The Power of Moringa

Moringa is a tree that grows naturally in Pakistan, India, Afghanistan and Bangladesh, but it is also cultivated in parts of Africa and Central America. Almost all parts of the tree are eaten or used as ingredients in traditional herbal medicines.

I started supplementing with Moringa myself after learning lots about it from the wonderful fellow stage III colon cancer survivor Chris Wark, and his Square One Programme.

There have been a number of studies done of the health benefits of Moringa, which researches say have antiulcer, antioxidant, antihypertensive, and analgesic properties. Research states that Moringa’s polyphenols, flavonoids, glucosinolates, and alkaloids all have protective effects on the heart, liver, lungs, kidneys, and in men, the testes.

A few Science-Based benefits of Moringa (according to an article published by Healthline in 2018)

1.   Moringa is highly nutritious

Moringa leaves are rich in many important nutrients, including protein, vitamin B6, vitamin C, riboflavin and iron.

Moringa leaves are an excellent source of many vitamins and minerals. One cup of fresh, chopped leaves (21 grams) contains:

  • Protein: 2 grams

  • Vitamin B6: 19% of the RDA

  • Vitamin C: 12% of the RDA

  • Iron: 11% of the RDA

  • Riboflavin (B2): 11% of the RDA

  • Vitamin A (from beta-carotene): 9% of the RDA

  • Magnesium: 8% of the RDA

 

2.   Moringa is rich in antioxidants

Antioxidants are compounds that act against free radicals in your body.

High levels of free radicals may cause oxidative stress, which is associated with chronic diseases like heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Several antioxidant plant compounds have been found in the leaves of Moringa oleifera.

In addition to vitamin C and beta-carotene, these include:

  • Quercetin: This powerful antioxidant may help lower blood pressure

  • Chlorogenic acid: Also found in high amounts in coffee, chlorogenic acid may help moderate blood sugar levels after meals.

3.   Moringa can lower your cholesterol levels,

Moringa can lower your cholesterol levels, potentially reducing the risk of heart disease. Fortunately, many plant foods can efficiently reduce cholesterol. These include flaxseed, oats and almonds.

 

4. Moringa may reduce blood sugar levels and inflammation in the body

Maria Honeker