Moringa oleifera is a plant native to South Asia and is also found in most tropical regions of the world.
Although modern science has only recently discovered its value, moringa has actually been used medicinally for thousands of years.
In fact, due to its properties, moringa was used by the Romans, Egyptians and Greeks to treat a number of ailments. Today, moringa is also exploited by various humanitarian organizations to fight against the malnutrition of certain populations, like that of Madagascar. In Ayurvedic medicine, moringa is used for its impressive range of therapeutic uses, commonly attributed to its antiviral properties, antidepressant and anti-inflammatory.
5 ways moringa can improve your life
1. Incredible nutritional profile
The pods and leaves of moringa are nutritional mines that provide a wide range of essential proteins, vitamins and minerals. They are also a rich source of essential amino acids, the building blocks of proteins that the body cannot produce on its own. Moringa is also rich in vitamin A, vitamin B1 (thiamine), vitamin B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B6, folate and vitamin C.
2. Rich in antioxidants
Moringa is rich in antioxidants, such as vitamin C, beta-carotene, quercetin, and chlorogenic acid. A study published in the Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Preventions showed that the antioxidants in moringa help fight free radicals that cause oxidative damage, a major cause of cancer.
Moringa leaves are a constant source of iron, calcium, protein, manganese, vitamins A, B and C.
3. Helps regulate blood sugar
Moringa contains isothiocyanates, compounds that help the plant have anti-diabetic effects. A study published in the Journal of Food Science and Technology found that women who took 7 grams of Moringa leaf powder daily for three months reduced their blood sugar levels by 13.5%.
4. Helps lower cholesterol
In a study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology, some researchers found that moringa has a cholesterol lowering effect, which means that it significantly lowers cholesterol levels by 50%. The study also compared these effects with those of the popular cholesterol-lowering drug called simvastatin, showing that the plant has therapeutic potential for preventing cardiovascular disease.
5. Protects against arsenic toxicity
Moringa leaves and seeds help protect the body from the toxic effects of arsenic. This is very important, as arsenic contamination of groundwater has become a global public health problem.
If you want to use moringa, but don’t know how to include it in your daily routine, here are some tips to easily integrate it into your day:
If using fresh leaves: add them to your salad (they taste similar to radish), steam them like spinach, or put them in a smoothie.
If you are using powder: add it to a smoothie or soup.
If you use oil: use it to dress a salad or take 1 teaspoon per day first thing in the morning.