Why Moringa Leaves are Good for You
A plant native to Northern India as well as parts of Asia and Africa, the Moringa oleifera has become very popular over the years, due to its amazing content and benefits.
The truth is, this wonder plant is already being used medicinally for centuries and has been known as a remedy for conditions such as joint pain, diabetes, bacterial and fungal infections, and inflammation, just to name a few.
What are some of the health benefits of moringa leaves and why is it good for you?
It’s rich in antioxidants
Antioxidants are essential for fighting free radicals in the body which can cause oxidative stress. As most of us know, oxidative stress is associated with chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease, making antioxidants completely necessary.
Moringa leaves are rich in antioxidants and as per one study, can significantly increase blood antioxidant levels if taken every day for three straight months.
It’s packed with nutrients
One of the biggest health benefits you’d get from moringa leaves is the load of vitamins and nutrients you can get out of it.
In fact, one cup (or 21 grams) of fresh moringa leaves can contain the following:
- Iron: 11% of the RDA
- Magnesium: 8% of the RDA
- Protein: 2 grams
- Riboflavin (B2): 11% of the RDA
- Vitamin A (from beta-carotene): 9% of the RDA
- Vitamin B6: 19% of the RDA
- Vitamin C: 12% of the RDA
Most Western countries sell dried moringa leaves as dietary supplements which can come in the form of a capsule or powder.
It may reduce inflammation
The word inflammation is often perceived as negative but the truth is, inflammation isn’t always a bad thing.
This is because inflammation is our body’s natural response to injury or infection. It’s a protective mechanism that has the potential to become harmful if it continues for a long time.
It can cause serious health problems like heart disease or cancer, which is why it’s important to always include food with anti-inflammatory properties in our daily diet.
While some of the fruits and vegetables we eat already come with anti-inflammatory properties, the amount or degree of help we can get from them depends on the type of compound they contain.
Studies about the anti-inflammatory effects of moringa oleifera are still limited and inconclusive, however, though studies on animals have shown positive results.
It may reduce blood sugar levels
High blood sugar levels can lead to diabetes which is why it’s crucial to always keep it at acceptable levels.
Living with diabetes is hard because it can lead to several health complications like heart disease or kidney problems.
Studies have shown that moringa leaves may help lower blood sugar levels. One such study involved 30 women who took 1.5 teaspoons of moringa leaf powder daily for 90 days. The participants saw their blood sugar levels drop by 13.5%, on average.
The only downside to these studies was that most of the positive results were based on studies conducted on animals and that the few human studies that exist were mostly of low quality.
Final Thoughts
The vitamins and minerals that come with moringa leaves are more than enough reason to include them in your daily diet. While some of its perceived health benefits are still unverified, its nutritional and antioxidant content cannot be questioned.
