Moringa health benefits — Mysterious Moringa
- Southerton Business Times
- 14 hours ago
- 6 min read
By Dr P. Sibiya
Moringa Health Benefits
The subject of wellness, mindfulness, and a healthy lifestyle is topical. Here is hoping that, as we are almost 40 days into the new year, you have committed to being mindful of your health. It’s never too late to start. Making the above choices is essential for maintaining a healthy weight, consistent energy, and the prevention of chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. Choosing a nutrient-dense diet boosts your immunity, improves mental health, promotes healthy sleep, strengthens bones and teeth, and supports overall longevity.
Talking of nutrient-dense food, today we are talking about one truly blessed tree, and always a real wonder to humanity, Moringa. Moringa powder, derived from the Moringa oleifera tree, is a highly nutrient-dense superfood with numerous health benefits due to its rich content of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. This rich green tree is good for everyone, from suckling babies and nursing mothers, to the chronically ill, the workforces exposed to heavy metallic substances, the physically active, and the list goes on. This is mostly because of the 102 nutrients that our bodies use; Moringa contains 92 of these!!!
Moringa is called the tree of life due to its amazing healing properties. It is the ancient and Biblical “Tree of Life” described in Exodus 15:20-25. At Mt.Sinai, Moses purified water with moringa seeds. Also referred to as the horse radish tree, amongst other terms, moringa comes in wide varieties, and it’s said to have originated from the Himalayan Mountains in India and Pakistan. In Zimbabwe, it’s mostly popular in the dry regions of Bingaand along the Zambezi. The tree is resilient and drought-tolerant, hence it thrives in dry areas. It’s said to have landed in Binga through trade along the Zambezi many centuries ago.
The leaves of the Moringa tree are packed with a wide array of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and antioxidants, making it a number-one superfood.
Moringa has the following known Vitamins
• Vitamin A: Moringa is an excellent source of Vitamin A, a critical nutrient for maintaining healthy vision, supporting the immune system, and promoting healthy skin.
• Vitamin C: As a potent antioxidant, Vitamin C supports your immune system and helps your body absorb iron, while also promoting the health of your skin by aiding in collagen production.
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• B-Vitamins: moringa contains several B-complex vitamins, including B1(Thiamine),B2 (Riboflavin),B3(Niacin),B6(Pyridoxine),B9(Folate)
• Vitamin E: Known for its anti-aging properties, Vitamin E helps protect your skin from oxidative stress and promotes cell regeneration.
• Vitamin K- crucial for blood clotting and bone health.
Minerals in Moringa
• Calcium: Moringa contains more calcium per gram than milk, making it a great plant-based option for promoting bone health.
• Potassium: Potassium is crucial for regulating fluid balance, maintaining proper nerve function, and supporting muscle health.
• Magnesium: Magnesium is important for many bodily functions, including muscle and nerve function, energy production, and bone health.
• Iron: With its impressive iron content, Moringa is an excellent choice for those looking to prevent anemia and support healthy blood flow.
Amino Acids
Moringa contains all nine essential amino acids, the building blocks of proteins that the body can’t produce on its own. This makes it a complete protein source, essential for tissue repair, muscle building, and supporting overall bodily functions.
Antioxidants
Moringa is rich in antioxidants like quercetin, chlorogenic acid, and beta-carotene. These antioxidants help combat oxidative stress by neutralizing free radicals, which can damage cells and contribute to aging and various health issues. This powerhouse of nutrients makes Moringa an ideal addition to your daily diet, offering support for everything from your bones and immune system to your skin and energy levels.
The Health Benefits of Moringa
Anti-inflammatory Properties
Chronic inflammation is at the root of many health issues, including heart disease, arthritis, and certain types of cancer. Moringa has been shown to have significant anti-inflammatory effects, thanks to its high concentration of isothiocyanates and other bioactive compounds. Studies have demonstrated that Moringa can reduce markers of inflammation in the body, which can help prevent the onset of inflammatory diseases. By incorporating Moringa into your diet or skincare routine, you can support your body in reducing inflammation and maintaining optimal health.
