The Benefits of Moringa Leaves for Health
Purity Vitamin Australia - The health benefits of moringa leaves have long been renowned as a herbal remedy. Moringa leaves (Moringa Oleifera) have been traditionally used as a natural medicine to prevent cancer and maintain blood pressure.
These benefits are attributed to its rich content of antioxidants and various other nutrients. The antioxidants present in moringa leaves include vitamin C, beta-carotene, quercetin, and chlorogenic acid.
The health benefits of moringa leaves are indeed influenced by the nutrients it contains. Apart from antioxidants, moringa leaves also contain vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin B6, Vitamin B2, Vitamin C, Vitamin A, iron, and magnesium.
But that's not all, a single bowl of moringa leaves (approximately 21 grams) contains 2 grams of plant-based protein. We can reap its benefits by incorporating moringa leaves into herbal remedies, tea, supplements, and even culinary dishes.
The Benefits of Moringa Leaves for Health
Lowering Blood Sugar Levels
Several studies have shown that moringa leaves can help lower blood sugar levels. One study on 30 women revealed that consuming 1.5 teaspoons (7 grams) of moringa leaf powder daily for three months reduced fasting blood sugar levels by an average of 13.5%.
Another small study conducted on six individuals with diabetes found that adding 50 grams of moringa leaves to their meals reduced the post-meal blood sugar spike by 21%. You can try incorporating moringa leaves into your diet at home to experience these health benefits.
Reducing Inflammation
Inflammation is the body's natural response to infection or injury. It is an important protective mechanism, but can become a major health issue if it persists over a long period of time. The health benefits of moringa leaves also include reducing inflammation.
Scientists believe that isothiocyanate is the main anti-inflammatory compound found in moringa leaves, pods, and seeds. Moringa helps reduce inflammation by suppressing inflammatory enzymes and proteins in the body, and concentrated moringa leaf extracts have been shown to significantly decrease inflammation within cells.
Combating Free Radicals
Antioxidants are compounds that act against free radicals in the body. High levels of free radicals can lead to oxidative stress, which is associated with chronic diseases such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Several antioxidant plant compounds have been found in Moringa oleifera or moringa leaves.
In addition to vitamin C and beta-carotene, moringa leaves contain Quercetin, a powerful antioxidant tha
Lowering Blood Cholesterol Levels
Having high cholesterol has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease. The health benefits of moringa leaves, in the form of powder, are beneficial for a healthy heart, particularly in controlling blood lipid levels, preventing plaque formation in the arteries, and reducing cholesterol levels.
Fortunately, many plant-based foods can effectively lower cholesterol. Both animal and human-based research have shown that Moringa oleifera may have cholesterol-lowering effects.
t can help lower blood pressure. There is also chlorogenic acid, which can help reduce post-meal blood sugar levels.
One study on women found that consuming 1.5 teaspoons (7 grams) of moringa leaf powder daily for three months significantly increased blood antioxidant levels. Moringa leaf extract can also be used as a food preservative, enhancing the shelf life of meat by reducing oxidation.
Supporting Brain Health
The health benefits of moringa leaves for brain health and cognitive function are influenced by their antioxidant and neuro-enhancing activities. They have also been tested as a treatment for Alzheimer's disease with promising initial results.
The high content of vitamins E and C in moringa leaves combats oxidation that leads to neuronal degeneration, thereby enhancing brain function. They can also normalize neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and noradrenaline in the brain, which play a key role in memory, mood, organ function, response to stress and pleasure, and mental health, for example, in depression and psychosis.
Preventing Cancer
Another health benefit of moringa leaves is their potential to prevent cancer. The development of cancer often goes unnoticed, with many individuals becoming aware of it only after it has reached an advanced stage. This is because the process of cancer cell formation takes a considerable amount of time.
Therefore, it is advisable to take preventive measures against cancer early on. Moringa leaves can kill dead cells and prevent the growth of cancer cells. This health benefit is believed to be due to their antioxidant content, which can prevent cell damage caused by free radicals.
Boosting Breast Milk Production
Moringa leaves are also known to have benefits in increasing breast milk production in lactating mothers. A study suggests that consuming moringa leaves can increase breast milk production on the fourth to fifth day after giving birth to a premature baby.
Not only in quantity, but consuming moringa leaf-containing food (such as biscuits) can also improve the quality of breast milk, particularly in terms of the protein content.
Reducing Menopausal Symptoms
Osteoporosis is one of the health risks that arise when a woman enters menopause. This is because women who have reached menopause experience a decrease in estrogen production. Estrogen itself plays a role in maintaining bone density.
One way to prevent bone problems due to decreased estrogen is by consuming foods rich in vitamins and minerals. Moringa leaves are one such nutrient-rich plant that has important benefits for bone health and calcium absorption.
Maintaining Skin Health
Moringa leaves also have beauty benefits, especially for facial skin. Some benefits of moringa leaves for the face include preventing premature aging and treating acne.
This is because moringa leaves also have antimicrobial properties, which can help address acne issues. The natural oil in moringa leaves contains linoleic acid, which can help treat acne naturally.
Improving Memory
The antioxidants and chemical compounds present in moringa leaves are believed to help combat stress and inflammation in the brain. Additionally, the high protein content in moringa leaves can increase neurotransmitter production. This can affect mood, emotions, and learning abilities. Moreover, moringa leaves can enhance memory by altering the activity of enzymes in the brain involved in learning and memory.
Maintaining Eye Health
Moringa leaves contain antioxidants and beta-carotene, which are beneficial for maintaining eye health. Therefore, moringa leaves are claimed to help prevent the widening of retinal blood vessels, thickening of capillary membranes, and inhibit retinal dysfunction.