What makes moringa good for you?
Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC,
CHT — Written by Bethany Cadman on January 2, 2020
What is in moringa? Benefits? Side effects
Risks with existing medications Can it aid weight loss? Research
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Moringa oleifera is a plant that is often called the drumstick tree, the
miracle tree, the ben oil tree, or the horseradish tree.
Moringa has been used for centuries due to its medicinal properties and
health benefits. It also has antifungal, antiviral, antidepressant, and anti-
inflammatory properties.
Fast facts on moringa:
The tree is native to India but also grows in Asia, Africa,
and South America.
Moringa contains a variety of proteins, vitamins, and
minerals.
Moringa oleifera has few known side effects.
People taking medication should consult a doctor before
taking moringa extract.
What is in moringa?
Moringa has medicinal properties and contains many healthful compounds.
Moringa contains many healthful compounds such as:
vitamin A
vitamin B1 (thiamine)
B2 (riboflavin)
B3 (niacin), B-6
folate and ascorbic acid (vitamin C)
calcium
potassium
iron
magnesium
phosphorus
zinc
It is also extremely low in fats and contains no harmful cholesterol.
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What are the benefits?
Moringa is believed to have many benefits and its uses range from health
and beauty to helping prevent and cure diseases. The benefits of moringa
include:
1. Protecting and nourishing skin and hair
Moringa seed oil is beneficial for protecting hair against free radicals and
keeps it clean and healthy. Moringa also contains protein, which means it
is helpful in protecting skin cells from damage. It also contains hydrating
and detoxifying elements, which also boost the skin and hair.
It can be successful in curing skin infections and sores.
2. Treating edema
Edema is a painful condition where fluid builds up in specific tissues in the
body. The anti-inflammatory properties of moringa may be effective in
preventing edema from developing.
3. Protecting the liver
Moringa appears to protect the liver against damage caused by anti-
tubercular drugs and can quicken its repair process.
4. Preventing and treating cancer
Moringa extracts contain properties that might help prevent cancer
developing. It also contains niazimicin, which is a compound that
suppresses the development of cancer cells.
5. Treating stomach complaints
Moringa extracts might help treat some stomach disorders, such as
constipation, gastritis, and ulcerative colitis. The antibiotic and
antibacterial properties of moringa may help inhibit the growth of various
pathogens, and its high vitamin B content helps with digestion.
6. Fighting against bacterial diseases
Due to its antibacterial, antifungal, and antimicrobial properties, moringa
extracts might combat infections caused by Salmonella, Rhizopus, and E.
coli.
7. Making bones healthier
Moringa also contains calcium and phosphorous, which help keep bones
healthy and strong. Along with its anti-inflammatory properties moringa
extract might help to treat conditions such as arthritis and may also heal
damaged bones.
8. Treating mood disorders
Moringa is thought to be helpful in treating depression, anxiety, and
fatigue.
9. Protecting the cardiovascular system
The powerful antioxidants found in Moringa extract might help prevent
cardiac damage and has also been shown to maintain a healthy heart.
10. Helping wounds to heal
Extract of moringa has been shown to help wounds close as well as
reduce the appearance of scars.
11. Treating diabetes
Moringa helps to reduce the amount of glucose in the blood, as well as
sugar and protein in the urine. This improved the hemoglobin levels and
overall protein content in those tested.
12. Treating asthma
Moringa may help reduce the severity of some asthma attacks and
protect against bronchial constrictions. It has also been shown to assist
with better lung function and breathing overall.
13. Protecting against kidney disorders
People may be less likely to develop stones in the kidneys, bladder or
uterus if they ingest moringa extract. Moringa contains high levels of
antioxidants that might aid toxicity levels in the kidneys.
14. Reducing high blood pressure
Moringa contains isothiocyanate and niaziminin, compounds that help to
stop arteries from thickening, which can cause blood pressure to rise.
15. Improving eye health
Moringa contains eyesight-improving properties thanks to its high
antioxidant levels. Moringa may stop the dilation of retinal vessels,
prevent the thickening of capillary membranes, and inhibit retinal
dysfunction.
16. Treating anemia and sickle cell disease
Moringa might help a person’s body absorb more iron, therefore
increasing their red blood cell count. It is thought the plant extract is very
helpful in treating and preventing anemia and sickle cell disease.
Moringa products are available to purchase online.
Side effects
Although Moringa may have very few reported side effects, a healthcare professional
should be consulted before it is taken.
Anyone considering using moringa is advised to discuss it with a doctor
first.
Moringa may possess anti-fertility qualities and is therefore not
recommended for pregnant women.
There have been very few side effects reported.
People should always read the label on the extract and follow dosage
instructions.
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Risks
Some of the medications to be particularly aware of are:
Levothyroxine: Used to combat thyroid problems. Compounds in
the moringa leaf may aid the thyroid function, but people should not
take it in combination with other thyroid medication.
Any medications that might be broken down by the liver: Moringa
extract may decrease how quickly this happens, which could lead to
various side effects or complications.
Diabetes medications: Diabetes medications are used to lower
blood sugar, which moringa also does effectively. It is vital to ensure
blood sugar levels do not get too low.
High blood pressure medication: Moringa has shown to be
effective at lowering blood pressure. Taking moringa alongside
other drugs that lower blood pressure may result in it becoming too
low.
Can it aid weight loss?
Evidence has shown that moringa extract can be effective in reducing and
controlling weight gain in mice. Its high vitamin B content helps with
smooth and efficient digestion and can assist the body when converting
food into energy, as opposed to storing it as fat.
Moringa is thought to:
reduce weight gain
help to lower cholesterol and blood pressure
prevent inflammation
help the body convert fats into energy
reduce fatigue and improve energy levels
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Research
Like all supplements, the United States Food & Drug Administration (FDA)
do not monitor moringa, so there might be concerns about purity or
quality. It is essential to understand the validity of the claims made by the
manufacturers, whether it is safe to use, and what potential side effects
there may be.
There is plenty of recent research to back up the benefits as stated
above, though many of the studies are still in the preliminary stages or the
tests have only taken place on animals as opposed to humans, so there is
plenty more to be done.
Read the article in Spanish.
Last medically reviewed on January 2, 2020
Nutrition / Diet Complementary Medicine / Alternative Medicine
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