Health Benefits of Moringa Leaves

Some herbs and leaves are the best friends of doctors. Because biological processes like immunity-boosting, wound healing, tissue regeneration, etc., take intermittent time, some of those processes involve complex affairs. For these reasons, some herbs and leaves serve as a guide for the doctor, providing many health benefits to their patients. One such leaf is a moringa leaf. Let’s have a look at the health benefits of moringa leaves along with their nutritional value.

Moringa Leaves

Moringa leaves (Moringa oleifera) are the leaves of Moringa, a native plant of India that could grow in other tropical and sub-tropical places, like Asia and Africa. Indian medicinal systems, like Siddha medicine, have used the leaves, flowers, seeds, and roots of moringa for centuries. Moringa leaves are easily digestible and high in proteins, thus providing many health benefits.

Moringa leaves have traditionally been used as a solution for such conditions as diabetes. Most of the parts of the Moringa tree are edible. The veggie drumstick from the Moringa tree is scientifically called Moringa oleifera Lam. Moringa is a small, evergreen, fast-growing tree that belongs to the family Moringaceae. Other than India, it is also found in Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. Many Indian dishes, especially South Indian dishes, are made with moringa leaves.

Health Benefits of Moringa Leaves

There are many health benefits to moringa leaves. Here are the health benefits of Moringa leaves:

1. Immunity booster

Moringa is a super immunity booster, as it contains antioxidants, iron, and vitamin A. It boosts your immunity and also protects you from infections. The antioxidants fight against free radicals, which cause much cell damage.

2. Protects the liver

Moringa leaves improve liver cell repair. One study concluded that higher consumption of moringa leads to lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels. The leaves contain polyphenols, which protect against oxidative damage to the liver and might even lower it. Also, they increase liver protein levels. Moringa might help protect the liver against non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

3. Benefits stomach

Moringa leaves, containing a high amount of B vitamins and antibiotic and antimicrobial properties, are suitable to treat digestive disorders.

People suffering from bloating, gas, gastritis, constipation, and ulcerative colitis must include Moringa leaves in their diet.

4. Detoxifies the body

Natural cleansers help detoxify the human body system with minimal side effects when compared to chemical cleansers. Moringa leaves function as a natural cleanser, which cleanses your body internally. They help increase the energy levels in the body when consumed in any form.

5. Protecting and nourishing skin and hair

The antioxidants in moringa leaves lower the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles on the skin. Research on animals has highlighted that moringa seed oil might treat skin wounds faster. It also reduces oxidative stress. Moringa seed oil might promote hair health, as when applied to the scalp, it reduces dandruff. It might give life to dull and lifeless hair.

6. Treating edema

Edema is an inflammation that occurs due to the excess fluid trapped in the body’s tissues. Edema can affect any part of the body, like the legs, feet, and ears. A study showed that the application of moringa seed oil lowered skin inflammation. Though more research regarding this is needed in humans, moringa may still help treat ear edema.

7. Cancer prevention and treatment

Moringa leaves contain a compound named niazimicin, which helps suppress the development of cancer cells. All parts of a moringa tree, like the leaf, bark, and other parts, might possess the ability to kill cancer cells.

8. Treating stomach upsets

Some stomach disorders might be treated by the moringa leaves. Moringa leaves help prevent the development of pathogens that can cause many infections. A study showed that moringa lowered stomach acidity by nearly 85%, so it may also prevent peptic ulcers. Moringa contains anti-inflammatory effects, so it might prevent ulcerative colitis and protect the digestive system from damage.

9. Fight against the bacterial infections

Moringa has some substances that might function against a few foodborne microorganisms, like Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Escherichia coli (E. coli).

Staphylococcus aureus might be seen in sandwiches, sliced meats, and other foods that are not cooked between handling and eating. E. coli easily spreads through contaminated water or food. The above-mentioned bacteria can result in food poisoning.

10. Prevents rheumatoid arthritis

The anti-inflammatory function of Moringa leaves may help prevent rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disorder that can cause swelling, pain, and deformity.

11. Treating neurological disorders

Some neurological disorders like Alzheimer’s disease, neuropathic pain, multiple sclerosis (MS), and depression could be prevented by the antioxidant activity of moringa. Moringa leaves might have neuroprotective properties, but more research is needed on them.

