Native to India, moringa is also known as the miracle tree. It’s no surprise that it’s popular in Ayurvedic medicine and it is now at the helm of holistic and organic health supplements worldwide.
In 2008, the National Institute of Health dubbed moringa as the “Plant of the Year” due to the many health benefits of consuming moringa leaf powder.
Here are some of the key benefits of incorporating moringa into your diet.
Moringa to Detox
Moringa is a natural cleanser of the body. In many cases, moringa has been used as a weight loss supplement.
In Ayurvedic medicine, moringa is used to detox the body and heal digestive issues.
If you suffer from constipation, moringa might help to loosen your stool and can aid in cleansing the colon through the recovery of colon muscle thickness and mucus.
READ MORE: Introducing Sea Moss: The Superfood
Moringa for Diabetes
The first time I heard about moringa was within the context of a conversation about controlling blood sugar levels.
Multiple studies have been done that show moringa has the same effect as insulin, that’s because moringa contains the same proteins used in insulin to lower blood sugar.
The chemicals found in the plant help the body process sugar more efficiently.
Moringa for Good Heart Health
Moringa contains quercetin, an anti-inflammatory agent preventing lipid formation and inflammation. Both of which contribute to good heart health.
READ MORE: The heart-healthy diet to protect your heart
Moringa for Cancer
Moringa leaf extract has shown to slow down the growth of pancreatic cancer cells.
It has also been dubbed the anti-tumor herb due to the benzyl isothiocyanate present in moringa. Benzyl isothiocyanate is known for its anti-cancer and chemoprotective nature.
The chemoprotective benefit of moringa helps to strengthen cells so that those undergoing chemotherapy can tolerate the treatment better.
Moringa for Menopause
Moringa is a healthy source of estrogen and balances out hormonal changes, which is ideal for women going through menopause.
RECIPE TO TRY: The moringa smoothie bowl
Overall, moringa seems to be the new superfood supplement, offering a supercharging effect on health.
According to Faithful to Nature, 100g of dried moringa leaf powder contains:
- 9 times the protein of yoghurt
- 17 times the calcium of milk
- 25 times the iron of spinach
- 15 times the potassium of bananas
- 10 times the vitamin A (beta carotene) of carrots
- 0.5 times the vitamin C of oranges
Here are additional nutritional benefits of moringa:
Vitamins present in moringa:
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin B1, B2, B3, B6
- Folates
- Ascorbic acid
Nutrients found in moringa:
- Calcium
- Magnesium
- Iron
- Potassium
- Phosphorus
- Zinc
- Amino acids
ALSO SEE: Is oatmeal water good for you, and why?
Written by Marian Volkwyn for Woman&Home.
Feature Image: Pexels
