Health Benefits Of Moringa Olifera Leaves

The leaves, fruit, sap, oil, roots, bark, seeds, pod, and flowers of the tree have medicinal properties. The products from the tree have many uses. It is also known as the ‘drumstick tree’. It is found mostly in Asia, Africa, and South America. 

The moringa leaves are nutritionally very rich, leaving behind carrots, oranges, and even milk in terms of nutritional value. The leaves find many uses in Indian cuisine as they are versatile and can be incorporated into the diet in many ways. Adding them to juices and using them as stir fry, vegetables are the most common ways in which they are eaten. When consumed in their natural form, the moringa leaves have no negative side effects. 

Moringa leaves are richly packed with vitamins, minerals, and nutrients along with numerous health benefits when consumed, here we make mention of a few. 

Nutrients And Vitamins 

1 It's Rich In Vitamins And Minerals 

Moringa leaves are rich in vitamins A, C, B1 (thiamin), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B6 and Folate. They are also rich in magnesium, iron, calcium, phosphorus, and zinc.

One cup of moringa leaves will contain 2 grams of protein, magnesium (8 percent of the RDA), Vitamin B6 (19 percent of the RDA), Iron (11 percent of the RDA), Riboflavin (11 percent of the RDA), and Vitamin A (9 percent of the RDA). 

2. Rich in Antioxidants 

Moringa leaves have anti-oxidative properties and protect against the damaging effects of free radicals present in the environment. The damage caused by free radicals is responsible for many chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes, heart problems, and Alzheimer’s. Moringa leaves are rich in vitamin C and beta carotene that act against free radicals.

They also have Quercetin which is an antioxidant that helps to lower blood pressure. Another antioxidant that is present in moringa leaves is Chlorogenic acid which helps to stabilize blood sugar levels post meals. A study in women showed that taking 1.5 teaspoons of moringa leaf powder regularly for three months had shown a significant increase in blood antioxidant levels. 

3. Rich in Amino Acids

Moringa leaves are rich in amino acids, the building blocks of proteins. 18 types of amino acids are found in them and each of them makes an important contribution to our wellbeing. 

4. Fights Inflammation 

Moringa leaves are anti-inflammatory in nature due to the presence of isothiocyanates. They have niazimicin which is known to reign in the development of cancer cells. Inflammation is the root cause of many diseases like cancer, arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and many autoimmune diseases. When we suffer an injury or infection, the body suffers increased Inflammation. 

Basically, it is a protective mechanism against trauma but because of a wrong lifestyle and an unhealthy diet, inflammation can increase in the body. Long-term inflammation leads to chronic health issues. Eating moringa leaves helps to reduce Inflammation. 

5. Lowers Blood Sugar Levels 

Sustained high blood sugar levels lead to the development of diabetes in individuals. Diabetes, in turn, can cause heart problems and organ damage in the body. To avoid this, it is good to keep blood sugar levels in check. Moringa leaves are a perfect resource for that as they stabilize blood sugar levels due to the presence of isothiocyanates. 

6. Lowers Cholesterol

Apart from oats, flaxseeds, and almonds, moringa leaves are a dependable remedy against high cholesterol. Cholesterol is the major reason why people suffer from heart diseases and eating moringa leaves has known to show considerable improvement against high cholesterol levels. Moringa oleifera can lower those levels and protect against the risk of heart disease. Pregnant women usually experience higher levels of cholesterol, which can in turn increase the risk of developing gestational diabetes during their term. 

What is gestational diabetes? It is a type of diabetes that is first detected in pregnant women who did not have diabetes before they were pregnant. Moringa leaves can certainly be included in the diet for gestational diabetes.

7. Protects The Liver 

Those who have tuberculosis can benefit greatly from moringa leaves as they reduce the negative effects of anti-tubercular drugs. The leaves accelerate the repair of the liver cells. The leaves have a high concentration of polyphenols that protect against oxidative damage to the liver and may even reduce it. They increase the protein levels in the liver. The liver is the site of blood detoxification, fat metabolism, and nutrient absorption and it can function properly only if the liver enzymes are normal. Moringa leaves help to stabilize these liver enzymes. 

8. It's Good for the Stomach 

Moringa leaves are beneficial against digestive disorders. Those who suffer from constipation, bloating, gas, gastritis, and ulcerative colitis should add Moringa leaves to their diet. The leaves have antibiotic and antimicrobial properties which make them an ideal remedy against digestive disorders. Even the high amount of B vitamins in the leaves helps in improving digestion. 

9. Protects Against Arsenic Toxicity 

In many parts of the world, arsenic contamination is a common problem. Arsenic has found its way into our systems through many food items, particularly rice.

Long-term exposure to this element can lead to the development of cancer and heart disease. Research on lab animals has shown that moringa leaves combat the effects of arsenic toxicity. 

10. Improves Bone Health 

Moringa leaves are rich sources of calcium and phosphorus. Both of these elements are needed for good bone health. Since moringa leaves have an anti-inflammatory nature, they help combat arthritis and may even heal bones that are damaged. Moringa oleifera also fights against osteoporosis and keeps bones and teeth strong.

11. Its An Antiseptic 

Moringa leaves are antiseptic and fight off many bacterial infections. They are even beneficial towards wound healing and help to heal bruises, minor cuts, and burns quickly as they reduce the clotting time.

12. Helps In Weight Management 

Moringa leaves increase fat burning in the body. They slim down the person without depleting energy reserves. This keeps the person feeling buoyant and nourished. They reduce cravings for food and boost metabolism. They also lower cholesterol. 

13. Acts As A Detoxifier 

Moringa leaves are natural cleansers and help to detoxify the system. This helps to keep the body and increases immunity against various infections. They also increase the energy levels in the body.

Although there are numerous benefits attributed to moringa Oliefera Leaves, there are also potential downsides, which are: 

• Moringa and its leaves may not be for everyone. While generally considered safe and healthy for most, there are some minor side effects to watch out for. In large doses, the leaves, bark, roots and moringa fruit may have laxative properties.

• In some cases, Moringa leaf powder has been found to contain higher than the recommended tolerable amounts of lead, please source any extracts you use only from reputable companies.

• In pregnant women, the roots, bark and extract of Moringa may cause uterine contractions. Pregnant women should take the advice of their doctors before including Moringa leaves or products into their diets.

• Similarly, breastfeeding women should avoid Moringa leaves since it is unknown whether any of the chemicals or substances present can pass through the milk to the child.

• It is recommended that people on blood thinners should also avoid Moringa unless you consult your doctor first. As with all things, when taken in moderation it can be safe for most people, so always use it with caution. 

In Conclusion 

Moringa leaves provide a powerful punch of nutrition and have an anti-inflammatory nature. Their antioxidative properties combined with their cellular-health protective properties make them a new ‘superfood’. They suppress the production of inflammatory enzymes and lower sugar levels. Make these a regular part of your diet to reap rich health benefits.