11 benefits of moringa
- A rich source of multiple vitamins and minerals
- Anti Oxident Power
- Convenient source of plant-derived protein
- Balancing influence on hormones
- A helping hand with lowering cholesterol
- Stabilising blood sugar
- Liver health
- A positive influence on gut health and digestion
- Weight loss benefits
- Skin Nourishment- Collagen, Vitamins A and C
What is moringa tea good for? And can a scoop of moringa powder really make a difference to your wellness? More research is needed to identify precisely how this plant can help with human health and wellbeing – a lot of the evidence at the moment is based on animal studies or is anecdotal.
However, the following 11 moringa benefits for health are good indications of the wellness potential of this plant.
A rich source of multiple vitamins and minerals
Many superfoods standout because of high content of a single hero nutrient. This is not the case with moringa.
As well as being a plentiful source of vitamin C, it also gives you 10 times more vitamin A than carrots, 17 times more calcium than milk, 9 times more protein than yoghurt, 15 times more potassium than bananas, and 25 times more iron than spinach.3
Antioxidant power
Like many other superfoods, moringa also contains a plentiful supply of antioxidants.
In fact, one study detected a significant increase in the antioxidant levels in the blood of participants consuming 1½ teaspoons of moringa powder every day for three months.4
A diet rich in antioxidants helps to prevent cell damage caused by oxidative stress.
Convenient source of plant-derived protein
If you’re vegetarian, following a vegan diet or maybe you’re simply trying to eat less meat, moringa is a great source of plant-based protein.
And unlike other non-meat protein sources, (we’re thinking of lentils) it requires no cooking or preparation.
Balancing influence on hormones
Like other dark leafy greens, moringa can provide support to the endocrine system, helping to regulate hormones.
For example, a 2014 study suggested the antioxidant properties in moringa (in this case when combined with amaranth) could help to prevent complications caused by hormonal changes in post-menopausal women.5
- May help lower the effect of inflammation
The moringa fruit possesses properties that could help reduce out-of-control inflammation. And although these inflammation-fighting claims are yet to be the subject of human trials, animal and test tube studies show positive potential.
A helping hand with lowering cholesterol
Moringa could contribute to healthy cardiovascular function by reducing elevated levels of cholesterol. For example, a 2007 study on rabbits indicated that moringa helped to lower cholesterol.
Stabilising blood sugar
There are many health risks associated with raised blood sugar. Research suggests the plant compounds in moringa could help to balance blood sugar levels.8
Liver health
The polyphenols in moringa may be helpful in reversing oxidation in the liver.9 There are studies on rats that show promising prospects of the positive impact moringa on the recovery from liver damage.10,11
A positive influence on gut health and digestion
With fibre representing just over 30% of the nutritional make-up of moringa, it’s no surprise that it’s often consumed to help with digestion. Research also shows potential benefits in reducing disorders of the gut, such as colitis.13
Potential for moringa weight loss benefits
Can moringa powder help you to lose weight? Animal studies suggest it can help with breaking down fats and reducing fat accumulation.14 However, whether these moringa weight loss effects translate to humans is yet to be scientifically investigated.
Skin Nourishment- Collagen, Vitamins A and C
Moringa contains a good supply of three skin-nourishing ingredients. Vitamin A for collagen renewal. Vitamin C for radiance and fighting the signs of ageing. And Vitamin E offers up a moisture injection and skin-clearing antioxidants.
Summary
- Moringa offers a rich dose of a range of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals
- As well as addressing nutritional deficiencies, it also offers a number of wellness benefits – from supporting healthy heart function to regulating blood sugar and balancing hormones
- More scientific study will help with fully understanding the action of moringa