12 Health Benefits of Moringa
What does Moringa mean?
Moringa comes from the Tamil word Murungai, which means Drumstick as the plant from which comes is commonly known as the Drumstick Tree.
Where does Moringa grow?
Moringa grows in some of the parts of Asia and Africa.
There is a number of species out of which the most widely grown one is named Moringa oleifera which is native to Northern India.
Moringa Tree- Each and Every Part plays its Role
The Moringa Tree’s different parts are used for different purposes.
- The fruit pods are eaten as food especially in the North Indian Cuisine.
- The leaves are steeped to brew Moringa tea.
- The roots and leaves are ground into a fine Moringa powder.
- Seeds are squeezed to bring out Moringa Oil.
Moringa is The Super Food
Although it has been used for centuries for its herbal and medicinal benefits only recently Moringa has gotten its much deserved Super Food Badge.
Moringa Powder is a look-alike of Henna Powder. Not only by appearance it is similar to Henna but also by its odor and somewhat tastes like it. (although I have NEVER tasted Henna, I feel like it!:P)
Health Benefits of Moringa
There are a number of health benefits of Moringa which has made the world gotten awestruck by it.
1. Moringa for the win for Weight Loss
Recently I met a friend of mine and I was dumbfounded by her looks. She had lost a lot of weight!!
When asked the most coveted question of her drastic weight loss. She told that the secret was Moringa!
Research has also proven that Moringa helps to aid in Weight loss.
How can Moringa be used for Weight Loss?
Moringa Tea
Steep in some Moringa tea either using its leaves or, powder.
Moringa Powder
It can be used to make tea as well as can be added in smoothies, power shakes, milk, etc.
Moringa Supplements
Moringa Supplements are present in nearly all Pharmacies and Herbal Stores.
2. Moringa is packed with Nutrients
Moringa has a number of nutrients including:
Proteins
Iron
Riboflavin
Vitamins like A, B6, C, and E.
Antioxidants and Flavonoids are also present in it.
3. Moringa for Fighting Cancer
Through research and studies, it has been found that Moringa oleifera has been proved effective for fighting cancer cells by stopping carcinogenic cell proliferation.
It also proves effective during chemotherapy sessions and during the aftercare of cancer patients.
4. Moringa for Diabetes
Research has shown that Moringa leaves have some proteins which have insulin-like properties.
It has also got an Antioxidant called Chlorogenic acid which helps in keeping diabetes in check.
5. Moringa for Blood Pressure
Moringa has an antioxidant called Quercetin which helps in optimizing Blood Pressure.
6. Moringa for Cholesterol
It has been found through studies that Moringa helps in reducing Cholesterol.
7. Moringa for Skin
Moringa has Vitamin A, C, and E which helps in nourishing the skin.
- Vitamin E is Anti-inflammatory
- Vitamin A contributes to Collagen-production
- Vitamin C helps remove wrinkles off
8. Moringa for Hair
Moringa is your answer if you want healthy hair and scalp. It contains a number of minerals good for hair.
Zinc
It has got Zinc which helps to strengthen immunity which helps in promoting healthy hair growth.
Vitamin A
It is good for a healthy scalp and works as an anti-dandruff and helps get rid of brittle hair.
Vitamin C and E
Both of these Vitamins nourish the capillaries which transport blood to the hair follicles giving you such healthy lustrous hair which people will envy.
How to Make Moringa Hair Oil?
Moringa Hair Oil is also used widely as it thoroughly conditions the hair.
- Take a pot and put it on medium flame.
- Add 2 Tablespoons each of Olive Oil and Coconut Oil.
- Add 1 Teaspoon of Castor Oil to it.
- Take a teaspoon of either Moringa leaves or Moringa powder whatever you get your hands on.
- Heat it for 10 minutes.
- Let it cool.
- Strain it and pour it into a small bottle.
Oil your hair twice a week for half an hour and then wash it off with a shampoo.
You will see results right away.
9. Moringa for Arsenic-toxicity
In many parts of the world, the groundwater is polluted with arsenic as a result of which the fruits and vegetables cultivated in it also get contaminated resulting in “Arsenic-Toxicity”.
When this water and food is taken in for a long time it impacts human health drastically leading to cancer and other health issues.
It has been found through research that Moringa leaves help in diminishing the effects of Arsenic Toxicity.
10. Moringa for Breastfeeding
Moringa is considered a Galactagogue which helps in increasing milk productivity and it is taken and vouched for by nursing mothers.
11. Moringa for Inflammation
Inflammation is the body’s response to any foreign substance attacking it. It is a part of the body’s defense system.
Moringa fights inflammation through a compound called Isothiocyanate which is present in its leaves, seeds, and pods.
12. Moringa for Arthritis
Moringa has been seen to be very effective for the pain caused by rheumatoid arthritis because of its anti-inflammatory properties as it is packed with antioxidants.
Research has proved that when a teaspoon of Moringa powder was given each day to patients suffering from arthritis pain, there was drastic relief in the pain.
How to Make Moringa Tea?
- Take a teaspoon of Moringa powder or a few fresh Moringa leaves.
- Put it in a pan filled with a cup of water.
- Let it come to a boil then strain it.
- Add a teaspoon of honey for an extra kick.
Side Effects of Moringa
Although it is quite beneficial but too much of anything can result in adverse effects
There a number of side effects of Moringa
- It can play with fertility.
- As it reduces Blood Pressure, so those people who take hypertensive medications or already have low blood pressure issues can have a drastic drop in blood pressure.
- As it is good for lowering the blood sugar levels, so those people who take diabetic medications shall keep their sugar levels in check while using it for some other purpose.
- As Moringa helps to combat thyroid problems, so those people who take Levothyroxine must avoid using it as their thyroid levels will drastically lower down.
Take-Away Points
Moringa is a superfood that has been there for centuries but recently it got extra attention worldwide and why not? It is packed with many nutrients and antioxidants. It is good for healthy skin and hair. It is anti-inflammatory, it helps lactating mothers in increasing their milk flow, it is good for keeping blood sugar levels and blood pressure in check.
With so many benefits there is a little downside to Moringa if one has certain health issues. So, do keep those points in mind as well before starting to use it.