Moringa is a beautiful plant that is only just beginning to gain popularity in the health community. The roots, leaves, flowers, seeds, and stem all have health benefits—no wonder it’s called the miracle tree by some. The following will explore everything you need to know about moringa.
What Is In Moringa?
Moringa is a plant originally from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan. Nowadays, moringa is grown all over the world’s tropical regions. The plant is used for medical, herbal, and beauty purposes worldwide and is part of traditional Ayurvedic medicine.
Moringa is overflowing with nutrients and also contains all the essential amino acids human bodies need. Nearly every part of the plant is edible or usable, including the flowers, roots, leaves, oil, pods, and seeds. Moreover, according to the folks at moringaproducts.com.au, moringa has been found to have 92 different nutrients, 46 kinds of antioxidants, 36 types of anti-inflammatory agents, 18 amino acids, and nine essential amino acids. It’s no surprise that this plant is used in supplements given to under-nourished children all around the world.
Moringa As Food
The pods (which are called drumsticks) are cooked similarly to green beans in many cuisines. The seeds are removed from mature pods and cooked similarly to peas or roasted like nuts. Leaves are cooked and used in recipes like spinach but are also dried and powdered to use as a flavoring condiment.
Moringa As A Beauty Product
Moringa oil is used topically all over the world for hair and skincare. The nutritional value of the oil coupled with the moisturizing benefits results in a healthy glow.
What Is The Nutritional Value Of Moringa
Moringa has a ton of nutritional value. When compared to other foods and plants, gram for gram, Moringa has:
- Twice the protein amount of yogurt
- Seven times the amount of vitamin C that oranges have
- Three times the potassium of bananas
- Fifty times the vitamin B3 of peanuts
- Four times the vitamin A of carrots
- Four times the calcium of milk
- Thirty-six times the magnesium of eggs
- Four times the vitamin B of pork
- Twenty-five times the iron of spinach
- Eight times the polyphenols of red wine
- Four times the chlorophyll of wheatgrass
- Fifty times the vitamin B2 of sardines
- Three times the vitamin E of almonds
What Are The Benefits Of Moringa?
Given the nutrients and compounds within moringa, it should come as no shock that this plant has some big health benefits. Moringa has been shown to:
- Support normal hormone levels
- Boost the immune system
- Provide acne relief
- Promote healthy circulation
- Nourish the skin
- Support normal glucose levels
- Boost energy levels
- Offer anti-aging benefits
- Promote mental clarity
- Support healthy digestion
Given these benefits, research into the use of moringa to treat diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity, and erectile dysfunction. These studies have been finding extremely positive results, but it’s important to note that the research is still new. We still have many more years before conclusive results can be determined.
Precautions When Incorporating Moringa
Given the potency of moringa and the strong effects, it can have, using moringa isn’t right for everyone. It’s crucial to note that moringa has been shown in some studies to reduce the chances of conception, meaning if you are trying to get pregnant or intend to try to get pregnant in the near future, moringa should be avoided. It’s also worth noting that chemicals in the root, bark, and flowers can cause the uterus to contract, which can complicate pregnancy (in traditional medicine, the root and bark were used to cause miscarriages).
Studies have shown that moringa can be used to increase breast milk production and help facilitate lactation. This being said, the studies only looked at the effect of short-term use (a few days) of the herb on the mother. We do not yet know if this has any impact on the child.
Children can take moringa leaf by mouth for up to two months. Like many supplements and herbs, a cycling approach is often the most harmonious way to incorporate moringa.
Those dealing with hypotension (low blood pressure) might want to avoid moringa as it contributes to lower blood pressure levels. Fainting or other symptoms are possible in those who have low blood pressure, to begin with.
The above information should be absorbed in tandem with an understanding of your own body and needs. Always listen to the messages your body is sending you when you incorporate a new supplement into your lifestyle. Speak to a doctor or healthcare professional in the event that you feel unsure or confused about using moringa.
