Health Benefits Of Moringa Oleifera: The 1-2 Punch Against Disease!
Moringa is a fast-growing tree of the Moringaceae family that has been cultivated throughout the subtropical areas of the world, from Southeast Asia, and the Philippines, to Central and South America, through Eastern and Southern Africa (Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, etc.).
It is an extraordinary source of nutrients, especially proteins, vitamins, and minerals, and amino acids which could be used to alleviate part of the nutritional needs of the populations of certain developing countries at risk of malnutrition.
It also grows well in the desert southwestern states of the U.S. such as Arizona where I live. I have several moringa trees on my suburban homestead in the Phoenix area that are growing well and produce plenty of leaves and seed pods that we consume often. I haven’t tried using the seeds or seed oil yet but that will happen eventually.
Table of Contents
In this guide I am presenting the results found in several research papers on this subject of moringa oleifera and it’s numerous health benefits.
Disclaimer: The content on this site is for informational or educational purposes only, and is not a substitute for professional medical advice or consultations with healthcare professionals. Always consult your doctor before consuming moringa or any other substance, especially if you’re already taking prescription medications.
“Moringa was highly valued in the ancient world. The Romans, Greeks and Egyptians extracted edible oil
from the seeds and used it for perfume and skin lotion.In the 19th century, plantations of Moringa in the
West Indies exported the oil to Europe for perfumes and lubricants for machinery. People in the Indian subcontinent have long used Moringa pods for food.The edible leaves are eaten throughout West Africa and
International Journal of Education and Science Research Review (Volume-3, Issue-2)
parts of Asia. For centuries, people in many countries have used Moringa leaves as traditional medicine for
common ailments.“
It also stands out for its enormous potential as natural medicine, and as a source of energy and protein for people and livestock, and therefore its cultivation has become widespread in many countries, as a strategy to obtain additional nutrients and renewable resources for impoverished populations as well as other populations in general.
Today it is likely to be found in many herbalist’s and dietary stores, but moringa is also found in many online stores.
What Is Moringa?
Moringa oleifera (moringa), and other related species, are trees of modest size, between 5 and 12 meters high, with an erect trunk, pyramidal or conical crown, and compound leaves with oval leaflets. The flowers are very showy, with elongated, ivory-white petals and yellow stamens. The fruits are certainly large, elongated capsules up to 40 cm long, trilobed, reminiscent of the sticks of a drum, hence one of its most famous names, drumstick tree (drumstick).
Where Is Moringa Found?
It is native to northern India, Bangladesh, the foothills of the Himalayas, Pakistan, and Nepal, although some sources center its cradle in the Indian region of Kerala. In Central America, it was introduced in the early 1920s as an ornamental tree and to produce fences to protect crops. Moringa crops are found in Mexico, Honduras, Nicaragua, El Salvador, and the West Indies. It is a hardy and highly adaptable tree that tolerates hot and humid climates around the tropics, and those of mountain environments up to 1,800 meters altitude.
Active Ingredients Of Moringa
Moringa fruits, bark, flowers, and wood are used, but for medicinal purposes are the leaves, and also moringa seeds, the most valuable part.
The active principles of moringa that give it medicinal and curative importance are the following:
- Chlorogenic acid is a substance that allows the plant to respond to environmental aggressions and acts as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory.
- Polyphenols, vanillic, ferulic, and melilotic acids, with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic activity.
- Ascorbic acid (vitamin C).
- Vitamins A, E, and B group.
- Mineral salts (potassium, calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc).
- Unsaturated fatty acids in the seeds (oleic acid).
- Proteins (in the fruit and the seeds, between 47 and 60% of its weight).
- Amino acids. Moringa contains up to 18 essential amino acids for health.
Health Benefits Of Moringa
Moringa has been used since ancient times in Indian Ayurvedic practice for the relief of up to 300 different ailments; applications that have been largely confirmed by recent clinical studies, although much remains to be explored.
The main indications and health benefits of moringa are the following:
- It can stop or delay the oxidative stress that affects the cells of different organs of the body.
- It helps to reduce LDL cholesterol levels in the blood and ultimately prevents cardiovascular accidents.
- It fights the symptoms of allergic processes and helps to reduce inflammation of the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract. Moringa oleifera is indicated for respiratory allergies, allergies due to pollutants and food intolerances, asthmatic processes, rhinitis, conjunctivitis, laryngitis, or bronchitis.
