Regardless of the term you use, the moringa oleifera tree, which goes by several names including “drumstick tree,” “tree of life,” and “miracle tree,” is among the healthiest plants on Earth. This plant is incredibly potent because of its diverse bioactive and nutritious components, including essential amino acids, carbs, fibre, vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients.
What you need to know about Moringa Powder
Although there are thirteen distinct species, the two most common ones are in Northern India and East Africa. According to Jerlyn Jones, MS, MPA, RDN, recent research has only focused on four of the thirteen species of Moringa: oleifera, stenopetala, concanensis, and peregrine.
Phytomedicine and ayurvedic therapy have long used moringa, which has a long history. The advantages of moringa were acknowledged more than four thousand years ago when it was used in Ayurvedic therapy, according to Isabel Smith, MS, RD, CDN, founder of Isabel Smith Nutrition and an integrative dietitian.
The ancient Greeks, Romans, and Indian Mauryan soldiers supposedly drank moringa leaves to increase stamina and strength, which they utilized significantly in battle. Moringa trees are cultivated and eaten globally now.
1. The nutritional value of moringa oleifera is high
Originally from Northern India, the Moringa oleifera tree grows to a respectable size.
There are several names for this tree, including drumstick, horseradish, and ben oil tree. Nearly every tree component has culinary or medicinal uses in traditional medicine.
The pods and leaves, which are staple foods in several African and Indian regions, are particularly susceptible to this: The vitamins and minerals found in moringa leaves are plentiful. There are 21 grams (or one cup) of freshly cut leaves that include:
- Two grams of protein.
- Iron: 19% of the recommended daily allowance
- A 12% daily value for vitamin C
- Folate: 11% of the recommended daily allowance
- Vitamin B2 riboflavin accounts for 11% of the recommended daily allowance.
- Nine per cent of the recommended daily allowance for vitamin A (from beta-carotene)
- Supplemental magnesium: 8% of the recommended daily allowance
Dietary supplements made from leaves that have been dried are available in Western nations in the form of powder or capsules.
The vitamin and mineral content of the pods is often lower than that of the leaves. Having said that, they contain an abundance of vitamin C. You may get 157% of your daily need from only one cup (100 grams) of fresh, sliced pods.
People in poor countries often don’t get enough protein, vitamins, and minerals in their diet. Moringa oleifera is an excellent way for people in these nations to incorporate a lot of nutrients.
One potential drawback, though, is that moringa leaves may be rich in antinutrients that hinder the body’s ability to absorb protein and minerals.
Additionally, bear in mind that the nutritious content of Moringa oleifera capsule supplements is somewhat low.
2. Antioxidants abound in Moringa oleifera
Chemicals that neutralize free radicals in the body are known as antioxidants.
Chronic disorders such as coronary artery disease and type 2 diabetes are linked to oxidative stress, which can be caused by high quantities of free radicals.
The Moringa oleifera plant has several antioxidant chemicals in its leaves. These also contain beta-carotene and vitamin C:
- One potent antioxidant that has shown promise in lowering blood pressure is quercetin.
- Chlorogenic acid: Chlorogenic acid is present in coffee in great quantities and may aid in the regulation of post-meal blood sugar levels.
Taking moringa powder daily at a dose of 1.5 teaspoons (7 grams) for three months considerably raised blood antioxidant levels, according to one research of women.
There is some evidence that moringa leaf extract can extend food’s shelf life. By lowering oxidation, it prolongs the meat’s shelf life.
Among the several antioxidants found in Moringa oleifera are quercetin and chlorogenic acid. One way to boost antioxidant levels in the blood is by using moringa leaf powder.
3. Blood sugar levels may be lowered with moringa
A dangerous health issue is high blood sugar. It’s the hallmark of diabetes.
Heart disease is only one of several major health complications that can develop from persistently high blood sugar levels. Because of this, maintaining normal blood sugar levels is crucial.
Curiously, Moringa oleifera has shown promise in lowering blood sugar levels in many trials.
Taking half a teaspoon (7 grams) of moringa leaf powder daily for three months lowered fasting glucose levels by 13.5% on average, according to one research involving 30 women.
Adding 50 grams of moringa leaves to an existing meal lowered the increase in blood sugar by 21%, according to another small study involving six diabetic individuals. Scientists think isothiocyanates and other plant chemicals are the culprits behind these effects.
Additional study is necessary to establish firm recommendations about the use of moringa leaves for lowering blood sugar levels.
4. Moringa oleifera has anti-inflammatory properties
In reaction to pathogens or harm, the body initiates an inflammatory response.
Although it serves an important protective function, prolonged exposure might cause serious health problems.
Heart disease and cancer are only two of the numerous chronic illnesses that have been associated with chronic inflammation.
You may reduce inflammation by eating more whole fruits, veggies, herbs, and spices. But how much relief you may expect is directly proportional to the kinds and concentrations of anti-inflammatory chemicals they contain.
According to scientists, the primary anti-inflammatory components found in moringa plants are isothiocyanates. However, all investigations conducted thus far have relied on in vitro and animal models. Whether Moringa oleifera has comparable anti-inflammatory properties in people is yet to be determined.
All things considered, moringa is a very healthy plant to eat daily due to its high nutritional density. It may be used in various recipes due to its versatility. Additional human studies are necessary to substantiate the health claims, as the current research is inadequate. Before using moringa powder in your regular diet, see your doctor.