12. Safeguards the cardiovascular system

Moringa leaves help lower cholesterol. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents, like quercetin, in Moringa leaves might help protect cardiovascular health. Quercetin might reduce lipid formation and inflammation, which mostly results in heart disease.

13. Preventing kidney stones

The moringa extracts might prevent the formation of the minerals that cause kidney stones. Traditionally, moringa has been used to treat kidney stones.

14. Treating diabetes

Moringa leaves might help regulate blood sugar and insulin levels, thus protecting against organ damage. The nutritious content of the moringa leaves could help slow the growth rate of the disease.

15. Treating asthma

Moringa has properties that might prevent bronchial constrictions, asthma, and airway inflammation. However, more studies are needed to prove this.

16. Lowering the high blood pressure

Moringa contains healthy substances that may help regulate blood pressure. In an animal study, Moringa leaves mitigated vascular dysfunction and lowered oxidative stress. Thus, it lowered the high blood pressure. However, some more studies are needed to study about moringa leaves on humans.

17. Enhances eye health

The antioxidant beta-carotene in Moringa helps to maintain eye health by preventing eye diseases.

18. Anaemia treatment

Moringa leaves help treat and prevent anaemia. Though proofs are needed, lab research suggests that eating Moringa leaves as food or medicine may help treat sickle cell disease.

19. Aids in weight management

Moringa leaves lower cravings for food, increases fat burning in the body, and boosts metabolism. These leaves help a person lose weight without reducing their energy reserves. It keeps the person nourished.

20. Acts as an antiseptic

The antiseptic properties of Moringa leaves help fight off bacterial infections. These leaves help heal minor cuts, bruises, and burns. Moringa leaves reduce clotting time.

21. Improves lactation

Moringa leaves help increase lactation in nursing mothers with babies. Moringa leaves have a nutrient-rich composition, which helps enhance the bone health of the pregnant mother and the developing baby.

Nutritional Value of Moringa Leaves

One cup or 100g of fresh Moringa leaves has the below nutritional content:

• Protein
• Vitamin B6
• Vitamin C
• Iron
• Riboflavin
• Vitamin A (from beta-carotene)
• Magnesium

The Moringa Leaves also contain:

• Carbohydrates
• Fat
• Water
• Minerals
• Calcium
• Sodium
• Phosphorus
• Thiamine(B1)
• Vitamin B2
• Vitamin B3
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin E
• Chloride
• Zinc
• Potassium
• Lipids
• Fibre
• Copper

How do I include moringa leaves in my diet?

You could add moringa leaves to your diet in any of the following ways:

1. Moringa tea is a refreshing tea that tastes good, along with honey or lemon.
2. You could make dishes like Moringa leaves Sambhar (Murungaikeerai Sambhar), which is the traditional dish of Tamil Nadu.
3. You could add ground-dried moringa leaves over yoghurt, oatmeal, smoothies, or soups if you don’t know how to cook moringa leaves.
4. Chopped fresh moringa leaves could be added to the stir-fries or sauteed dishes along with the other vegetables.
5. You could nutritionally boost yourself by adding fresh moringa leaves to your salads.
6. You could prepare moringa rice by adding finely washed and chopped moringa leaves to cooked rice.
7. Moringa pesto is made by blending the moringa leaves with garlic, nuts (like almonds or pine nuts), olive oil, and Parmesan cheese, which could be used as a sauce for the pasta.
8. Moringa soup is one of the most nutritious and healthiest dishes, made with chopped fresh or dried moringa leaves. They taste better than some meat soups.
9. Just prepare a Moringa smoothie. You could blend the fresh or powdered moringa leaves and use them in your smoothies. You could also add this smoothie to vegetables, fruits, and a liquid base like almond milk or coconut water.
10. Moringa capsules or supplements could be taken in the form of capsules or powders after you consult your healthcare professional.
11. Moringa leaves Wraps could replace fillings like meat or grains.

Conclusion

Moringa leaves have many health benefits, but their nutritional value has not been known to many people. Because of its high nutritional value, some countries, like India, export Moringa powder to other countries. Starting from immunity boosting to weight management, moringa leaves contribute to its health. You can add moringa leaves in a variety of ways, like salads, tea, etc.

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