- The leaves are used as a laxative and purgative in chronic or severe constipation.
- It favors the emission of urine, relieves kidney inflammation and inflammation of the urinary tract such as the bladder, and prevents fluid retention and edema.
- It exerts a protective and detoxifying effect on the kidney, as it contributes to attenuating the damage generated by toxic agents, as is the case with some medications and heavy metals. Moringa favors the elimination of these toxins via urine.
- Ayurvedic medicine indicates moringa to control blood pressure and relieve migraine or nervous headaches.
- Some studies point to its ability to reduce blood sugar and urine levels. They have also shown that it can improve hemoglobin and protein levels in patients with diabetes.
- It exerts a restorative effect on liver cells, increasing protein content, restoring liver enzyme levels, and reducing inflammation. A toned liver ensures the proper functioning of digestion and metabolization of nutrients.
- Moringa, mixed with other herbs, has been used to combat inflammation of the mucous membranes of the digestive tract, in ulcerative colitis, gastroenteritis, and gastritis.
- It shows a potent antibacterial action, which prevents the development and spread of certain pathogens, such as Helicobacter pylori, E. coli, or salmonella, and will help you fight their symptoms such as diarrhea.
- This tree is an ally of young women’s health. The leaves are credited with the ability to stimulate the production of breast milk and are considered natural support against iron deficiency anemia because of their richness in iron, magnesium, and other minerals.
- Moringa oleifera is an energetic plant; it boosts the production of red blood cells and provides us with essential vitamins. It is a contribution of vitality and energy, useful for states of weakness and fatigue. It is indeed indicated for hikers, mountaineers, athletes, and so on.
- Due to the presence of flavonoids with high capacity for reducing oxidative stress, such as kaempferol and quercetin, moringa extracts have been tested in the adjuvant treatment of various tumors, such as ovarian or liver tumors.
- Concentrated moringa extracts have also been tested to evaluate their possible impact on certain neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and noradrenaline, to determine their efficacy in neurodegenerative and chronic diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease.
- It is attributed to the drumstick tree a remarkable antifungal and antiparasitic action, useful for treating fungal infections such as the genus Aspergillus and promoting the elimination of intestinal parasites.
- Because of its richness in vitamin A, it has been used to strengthen eyesight and combat blindness, with uncertain results.
- The moringa fruit, low in fat, helps to combat overweight and promotes good assimilation of nutrients.
- The juice of the leaves has a high antiseptic value. It has been used to cure and heal wounds, sores, scratches, and insect bites.
- Moringa oil has emollient, nourishing, and moisturizing effects on the skin. It is intended for the care of aged skin, affected by contact with corrosive substances, burns, and scalds (home accidents).
- The raw leaves have been used in poultices to relieve headaches.
“Moringa oleifera leaf, despite low carbohydrate and fat, is an excellent source of protein and essential amino acids [12] and is viewed as a total dietary supplement. Moreover, Moringa oleifera contains a significant nutritional composition that is high in protein (19–29%) and dietary fiber (19–37%), with about 205–350 cal per gram [13, 14].
The leaves and seeds contain appreciable amounts of essential minerals, vitamins, amino acids, and fatty acids [14]. Apart from the micronutrients, like iron, magnesium, and folate, it also has B complex vitamins, such as B6, and vitamins A, C, and E [13].
Leaf, pod, and seed extracts contain a variety of phytochemicals that provide multifaceted nutrition, including vitamins A, B, C, D, and E, folic acid, pyridoxine, and nicotinic acid, which act as natural antioxidants [13, 15].
The leaves of Moringa oleifera contain a variety of minerals as well, such as potassium, zinc, magnesium, iron, sodium, calcium, and copper [16].
Proteins, vitamins A, D, C, E, folic acid, pyridoxine, and nicotinic acid as well as nutrients such as essential amino acids, antioxidants, flavonoids, and isothiocyanates are abundant in Moringa oleifera. [17, 18].”
-National Institute Of Health-National Library of Medicine website-
Health Concerns And Contraindications
The use of moringa, like that of any other natural substance, in certain metabolic and nervous disorders, especially through systematic treatments, should be done with the prior consent of your doctor. Even more so if you are taking conventional medication, to avoid possible incompatibilities or interference with the action of the drugs.
