The Power of Moringa: Why it’s a Superfood Worth Knowing About!

Posted On May 10, 2024

Last updated on June 20th, 2024 at 11:14 am

Moringa is loaded with vitamins and minerals, is known to reduce blood sugar and cholesterol, and restore hormonal balance. It nourishes the skin and hair, it helps treat asthma and anemia, it reduces inflammation, and it can be of help in preventing cancer.

Isn’t it amazing how the humble moringa has so many potential advantages for overall health? No wonder, it is known as the miracle tree and has been used in Indian cuisine and medicine since more than 4000 years ago! Let’s explore the reasons behind why moringa is considered a superfood.

24 Miraculous Benefits of Moringa

Moringa (commonly known as drumstick) is packed with many essential nutrients. In terms of vitamin C content, it is richer than oranges. In terms of vitamin A content, it is richer than carrots. It has 15 times more potassium than bananas and 25 times more iron than spinach! The comparison just underlines the fact that moringa, although not hyped as nutritionally rich, is in fact a powerhouse of some of the most important nutritional elements. Owing to 92 essential nutrients found in moringa, it is effective against malnutrition.
Moringa is good for digestive health. It has a laxative effect, and hence can be used as a remedy for constipation. Its antibacterial properties can help prevent stomach infections. It has been found to reduce stomach acidity.
Moringa can help fight some foodborne pathogens, and thus prevent food poisoning ad diarrhoea.
Moringa is a rich source of antioxidants. Having moringa leaf powder can increase the level of antioxidants in blood.
Quercetin, an antioxidant found in moringa helps lower blood pressure.
Owing to the beta-carotene present in moringa, it helps maintain eye health and prevents eye diseases.
The antioxidants in moringa help prevent complications during menopause. Consuming moringa powder can help reduce oxidative stress, lower fasting glucose levels and increase haemoglobin. Thus, it is highly beneficial for menopausal women.
Moringa can help in reducing blood sugar levels. Chlorogenic acid, an antioxidant in moringa helps lower glucose levels in blood.
Moringa is low in fats and does not contain harmful cholesterol. Taking moringa extracts can help lower cholesterol levels.
Moringa may help protect the liver from inflammation and help in the prevention of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
Since moringa contains iron and zinc, it promotes hair growth, and fights hair damage and hair fall. Antioxidants in moringa help repair damaged hair.
Owing to the vitamin A present in moringa, it promotes skin health. Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, it protects against breakouts and blemishes. Being rich in anti-oxidants, it has an anti-ageing effect. The oleic acid in moringa provides hydration to the skin.
Consumption of moringa powder is known to alleviate the symptoms of bronchial asthma. As per Ayurveda, moringa intake balances the kapha dosha and removes excess mucus from the lungs, thus serving as a remedy for asthma.
Moringa, being a good source of iron, can help in treating anaemia.
Taking moringa leaf extract is known to reduce swelling, redness and pain caused by rheumatoid arthritis.
Consuming moringa leads to an increase in the generation of milk in nursing mothers. So, moringa is good for improving lactation.
Moringa contains isothiocyanates, due to which it possesses anti-inflammatory properties. Moringa extracts serve as anti-inflammatory agents and can reduce low-grade inflammation caused by certain chronic diseases.
The anti-inflammatory properties of moringa are said to be useful in treating ear edema.
Extracts of moringa leaves and roots serve as anti-cancer agents. They have potential use in the future development of drugs to treat breast and colorectal cancers.
Moringa is good for brain health, as it reduces cell death and hippocampal neuron loss, and thus helps prevent memory loss in old age.
Moringa is said to increase the secretion of serotonin, a hormone that leads to feelings of happiness. Due to the fluoxetine content of moringa, it can work as an anti-depressant.
Due to the presence of zinc in moringa, it helps regulate thyroid hormones and consuming moringa leaf extracts can help in the prevention and treatment of hyperthyroidism.
Moringa is known to alleviate the effects of arsenic-induced toxicity.
Moringa boosts the immune system.

Pregnant women and children should not consume moringa without medical advice. Individuals with underlying conditions and those undergoing medications should ask their doctor before taking it as a supplement, as it may interact with certain medications. If consumed in excess, moringa can damage the liver and kidneys.

Although caution should be exercised before taking moringa in the powder or extract form, or as a remedial measure for a particular disease, don’t fret consuming the drumstick in its natural form and in moderate amounts. The amazing health benefits of moringa enlisted here must have tempted you to get this plant into culinary use, and why not? So, what are you waiting for? Cook up something tasty with drumsticks and keep your health upbeat!