What are the benefits of moringa in general? What are the benefits for men? What are its benefits for women? What are its benefits for weight loss? What are its benefits for the kidneys and liver? What are its dangers and harms? The answers are in this comprehensive report.
What is Moringa?
Moringa oleifera is a plant native to northern India, and can also grow in other tropical and subtropical places, such as Asia and Africa. Folk medicine has used the leaves, flowers, seeds and roots of this plant for centuries, according to a report in webmd.
Moringa benefits
Moringa contains many important vitamins and minerals. Its leaves contain 7 times more vitamin C than oranges and 15 times more potassium than bananas. They also contain calcium, protein, iron, and amino acids that help your body recover and build muscle.
Moringa is full of antioxidants, substances that can protect cells from damage and may boost your immune system. There is some evidence that some of these antioxidants can also lower blood pressure and reduce blood and body fats.
So far, much of the research on Moringa has used animals as test subjects. We don’t know if the results will be the same for humans.
Researchers are working to find out exactly how extracts from this tree affect people, but early studies show that it may help:
- Rheumatoid arthritis: Moringa leaf extract might reduce fluid swelling, redness, and pain.
- Diabetes: Several early studies have shown that the “insulin-like proteins” in Moringa may help lower blood sugar. The phytochemicals in the leaves may help the body process sugar better, and may affect how the body produces insulin.
- Cancer: In lab tests (not in humans), leaf extracts slowed the growth of pancreatic cancer cells and helped chemotherapy work better. Other lab studies show that Moringa leaves, bark, and roots all have anti-cancer effects that may lead to new drugs.
- Memory: Some experts believe that antioxidants and other health-promoting phytochemicals may treat stress and inflammation in the brain.
Moringa benefits for women
We emphasize here and above all; Do not use moringa if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Talk to your doctor before taking it or any supplement, especially if you’re taking any medications.
Research shows that it’s generally fine to eat the leaves or the small seed pods, and leaf extracts made with powder and water may also be safe. But eating the bark or pulp can be dangerous, especially for pregnant women. Chemicals in the bark may make the uterus contract and lead to miscarriage, according to a report in “Web Med”.
We turn to the potential benefits for women who are not pregnant Studies Conducted on women to take 1.5 teaspoons (7 grams) of Moringa leaf powder daily for 3 months; They significantly increased levels of antioxidants in the blood, according to Expectations “bring hope” (healthline).
The same study also showed that taking 1.5 teaspoons (7 grams) of moringa leaf powder daily for 3 months reduced fasting glucose levels by 13.5%, on average.
Moringa tea benefits
There are potential health benefits to Moringa tea, i.e. they are not certain. Most scientific studies on Moringa have been conducted on animals. More research is needed to prove the health benefits of moringa for humans.
However, moringa tea may have these benefits, according to Web Med:
heart health
In animal studies, moringa extract improved heart health.
In one study, moringa lowered cholesterol and reduced plaque formation in the arteries. The moringa extract acted similarly to the cholesterol-lowering statin.
brain health
In an animal study, moringa leaf extract had positive effects on brain chemistry. The researchers concluded that moringa should be investigated as a treatment for Alzheimer’s disease.
Protection from chronic diseases
Moringa tree leaves contain several compounds that can ward off chronic diseases. These substances include “polyphenols”, “tannins”, “saponins” and others. Besides fighting heart disease, liver damage and diabetes, these compounds also fight chronic inflammation.
Benefits of moringa for weight loss
Moringa powder has been suggested to promote weight loss. Animal studies show that Moringa can reduce fat formation and promote fat breakdown.
However, it is not known whether these effects apply to humans or not, according to a report in Healthline.
So far, no human studies have investigated the effects of moringa alone on weight loss.
However, studies have looked at the effects of supplements containing moringa with other ingredients.
in study In one 8-week period in 41 obese people following an identical diet and exercise regime, those who took 900 milligrams of supplements containing moringa, turmeric and curry lost 10.6 pounds (4.8 kilograms) — compared to just 4 pounds (1.8 kilograms) in the group. placebo;
and in study Similar but larger, the researchers randomly assigned 130 overweight people to receive the same supplement as the above study or a placebo.
Those who took the supplement lost 11.9 pounds (5.4 kilograms) over 16 weeks, compared to just 2 pounds (0.9 kilograms) in the placebo group. It also significantly reduced LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and increased “good” HDL (“good”) cholesterol.
However, it is not clear whether these benefits are attributable to Moringa، Or one of the other herbs, or a combination thereof. More comprehensive studies are needed in this area.
So in summary, studies show benefits for weight loss in people who take a multi-ingredient supplement containing Moringa. However, the benefits cannot be traced back to Moringa itself.
Moringa benefits for sugar
Moringa tea can help diabetic patients to regulate blood sugar levels. Several studies have shown positive results with animals. Human studies have been less consistent.
Some show that consuming Moringa can lower glucose levels following meals. The researchers say that differences between moringa cultivars and preparation methods can cause different results.
Moringa benefits for men
Moringa leaves and seeds are excellent sources of antioxidants, which may help combat oxidative damage that can interfere with sperm production or damage sperm DNA.
Studies on rabbits showed that powdered leaves from the plant significantly improved semen volume, as well as sperm count and motility.
While these results are promising, human studies are needed before conclusions can be drawn regarding the effectiveness of moringa in improving male fertility, according to a report in Healthline.
Benefits of moringa for the kidneys
People may be less likely to develop kidney or bladder stones if they take moringa extract. This is a possibility according to Medical News Today website(medicalnewstoday), but consult your doctor.
Moringa liver benefits
According to a study published in 2020The high-fructose diet caused fatty liver and hypertriglyceridemia, while Moringa oleifera leaf extract prevents the fatty liver caused by fructose. Moringa can also be used to manage fatty liver caused by fructose.
Consult your doctor if you have liver disease and want to take Moringa.
Moringa benefits for hair
Moringa seed oil is useful for protecting hair from free radicals and keeping it clean and healthy. Moringa also contains protein, which means that it is useful in protecting skin cells from damage. It also contains moisturizing elements, which also work to strengthen the skin and hair, according to For Medical News Today.
Moringa side effects
Research shows that it’s generally fine to eat the leaves or the small seed pods, and leaf extracts made with powder and water may also be safe.
But eating the bark or pulp can be dangerous, especially for pregnant women. And chemicals in the bark may make the uterus contract and lead to miscarriage, according to a report in WebMed.
Although you can buy it as a powder, pill, oil, or tea, nutritional supplements and powders made with Moringa are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration.
This means that there is no standard dose you should take for health benefits. Companies do not have to prove that their product is safe or that it works as advertised.
Do not use moringa if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Talk to your doctor before taking moringa or any supplement, especially if you are taking any medications.
Moringa can reduce the effectiveness of at least one diabetes drug. It can increase the side effects of other medications. And if you’re on medication, talk to your doctor before drinking moringa tea.
Moringa is incompatible with the following medicines:
- Levothyroxine: It is used to treat thyroid problems. Compounds in moringa leaves may help thyroid function, but people shouldn’t take it with other thyroid medications, according to a report in Medical News Today.
- Any medications that may be metabolized by the liver: Moringa extract might decrease how quickly this happens, which might lead to various side effects or complications.
- Diabetes medications: Diabetes medications are used to lower blood sugar, which is what Moringa does effectively as well. It is necessary to ensure that the blood sugar levels do not drop too low.
- High blood pressure medications: Moringa has been shown to be effective in lowering blood pressure. Taking Moringa along with other medications that lower blood pressure can cause it to drop too low.
Source : Al Jazeera + Agencies + Websites + Health line