5. Aids Digestion

   Having high levels of Vitamins A and C along with being fibre-rich means that Moringa is highly effective at helping with digestion as well as addressing various digestive issues like indigestion, diarrhoea, dysentery and vomiting.

6. Improves Immunity

   As a rich source of antioxidants like beta carotene and Vitamin C, Moringa helps prevent the formation of free radicals, promotes the formation of immune cells and helps the overall immune system of the body.

7. Improves Skin Health

   Moringa is rich in Vitamin A and E. Vitamin A is essential for radiant and healthy skin whereas vitamin E protects cells from oxidative stress, and helps fight the signs of ageing. It may also restore elasticity and improve texture by reducing damage from sun exposure.

8. Lower Blood Sugar Levels

   Moringa leaves are a good source of isothiocyanates. In various studies, it has been reported that isothiocyanates in moringa can improve glucose tolerance and insulin signalling and may lower blood sugar levels in diabetes patients.

9. Lowers Cholesterol

   High Cholesterol is a major health issue nowadays. Many people do suffer from heart disease, fatty liver and other health conditions due to an increase in cholesterol. Moringa shows considerable improvement against high cholesterol levels and may help to boost metabolic rate and lower the cholesterol levels.

10. Liver Health

    Moringa leaves have a high concentration of polyphenols. It has been reported that it protects and reduces oxidative damage to the liver. Moringa stabilizes liver enzymes, making them function properly and maintain liver health.

11. Improves Bone health

    Moringa is a rich source of calcium and phosphorus, which supports bone health and strengthens joint health. Moringa leaves have anti-inflammatory properties that help combat arthritis.

12. Improve Lactation

    In ancient Vedic culture, Moringa was used to increase lactation in nursing mothers. Being a rich source of protein, vitamins, calcium and essential nutrients, consuming moringa is recommended for the good health of the mother and the baby.

13. Treats Anemia

    Moringa is an ideal iron supplement. In studies, it has always been recommended to have plant-based iron sources due to their bioavailability. On top of providing a potent plant-based iron, Moringa improves iron absorption levels, increases red blood cell counts and is best for anaemia.

14. Helps in Weight Management

    Moringa has been suggested to promote weight loss. Some animal studies show that moringa can reduce fat formation, enhance fat breakdown and boost metabolic rate, helping in weight management.

15. Good for the Nervous System

    Moringa being rich in vitamins E and C supports brain health and works as neuro-enhancers. It combats neural degeneration and helps improve brain function. Moringa works as mood balancers as they stabilize the production of neurotransmitters and are good for mental health.