Moringa leaf is also known as the ‘miracle leaf’ and there are many reasons for that.
Moringa is also popularly called the drumstick tree. It has been used for ages for its powerful bioactive compounds and antioxidant.
Sicentifically it’s called Moringa oleifer. Moringa leaves contains:
- essential amino acids
- vitamins
- minerals
and offers many great medicinal benefits.
The roots, bark, seeds, leaves, fruit, sap, oil, pod and flowers of the tree has medicinal healing properties.
The products from the moringa tree have many uses. It is found mostly in:
- Asia
- Africa
- South America
Moringa Leaves – Nutrients
Content
The moringa leaves are nutritionally rich. It leaves behind many nutrient-rich vegetables far behind in the race like carrots, orange and even milk.
The moringa leaves have multiple uses in Indian cuisine as they are efficient and can be effortlessly made a part of our diet in many ways.
Moringa leaves are added to juices and using them as stir-fry vegetables are the most common ways in which they are eaten. When these leaves are consumed in their natural form, the moringa leaves have zero side effects.
Let’s Check Out the health benefits of moringa leaves.
1. Vitamins and Minerals
Moringa leaves are loaded with:
- vitamins A
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin B1 (thiamin)
- Vitamin B2 (riboflavin)
- Vitamin B3 (niacin)
- Vitamin B6
- Folate
They are also rich in:
- magnesium
- iron
- calcium
- phosphorus
- zinc
Nutrition value in one cup moringa powder:
- 2 grams of protein
- magnesium (8 per cent of the RDA)
- Vitamin B6 (19 per cent of the RDA)
- Iron (11 per cent of the RDA)
- Riboflavin (11 per cent of the RDA)
- Vitamin A (9 per cent of the RDA)
2. Amino Acids
Moringa leaves are amino acids rich, which makes building blocks of proteins. More than 15 types of amino acids are found in moringa leaf and each of them makes an important contribution to our overall well-being.
3. Guards us Against Inflammation
Inflammation is our reaction to the body, how it naturally responds to pain and injury.
Moringa leaves have isothiocyanate hence they are anti-inflammatory in nature. They have niazimicin that is known to reign in the formation of cancer cells.
Inflammation is the major cause of many diseases like:
- Cancer
- arthritis
- rheumatoid arthritis
- various autoimmune diseases
Basically, it is a protective defence mechanism against trauma, but inflammation can increase in the body because of an unhealthy lifestyle as well as an unhealthy diet.
Long-term inflammation leads to chronic health issues. Eating moringa leaves helps to decrease inflammation.
4. Rich in Antioxidants
Moringa leaves contain anti-oxidative properties and guard against the damaging effects of free radicals present in the environment. The damage occurred by free radicals is responsible for many chronic diseases like:
- type 2 diabetes
- heart problems
- Alzheimer’s
Moringa leaves are loaded with beta-carotene and vitamin C that act against free radicals.
They also have Quercetin which is an antioxidant that aids to decreases blood pressure.
Another antioxidant that can be found in moringa leaves is Chlorogenic acid, which stabilizes blood sugar levels post meals.
The research concluded that in women showed that taking 1.5 teaspoons of moringa leaf powder consistently for three months had shown a significant spike in blood antioxidant levels.
5. Regulates Blood Sugar Levels
Consistent high blood sugar levels lead to the development of diabetes in individuals.
Diabetes, in turn, can cause issues like organ damage in the body and heart problems.
In order to avoid this, it is good to keep the blood sugar levels regulated. Moringa leaves are a perfect resource for that as they regulate the blood sugar levels as it contains isothiocyanates.
6. Lowers Cholesterol
Apart from oats, flaxseeds, and almonds, moringa leaves are a reliable remedy against unregulated, unhealthy levels of cholesterol.
Cholesterol is the major reason people suffer from heart problems and eating moringa leaves has shown considerable improvement against unregulated cholesterol levels.
Moringa Leaves lower those levels and guards against the risk of heart disease
7. Guards the Liver
Those who are suffering from tuberculosis can derive benefits from moringa leaves as they decrease the negative effects of anti-tubercular drugs.
The leaves increase the repair of the liver cells. The leaves have a great concentration of polyphenols that guards against oxidative damage to the liver and may even decrease it. They spike up the protein levels in the liver.
The liver is the site of fat metabolism, blood detoxification, and nutrient absorption and it can operate properly only if the liver enzymes are normal. Moringa leaves stabilize these liver enzymes.
8. Remove Arsenic Toxicity
In various parts of the world, the arsenic toxin is a common problem. Arsenic has been found in our systems through many edible items, particularly rice.
Long-term consumption of this element can make us vulnerable to heart disease and cancer. Research on lab animals indicates that moringa leaves shield us against the effects of arsenic toxicity.
9.Good for the Stomach
Moringa leaves are highly beneficial and work excellently great against digestive disorders. Those who suffer from gas, gastritis, constipation, bloating and ulcerative colitis should include Moringa leaves in their diet consistently.
The leaves have antimicrobial and antibiotic properties which make them an excellent remedy against digestion issues. Even the high amount of B vitamins in the leaves aids in improving digestion.
10. Improves Bone health
Moringa leaves are rich sources of phosphorus and calcium. Both of these elements are required for bone health. Since moringa leaves have anti-inflammatory properties, they aid in combating arthritis and may even heal bones that need to be repaired.
Moringa leaf also fights against osteoporosis and keeps teeth and bones strong
11. An Antiseptic
Moringa leaves are antiseptic in nature and prevent off many bacterial infections. They are even beneficial in the case of wound healing. It helps to heal:
- bruises
- minor cuts
- burns quickly as they reduce the clotting time
12. Improve Lactation
In the traditional Ayurvedic system of medicine, moringa leaves are used to boost lactation in lactating mothers.
Since they are an excellent source of protein, important vitamins, and essential nutrients, consuming moringa leaves is great for the health of the mother and the baby.
13.Weight Management
Moringa leaf slims down the person without decreasing the energy reserves.
This keeps the person feeling nourished and buoyant. They decrease cravings for food and promote metabolism. They also bring down cholesterol.
14. Good for Hair and Skin
Due to tons of nutrients and antioxidants, moringa leaves promotes better health and appearance of hair and skin.
They add radiance to the skin and shine to the hair. The antioxidants present in moringa leaves decrease the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines on the skin. They have more than 30 antioxidants present.
Even paste from moringa leaves is applied to the hair and scalp to decrease dandruff. It adds volume and bounce to dull, lifeless tresses.
The moringa leaves also strengthen the hair follicles. They are an excellent remedy for acne-prone skin.
They even out the skin tone and add a radiant glow due to their purifying nature and therapeutic qualities.
15. Healthy Nervous System
Many nervous disorders have been known to show great results after the use of moringa leaves. They ensure brain health and function as neuro-enhancers. The high concentration of vitamins C and E combat neural degeneration and aids in improving brain function.
Those who have a migraine or face recurring headaches must eat moringa leaves regularly. These leaves also work as mood balancers as they maintain the production of neurotransmitters like noradrenaline, serotonin, dopamine, which are essential for memory, mood and for stimulus-response.
Bottom Line
Moringa leaves present a powerful punch of nutrition and has anti-inflammatory properties.
Their antioxidative qualities combined with their cell health, protective properties make them a ‘superfood’.
They suppress the production of inflammatory enzymes and lower sugar levels. Make moringa leaf a staple part of your diet to derive rich health benefits.