Have you ever heard of ‘drumstick trees’? Or about the benefits of the leaves?
Well, you are about to!
Moringa oleifera is a tropical or subtropical plant belonging to a diverse genus native to Northern India, Africa, and southern Asia. It is a fast-growing, drought-resistant tree of the family Moringaceae. The common names of moringa include drumstick tree, (from the long, slender, triangular seed pods), horseradish tree (from the taste of the roots, which resembles horseradish), or malunggay (as known in maritime or archipelagic areas in Asia).
Moringa is widely cultivated for its young seed pods and leaves, used as vegetables, and for traditional herbal medicine. It is also used for water purification.
Not just that, as it turns out - moringa leaves are great for your health if consumed daily.
Moringa leaves are rich in nutrients and are used in food, medicine, and other products.
Benefits of Moringa:
Almost all parts of the moringa tree can be eaten, including the leaves, bark, roots, sap, and flowers, although its leaf extracts appear to offer the greatest antioxidant properties. The tree is an important source of nourishment in developing countries where poor nutrition is a major concern. In the Western world, the dried leaves are more likely to be sold as a food supplement in either a powder or capsule form.
As per Jerlyn Jones, M.S., M.P.A., R.D.N., registered dietitian, certified LEAP therapist, and owner of The Lifestyle Dietitian, “Among the 13 species, current studies are limited to Moringa oleifera, Moringa stenopetala, Moringa concanensis and Moringa peregrina.”
Moreover, moringa goes way back to ancient times and has been used in phytomedicine and ayurvedic healing for centuries. According to Isabel Smith, M.S., R.D., C.D.N., Integrative Dietitian and Founder of Isabel Smith Nutrition, “The benefits of moringa were recognized long ago when used in Ayurveda medicine over 4,000 years ago.”
Here are the few benefits of having moringa leaves every morning:
The nutritional benefits: As per Lisa Curtis, Founder and CEO of Kuli Kuli Foods, moringa leaves are one of the most nutrient-dense greens on the planet, packed with protein, essential amino acids, 27 vitamins, and 46 antioxidants; which includes key nutrients like calcium, iron, B vitamins, potassium, magnesium and vitamin C. According to research, moringa is rich in macro- and micronutrients and other bioactive compounds, which are important for the normal functioning of the body and the prevention of many diseases.
The inflammatory qualities: Inflammation is a natural response from the body to injury or infection. It's a vital part of the body's defense system that helps to heal damaged tissue and fight off infection. As per Smith, moringa contains inflammation-fighting nutrients including phytonutrients, antioxidants, and antibacterial compounds. Together, these powerful compounds fight inflammation in the body by targeting free radicals (compounds that damage cells) and as a result reduce oxidative stress, and inflammation and fight disease.
Rich source of antioxidants: Antioxidant compounds, including nutrients and phytochemicals, help protect cells from the damage incurred by molecules called free radicals. The body produces these when exposed to environmental toxins like pesticides and cigarette smoke. Moringa, which is especially its leaves, is rich in several beneficial compounds which provide antioxidant protection. These include vitamin C and beta-carotene as well as polyphenols, such as quercetin, rutin, and chlorogenic acid.
Helps with blood sugar: This drumstick plant might help in keeping your blood sugars stable for the better. As per Smith, “Moringa is believed to aid in blood sugar balance thanks to its chlorogenic acid and isothiocyanates.” Chlorogenic acid can potentially control blood sugar levels by regulating the cells' uptake or release of glucose (sugar) following a meal. As per Smith, “studies have supported the use of moringa to aid in blood sugar balance with positive effects on fasting blood sugar levels, insulin levels, HbA1c and overall blood glucose control in those that consume moringa powder." An interesting study looking at the effects of the leaf powder on postmenopausal woman showed that taking 1½ teaspoons of moringa leaf powder every day for three months reduced fasting blood glucose levels by an average of 13.5%. This suggests that moringa may be helpful in addressing some of the physiological changes experienced by women in midlife.
Reduces blood pressure: Research suggests that adding moringa to your diet regularly might make a difference in case of reducing blood pressure, especially when your routine includes exercise and a nutrient-rich diet. Moringa powder has anti-hypertensive properties because it contains quercetin. As per Curtis, “This antioxidant decreases oxidative stress on the heart and helps to stabilize blood pressure management systems in the body.”
Helps with liver health: In animal studies, moringa’s high levels of protective compounds called polyphenols help protect the liver and promote recovery of damaged tissue. Research on animals suggests that the fiber found in moringa may help keep you regular. As per Curtis, “It contains soluble fibers as well as insoluble fibers.” Both forms of fiber have many health benefits, especially for digestion. Soluble fiber dissolves in water and turns to gel, slowing digestion and keeping you fuller for longer, while insoluble fiber adds bulk to the stool, making it much easier to pass through the digestive tract, therefore reducing constipation. Not only that, moringa’s nutrition profile contains compounds that help promote the beneficial bacteria in the gut.
May improve cholesterol levels: As per Smith, “Moringa has the potential to decrease cholesterol.” According to one study, moringa has hypocholesterolemic (lipid-lowering) and antiatherescotic (prevents the buildup of plaques in artery walls) activities that support a healthy heart.
Has anti-aging properties: According to research, moringa is packed with antioxidants like flavonoids and polyphenols, which may combat premature wrinkles and keep your skin looking youthful when it's applied topically. As per Jones, “Its compounds have powerful anti-inflammatory effects and its anti-aging benefits on skincare are promising but additional research is needed.”
Can help with mood uplifting and boost energy: According to Jones, “It’s rich in vitamins and minerals, especially iron and vitamins C and D, nutrients involved in energy-yielding metabolism.” Moringa contains B vitamins which help sustain long-term energy and support healthy metabolic processes.Moringa helps regulate mitochondria (a part of many of our cells that is involved in energy production) by regulating calcium levels and bolstering the mitochondrial membrane. And the great news is you won’t be left with energy crashes, jitters, or anxious feelings, which are common side effects of caffeinated beverages.
As per Smith, moringa “Contains tryptophan, a precursor to serotonin, aka the happiness hormone.” As per Curtis, this feel-good hormone works in the reward centers of your brain and “improves learning, motor function, and memory.” Both vitamins C and E are found in moringa, potent antioxidants that help reduce oxidative damage to the brain, a major player in the development of some cognitive disorders.
Supports cognitive functions: The rich antioxidant properties of moringa may support cognitive function and be useful in the fight against cognitive decline, as well as conditions like dementia and Alzheimer’s. Additionally, it would appear that the plant may be useful in supporting mood, memory, and neurotransmitter balance, with animal studies suggesting the leaf extract may be helpful for depression.
Might enhance the sex drive: Sexual function is a very complex process that involves the brain, hormones, emotions, nerves, and muscles, which are very sensitive to stress. Many herbs known to be considered aphrodisiacs have long been used to enhance libido — and moringa might be one of them. As per Smith, “Animal studies found that moringa may boost testosterone and reduce cortisol, thereby supporting libido.” According to one animal study, moringa leaves may have beneficial effects on male sexual dysfunction induced by stress. As per Jones, “human studies are needed before firm conclusions can be made."
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