In our modern life there are still superfoods from vegetables or to be precise from moringa leaves. Plants native to India and are now consumed by countries in Asia and even Southeast Asia. Moringa oleifera is well known as the drumstick tree and as the horseradish/ben tree – In Ayurvedic medicine, this plant is one of the most powerful medicinal ingredients.
Among the moringa health benefits is preventing anemia, diabetes, arthritis, heart disease, liver, skin problems, breathing, and even digestive problems. All parts of the moringa plant have medicinal properties.
Moringa leaves, skin, flowers, fruit and seeds are all used as traditional medicine, even now there is Moringa essential oil which is extracted by distillation and this is good for health.
Moringa is the best source of vitamins and minerals. Research shows that Moringa leaves that have been made into powder contain:
- Protein, 9 times more than yogurt
- up to 10 times more vitamin A than carrots
- Contains up to 15 times more potassium than bananas
- Contains 17 times more calcium than milk
- Also Contains 50% more vitamin C than oranges
- Contains 25 times more iron than spinach
Powerful Moringa Health Benefits
1. Moringa is packed with lots of nutrients
Moringa leaves not only contain vitamins, minerals, potassium and calcium but also contain amino acids. According to research by the American Department of Agriculture, Moringa leaves contain a lot of manio acid, precisely 18 of the 20 types of amino acids in nature.
In her book called “Miracle Tree”, Dr. Monica Marcu wrote that moringa is one of the plants with 9 amino acids that cannot be produced by the human body. Well, by consuming Moringa we can get these amino acids and this is very beneficial for the health of the body.
2. Fight free radicals radical
Morangan contains antioxidants such as flavonoids, polyphenols, and ascorbic acid, they fight free radicals. These are molecules that cause inflammation. cell damage and cause oxidative stress.
So, the moringa health benefits are large because of the antioxidant within. No need to worry, just eat them ia regular basis and in a normal amount.
3. Reduce diabetes symptoms
Furthermore, the benefits of eating moringa is to relieve the symptoms of diabetes. Nutrients from this plant can reduce lipids and blood glucose, regulate oxidative stress, and reduce blood sugar levels. So, diabetics, it is recommended to increase the consumption of Moringa leaves.
Meanwhile, for those who have not been affected by diabetes, it is also important to regularly consume Moringa leaves because the substances in them can prevent the occurrence of these dangerous diseases.
4. Moringa is healthy for the heart
The more health benefits of moringa that we have mentioned above are controlling lipids, this means that moringa can prevent the formation of plaque in the arteries and can reduce cholesterol levels. This can reduce the risk of heart disease.
Heart disease is a type of disease that results from narrowing of blood vessels so that it is difficult for blood to circulate so that the heart is disturbed.
Well, this condition is not only a problem for the heart itself, but also develops into a stroke or high blood pressure.
5. Fights infection
Moringa contains anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties making it beneficial in infections. Moringa’s health benefits are that it fights certain types of fungi that can damage or cause infections on the skin.
Also, it fights bacteria that cause infections of the urinary tract and blood.
6. Accelerate wound healing
Another moringa health benefits is to heal wounds and accelerate the healing of various diseases. Moringan has a substance that can clot blood quickly so that bleeding cuts and abrasions can be treated quickly.
Blood clotting is meant by clotting at the time of an injury or accident. So, not blood clots in blood vessels like the cause of stroke and others, but clotting blood when an injury occurs. This certainly speeds up wound healing.
7. Improve brain health
The moringa health benefits also great for our brain due to its antioxidant. The antioxidants present in moringa work as drugs to reduce neuronal degeneration and improve brain function.
Research shows that Moringa leaves are useful in providing protection against diseases related to the brain nerves such as Alzheimer’s, and can delay the occurrence of these diseases.
8. Protect the heart
Moringa health benefits are also felt by the liver. Moringa is high in polyphenols, this is useful in providing protection to the liver by fighting poisoning and damage and oxidation. You can try consuming moringa by adding it to a smoothie or to green tea.
In India, they not only consume Moringa leaves, but also Moringa pods. It serves as a unique soup and dal. Moringa leaves can be stir-fried and used as a side dish to eat rice.
See more: When It Comes To Protein, How Much Is Too Much?
How much Moringa should you eat
If you consume Moringa powder, experts recommend consuming one teaspoon or half a teaspoon each day.
If you consume it in the form of leaves, you have to cook more Moringa leaves to eat with rice.
Are there any side effects?
1. Moringa has laxative properties
If consumed in large quantities, it can cause stomach upset, diarrhea, gas distension, and can cause heartburn. So, avoid consuming too much moringa because it can activate vomiting.
2. Causes uterine contractions
Certain substances in moringa can cause uterine contractions in pregnant women. So, if consumed by pregnant women, it can increase the risk of miscarriage.
3. Not good for breastfeeding mothers
If you are breastfeeding, then you should avoid Moringa leaves because it can cause certain problems in nursing mothers and babies. There may be things that are not good for babies who are breastfeeding, so avoid consuming moringa during breastfeeding.
4. Bad for blood thinners
If you are being treated with blood-thinning medications such as warfarin, then you should stop eating moringa. Moringa contains blood-clotting substances that can contract the drug.
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Also see: COFFEE SENNA: Health Benefits, Uses In Ayurveda
5. Moringa seed extract
Moringa seed extract is said to be stopped or avoided because it can cause poisoning in immune cells. So, to be safe, if you are not in good health, you should consult a doctor first before taking moringa.
More importantly, if you want to use moringa herbs in children, the elderly and pregnant women, ask your doctor first.
You also can refer to letsgoforhealthylive to check more benefits of moringa