Antioxidant
Antioxidants are crucial for protecting the body from oxidative stress, which occurs when there’s an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants. This imbalance can contribute to aging, cell damage, and the development of chronic diseases. The antioxidants in Moring, such as quercetin, chlorogenic acid, and beta-carotene, help neutralize free radicals, protecting cells from damage and supporting your body’s natural defense systems. These antioxidants also play a crucial role in maintaining the health of our skin by preventing premature aging and promoting collagen production.
Blood Sugar Regulation
Research proves that Moringa can lower blood sugar by increasing insulin sensitivity and promoting healthy glucose metabolism.
Heart Health Moringa has also been linked to improved cardiovascular health. Research has shown that Moringa can help lower cholesterol levels, reduce high blood pressure, and protect against plaque buildup in the arteries, all of which contribute to a healthier heart.
Liver Protection
The primary function of our liver is detoxification and breaking down harmful substances. Moringa has shown protective effects on the liver, helping to detoxify the organ and prevent damage from toxins. Studies have indicated that Moringa’s bioactive compounds may protect the liver from oxidative stress and improve its function. This is just another reason why Moringa is truly a “miracle” for your health.
Supports Immune Health
The COVID pandemic was a wake-up call to our immunity. One way or the other, make sure everything you eat and drink boosts the immune system. Moringa’s high vitamin C content, which far exceeds that of oranges. This is coupled with its antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, making it a powerful immune booster.
Protects Against Arsenic Toxicity
This is good news to those who work in hazardous conditions, exposed to heavy metals and lead, etc. Moringa powder contains compounds that bind to heavy metals and aid in their excretion, supported by chlorophyll and zinc, which bolster the body's natural detoxification pathways.
Enhances Brain Health
Moringa contains over 40 different types of antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids, which neutralize free radicals, reduce oxidative stress, and support cognitive functions like memory and learning.
Promotes Healthy Skin
Glowing skin is like icing, but not on a cake. Vitamins A, C, and E in moringa support collagen synthesis, new skin cell production, and protection against oxidative damage, contributing to youthful and healthy skin. The trick is in taking and applying Moringa to the face.
Supports Weight Loss
Losing weight is becoming more expensive than gaining it these days. Moringa is actually a cheaper alternative for weight loss due to its high fibre and protein content, which promote fullness, boost metabolism, and preserve muscle mass.
Where to find and how to consume Moringa?
Moringa powder is now a common feature in grocery stores, pharmacies, and health food outlets. You can also buy seedlings and have your very own moringa. Whichever way, just make a date with moringa and see your health transform! Your garden must ultimately be your pharmacy of first choice !. LET THY FOOD BE MEDICINE.
Moringa is commonly consumed as a powder (added to smoothies, soups, or tea) or in capsule form. It is important to buy from a reliable source and consult a doctor, especially if pregnant or on medication. Moringa will continue to be a blessing to humanity if truly embraced. Now it’s your duty to share this knowledge and save a life or more. As you incorporate Moringa into your lifestyle, visits to the doctor may become less frequent, thereby reducing dependency on conventional medicine.
Disclaimer
Moringa (Moringa oleifera) is generally safe, but users must consult a doctor, especially if pregnant, nursing, or taking medications for diabetes, thyroid, or blood pressure, as it can cause contraindications or uterine contractions. Excessive consumption of root/bark may cause toxicity, and large doses of leaves can cause digestive issues.
Key Safety Precautions & Disclaimer Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Avoid using root or bark extracts, which may trigger uterine contractions.
Medication Interactions: Moringa may lower blood sugar and blood pressure; consult a doctor if taking diabetes medications (e.g., insulin) or blood thinners.
Thyroid Medication: Use caution if taking thyroid medications (e.g., Synthroid), as moringa may affect thyroid hormone levels. Dosage: High doses (over 7g daily) can cause laxative effects, nausea, or diarrhea. Root/Bark Toxicity: Avoid consuming roots or bark, as they contain alkaloids that can be unsafe. Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes and not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Moringa health benefits
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