As a general rule, the consumption of moringa oleifera leaves in reasonable doses or quantities does not pose any health risk, although excessively high doses are not recommended in any case. Moringa can be included in a regular diet if it is used in moderation.
However, certain warnings or contraindications should be taken into account: The roots and bark, both of which are rarely consumed, may show abortive effects in pregnant woman, at least at high doses. Consult your physician if you are pregnant, or think you may be pregnant before consuming moringa.
Moringa can be hypoglycemic and so it can reduce blood sugar levels. Therefore, those who suffer from hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels) should moderate their consumption. In case of abuse, these people could suffer fainting, weakness, and imbalance.
Being an energetic and somewhat stimulating plant, it may not be recommended to take it too close to bedtime, especially if you are prone to insomnia. Conversely, it has also been reported that moringa tea can have a calming effect for some people.
When taken on an empty stomach or for long periods, it can cause heartburn, irritation, and allergic reactions in sensitive people. In such a case, these unwanted effects can be prevented by accompanying the intake of moringa oleifera with other non-acidic foods.
How To Consume Moringa In Its Different Forms
Moringa, both the Asian and African species, is a common food in many indigenous communities in India and some African countries. It is a necessary nutritional contribution to their daily diet, or as a portion of alternative food in times of shortage. Its incredible nutritional value makes many alternative nutrition experts regard Moringa as a superfood.
As a natural medicine and herbal product you will find moringa or drumstick tree in the following forms:
- Fresh plant juice (leaves and fruits): for blood pressure and diabetes. One glass a day.
- Dried or fresh leaves in infusion (unusual): as a digestive, laxative, and antiparasitic (anthelmintic); two cups a day.
- Powdered: for cholesterol, constipation, diabetes, etc.; 3-4 grams per day, in three doses. Or a teaspoon with tea, yogurt, or citrus juice, with which it combines very well.
- In capsules: three a day, before each meal.
- In powder: as a seasoning in the kitchen.
- Powdered leaves for topical application: a traditional use on wounds, bumps, and skin inflammations.
- Fresh plant juice: in topical application on skin wounds, as an antiseptic.
- Moringa seeds: with or without shell, raw or cooked, or in powdered form. You can drink them with water, or incorporate them into your salad.
- Moringa oil: for cosmetic uses, or even as a dressing on salads or vegetables. Potential as a cooking oil and biofuel oil.
Moringa Leaf Powder
Moringa In The Kitchen
Moringa is a very valuable nutritional element in many regions of the world when other essential foods are scarce. The leaves are eaten raw or powdered. They have a somewhat pungent flavor (also known as the horseradish tree) and are incorporated into pieces of bread, meat and fish stews, soups and stews.
The pods are eaten cooked or boiled, like green beans, or the seeds are extracted and eaten like chickpeas. In Central America, they are consumed mixed with beans and spices.
My personal favorite way to eat Moringa seed pods is by steaming the immature pods before they become large and firm. They taste like asparagus when steamed so I sometimes call my moringa trees asparagus trees!
Just pick the pods when they are still flimsy like cooked spaghetti. They will be a little smaller in diameter than that of a pencil when I pick them for steaming. Some Asian markets sell fresh moringa. If you like asparagus, you will like the immature moringa seed pods!
Other Uses Of Moringa
- The fruits (pods), seeds, and leaves of moringa oleifera are used as fodder for livestock.
- Moringa seeds are used in some southern African countries, such as Malawi, in natural processes to disinfect water. The leaves are used as biological fertilizers in crops.
- Moringa oil is used in cosmetics on dry, aged, or damaged skin. It is also used as an industrial lubricant and, more recently, as biodiesel.
Note: Many moringa leaf powders on the market have been tested to contain high levels of heavy metals (commonly lead). Also, it is not commonly known that Certified Organic products are not tested for heavy metals! And Very few, if any, moringa leaf powders on the market are lab tested to be Glyphosate free!
Health Ranger Select Organic Moringa Leaf Powder has the most thorough laboratory testing of any moringa products that I have ever seen so that is the only moringa product I will recommend.
Moringa Is Rich In Nutrients
Moringa oleifera is a powerhouse of nutrients, containing high levels of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Its leaves, in particular, are a rich source of vitamin C, vitamin A, calcium, and potassium. One study found that Moringa leaves contain 7 times more vitamin C than oranges, 4 times more vitamin A than carrots, 4 times more calcium than milk, and 3 times more potassium than bananas (1). This makes Moringa an excellent dietary supplement for people who are deficient in these nutrients.
