In ancient times, Moringa oleifera, a plant known for its health benefits, was praised for its antioxidants and bioactive compounds. Several Moringa benefits still need to be verified, but scientific research supports a few key ones.
This article will explore the scientifically-backed health benefits of Moringa powder and how it can enhance your well-being. So, let’s dive in to discover this plant’s fantastic properties!
4 Health Benefits of Moringa Powder
Moringa powder has gained tremendous popularity worldwide. Many people of different ages are consuming it regularly. But is it worth it? To be more precise, let’s look at some of its health benefits.
Moringa oleifera Is Very Nourishing
Moringa oleifera, generally known as the drumstick tree or ben oil tree, is highly nutritious. Its leaves and pods are consumed in traditional herbal medicines and cuisines in India and Africa. Moringa leaves are rich in vitamins B6, C, and A (from beta-carotene), iron, riboflavin (B2), magnesium, and protein.
While the pods have lower nutrient content than the leaves but contain a significant amount of vitamin C. Incorporating Moringa oleifera into diets can help supplement essential nutrients for people with deficiencies.
Moringa Can Decrease Blood Sugar Levels
Moringa oleifera has shown promising effects in reducing blood sugar levels, crucial for managing conditions like diabetes. Although most of the evidence comes from animal studies and limited human-based research, it suggests that moringa leaf powder can significantly decrease fasting blood sugar levels by an average of 13.5%.
Additionally, adding Moringa leaves to a meal reduced post-meal blood sugar levels by 21% due to plant compounds such as isothiocyanates.
Moringa Powder May Defend Against Arsenic Toxicity
Arsenic in foods and water can be a severe health hazard, including a high cancer risk and heart disease. It has been shown in studies conducted on mice and rats that Moringa oleifera leaves and seeds may reduce the effects of arsenic toxicity.
In contrast, whether the same benefits can be applied to humans is still being determined. Further research is required to understand this potential defense mechanism.
Moringa Powder Is Rich in Antioxidants
Moringa powder is rich in antioxidants that fight the damaging results of unrestricted radicals in the body. Oxidative stress induced by raised levels of free radicals is linked to chronic diseases like heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
The antioxidant compounds found in moringa leaves, including quercetin and chlorogenic acid, have been shown to reduce blood pressure and blood sugar levels. Consuming moringa leaf powder can significantly increase your body’s antioxidant levels, improving your health.
Conclusion
In conclusion, although Moringa oleifera has been used in traditional medicine for centuries and has excellent potential as a health-promoting plant, scientific research on its benefits is still in its infancy. Studies have shown it lowers blood sugar and cholesterol, enhances antioxidant properties, and protects against arsenic poisoning.
Additionally, Moringa leaves provide nutrients to individuals lacking essential nutrients. Further studies are needed to determine the extent of its benefits and whether it should be consumed the way it is now.
