Medicinal plants have been part of the daily life of human beings, due to their therapeutic benefits to human health, whether through their roots, leaves, fruits or seeds .
One of the parts of the plant species of interest for people’s health is the seed, where essential oils are obtained, and in this sense the moringa seed has an outstanding presence .
Considering this context, we present the following article where we explain what the moringa seed is for .
What is the moringa seed?
The moringa seed comes from a medicinal plant of the same name , also called “tree of life” and whose scientific name is Moringa oleifera from South Asia, being able to find different species of this medicinal plant, this one in particular ( Moringa oleifera ) the most valuable economically speaking . (1)
The moringa seed has been attributed medicinal properties to treat different metabolic and cardiovascular pathologies , however its use must be recommended by a doctor.
Note: In addition to the seed of the plant, the moringa leaf also provides health benefits , in addition to being rich in protein.
What is the moringa seed used for?
Due to its phytochemical properties , the moringa seed offers humans the following health benefits:
1. Strengthens the body’s defenses
The moringa seed has important phytonutrients such as some B vitamins , as well as ascorbic acid, other minerals and polyphenols considered as antioxidants, which strengthen the action of the immune system against the attack of pathogens that are harmful to the body.
To highlight: Moringa seed extract has been reported to inhibit bacterial growth and is traditionally used to purify water. (two)
2. Promotes cardiovascular health
Another of the properties that has been given to the moringa seed is that due to its composition of vitamins, minerals and other organic compounds such as fatty acids, it can regulate triglyceride and cholesterol levels, preventing cardiovascular diseases such as blood pressure. discharge or heart attacks.
You should know: Studies indicate that the antioxidant effect of the moringa seed favors the delay of the oxidative degradation of lipids. (3)
3. Improves digestive, respiratory and visual functions
Another of the various uses of the moringa seed to promote the health of human beings is in digestive health, since it has an appreciated content of dietary fiber to improve the transit of food through the digestive tract.
Likewise, some studies have given it antibacterial, antifungal and antimicrobial properties to combat infections caused by Helicobacter pylori , which is the cause of gastric and duodenal ulcers. (4)
Important: Certain studies have linked vitamin C to the improvement of some conditions of the respiratory tract (5) and the vitamin A content, as is already known, helps to strengthen visual health.
4. Fights anemia
There are two key micronutrients in the formation of red blood cells and their hemoglobin content, which are iron and ascorbic acid, essential elements to prevent and combat anemic states in humans.
Note: Iron and vitamin C, as well as folic acid , prevent and treat iron deficiency anemia. (6)
5. Reduces pain and inflammation
The antioxidant action of the vitamins, minerals and polyphenols present in the moringa seed combats the symptoms of pain and inflammation of muscles and joints caused by oxidative damage from free radicals.
To highlight: Some scientific articles describe the benefits of antioxidants against free radicals. (7)
6. Contributes to weight loss
Another of the advantages of the moringa seed used as food is that, in addition to the regulation of cholesterol, triglycerides and blood sugar, it does not contain saturated fats, so its intake is very beneficial in diet regimens for people with overweight.
7. Promotes skin health
An additional goodness of the moringa seed is that it promotes skin health through different mechanisms.
In this sense, vitamin C, together with other minerals, stimulates the healing process of the skin in cases of wounds and also, together with other amino acids, vitamin C is involved in the production of collagen , a protein that gives flexibility to the skin. .
You should know: The antioxidants present in the moringa seed prevent premature aging of skin cells , delaying the appearance of wrinkles.
Moringa seed properties
The health benefits of the moringa seed come from its chemical and nutritional compounds that we mention below:
1. Vitamins and minerals
The vitamins present in the moringa seed are: vitamin B1 , vitamin B2, vitamin B3 , vitamin B6 and vitamin B9 . It is also accompanied by vitamin C and vitamin A.
Note: In addition, this seed contains the following minerals: iron, calcium , potassium , magnesium, phosphorus and zinc .
2. Other compounds
Additionally, the moringa seed contains fiber, amino acids, fats, carbohydrates and many other valuable nutraceutical compounds for human life. (8)
How do you take the moringa seed?
Moringa leaves, roots and immature pods are eaten as vegetables since they are edible. The leaves, for example, are used in salads, soups and sauces; they can also be eaten raw, like other vegetables.
On the other hand, the pods containing the seeds can only be eaten immature and prepared like snap beans, but once the pods are ripe, only the seeds can be used and prepared like peas; They can also be eaten fried, toasted, in infusions and in sauces
To highlight: Likewise, moringa seeds are industrially crushed and turned into powder to be marketed in supplements in the form of capsules.
Key takeaways
- The moringa seed contains medicinal properties to treat different metabolic and cardiovascular pathologies.
- The moringa seed boosts the immune system and promotes cardiovascular health.
- Moringa seed can treat anemia, decrease pain and inflammation.
- The moringa seed is also used as food and is pulverized to make supplements in the form of capsules.
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.