Moringa’s Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Moringa oleifera contains several bioactive compounds that have anti-inflammatory properties, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, and glucosinolates. These compounds can help reduce inflammation in the body, which is believed to be a contributing factor in the development of chronic diseases such as diabetes, cancer, and heart disease (2).
Moringa Can Lower Cholesterol Levels
High cholesterol levels are a major risk factor for heart disease. Studies have shown that Moringa oleifera can help lower cholesterol levels in the blood. One study in rabbits found that Moringa leaf powder reduced total cholesterol levels by up to 50% (3). Another study in humans found that taking Moringa leaf capsules for 12 weeks resulted in a significant reduction in LDL cholesterol levels (4).
Moringa Improves Digestive Health
Moringa oleifera has traditionally been used to treat digestive disorders such as constipation, diarrhea, and stomach ulcers. Studies have found that Moringa leaves and seeds have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can help improve gut health (5). One study found that Moringa seed extract was effective in reducing the symptoms of gastric ulcers in rats (6).
Moringa Boosts Immune Function
Moringa oleifera contains several compounds that have been shown to boost immune function, including vitamin C, beta-carotene, and quercetin. These compounds can help strengthen the immune system and protect against infections (7). One study found that Moringa leaf extract increased the production of white blood cells in rats, which play a key role in the immune system (8).
Moringa’s Anti-Cancer Activity
“Alcoholic and hydromethanolic extracts of leaves and fruits showed a significant growth delay in tumor kinetics in mouse melanoma tumor model studies.[59,60] Extract of leaf also exhibited antiproliferative activity on A549 lung cells.[61,62] Exploration of effects on prerequisites for cancer metastasis showed that the administration of leaf extract into chick chorioallantoic membrane led to an antiangiogenic effect, which was dose dependent, thereby showing their remarkable anticancer potential.[63,64,65,66] Another study reported that pod extract suppressed azoxymethane and dextran sodium sulfate–induced colon destruction in male, Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) mice.[67] An extract of root and leaf showed a cytotoxic effect against breast cancer, hepatocarcinoma, and colorectal cancer cells in vitro and cisplatin-resistant ovarian cancer cells.[68,69,70] Flower extract stimulated cell proliferation in normal cells but not in cancer cells, whereas leaf extract showed marked antitumor and hepatoprotective effects, these findings suggest the regenerative potential of MO besides its anticancer effects.[71]“
-National Institute Of Health-National Library Of Medicine website-
Conclusion:
Moringa oleifera is a tree with exceptional nutritional and medicinal properties. Its leaves, pods, and seeds are rich sources of vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients that can help improve overall health and well-being. Scientific studies have also shown that Moringa has anti-inflammatory, cholesterol-lowering, digestive health, immune-boosting, and anti-cancer properties. Incorporating Moringa into your diet can be a great way to improve your health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
Links To Related Tools And Resources
Health Ranger Select Organic Moringa Leaf Powder
Note: Many moringa leaf powders on the market have been tested to contain high levels of heavy metals (commonly lead). Also, it is not commonly known that Certified Organic products are not tested for heavy metals! And Very few, if any, moringa leaf powders on the market are lab tested to be Glyphosate free!
Health Ranger Select Moringa Leaf Powder is laboratory tested in their own facility to meet strict safety standards that many other suppliers do not test for. See the information below.
Low Heavy Metals Verified!
This product is verified A++ according to the heavy metals standards published at www.LowHeavyMetalsVerified.org
This means the product has been tested via ICP-MS and confirmed to meet the limits for an A++ rating as described at LowHeavyMetalsVerified.org.
Glyphosate-Tested!
This product is verified A+ based on glyphosate analysis standards published at www.GlyphosateTested.com.
This means the product has been tested via triple quad mass spec (LS-MS-MS) and conforms to the glyphosate / AMPA limits required for an A+ rating as described at www.GlyphosateTested.com.
- USDA Organic
- Non-GMO
- Glyphosate tested
- Vegan
- Laboratory Verified
- Gluten Free
- Non-irradiated
- Low Heavy Metals Verified
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References:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0944711321003147
https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3921/11/2/402