Today it is normal for people to resort to plants and methods that provide them with health benefits, which may have a high content of vitamins and minerals that are favorable for this, one of them being moringa.
Moringa is a very useful plant for various purposes , so each of the benefits that it can give to people will be specifically mentioned below, as well as its nutritional value and form of consumption.
What is moringa?
Moringa oleifera or also known as ” ben “, is a plant that comes from a tropical tree that is very common in Asian and African countries. It is famous for having medicinal properties and a nutritional composition very rich in vitamins and minerals.
Note: A study carried out by the University of Matanzas in Cuba, describes moringa as a tree to which multiple benefits are attributed to human beings , since it achieves a great impact in curing diseases and nutrition in children . (1)
What are the benefits of moringa?
As mentioned before, moringa oleifera is a tree that provides a high amount of nutrients for the health of the body , preventing different diseases and improving some of its functions, some of which are the following:
1. Limit the impact of free radicals
Moringa extracts and seeds significantly limit the impact of free radicals in the body , because they have a good amount of quercetin, being an antioxidant flavonoid that protects from oxidative damage.
Important: Research carried out in Cuba on the healthy well-being of moringa, has shown through experimental studies that it reduces the impact of free radicals, which helps prevent general deterioration of the body and aging. (two)
2. Prevents strokes
Moringa oleifera is a plant that manages to prevent strokes , thanks to the fact that it is a rich source of vitamins C and E , which help fight oxidation that causes neuronal degeneration , thus benefiting better health and brain function.
To highlight: A study published at the Khon Kaen University in Thailand, on moringa, determined through experimental studies with fresh leaves, that they have a brain-protective effect due to their antioxidant power. (3)
3. Lowers cholesterol and blood sugar levels
Cholesterol and blood sugar levels can be lowered by consuming moringa, since the leaves of this tree have antioxidant values that help protect the body from oxidative damage .
This is confirmed through a study of antioxidants carried out in Mexico, where it is shown that they can combat free radicals that damage the body, reducing the oxidation of cells and protecting against diseases such as diabetes. (4)
4. Reduces tissue inflammation
Moringa extracts have strong anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties that help reduce inflammation in body tissues, and can be used for different inflammations as a natural treatment.
To highlight: The moringa plant helps to treat inflammatory diseases such as arthritis, osteoarthritis, and pathologies associated with kidney, digestive and liver inflammation.
5. Eliminate fluid retention
The leaves of Moringa oleifera have a diuretic effect to quickly eliminate fluid retention in the body, favoring the emission of urine and relieving inflammation that may occur in the urinary tract.
6. Promotes gastrointestinal health
Gastrointestinal health is favored with the leaves of this plant, since they can be used as laxatives and purgatives when suffering from chronic constipation.
Note: Similarly, moringa extracts contain antibiotic properties that serve as a treatment for gastritis and ulcerative colitis.
7. Eliminate fungi and parasites
One of the most outstanding benefits that moringa has are its antifungal and antiparasitic properties , being useful as a treatment to eliminate fungi such as those of the Aspergillus genus and the elimination of possible intestinal parasites such as Taenia solium, Taenia saginata, and Taenia solium .
8. Stimulates the production of breast milk
Another of the benefits that moringa oleifera provides is that it favors the production of breast milk due to its high content of calcium, iron and vitamin A , helping to increase its quantity and quality, thus making it a food supplement for mothers and infants.
9. Improves skin health
Lastly, moringa is a rich source of vitamin C , which is necessary for collagen production for smoother, glowing skin . In the same way, it is bactericidal, therefore it is a great ally to eliminate the appearance of pimples or warts.
Moringa properties
The benefits that moringa brings to health are due in large part to the values it possesses, being mainly vitamins and minerals that help protect the body. Its nutritional composition is as follows:
1. Vitamins
Moringa oleifera is known to have a higher nutritional value than many fruits, since it exceeds them in proportion of vitamins. The ones that stand out the most are vitamins A, C, B1, B2, B3 and E.
2. Minerals
In the same way, moringa is a rich source of minerals, in which calcium, potassium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus and zinc can be found , which turn out to be essential to maintain the health and functioning of the organism in good condition.
How should moringa be taken?
Moringa can be consumed in various ways , since it is a shrub in which its leaves and roots are edible as if it were a vegetable, so it is possible to use it naturally in food or drinks .
Its forms of consumption can vary, generally the moringa leaves are used to use it in salads, stews or soups, but it is also possible to prepare it as a concentrated juice or an infusion .
Note: In the same way, it is possible to grind the leaves to use them as a powder in different preparations.
Key Findings
- Moringa is a tropical shrub with medicinal properties and high nutritional value.
- The main benefit of moringa is the great antioxidant impact on the body, protecting the body from free radicals.
- It has antifungal, antiparasitic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic and diuretic properties.
- The nutritional value of moringa far exceeds many fruits and vegetables, since it has a rich amount of various vitamins and minerals that are essential for good body health.
- The leaves and roots of the moringa bush are edible, making it versatile in any form of preparation. Its leaves can be used for soups, stews, salads or concentrated juices.
University Professional in the area of Human Resources, Postgraduate in Occupational Health and Hygiene of the Work Environment, 14 years of experience in the area of health. Interested in topics of Psychology, Occupational Health, and General Medicine.