29 amazing benefits of moringa (comprehensive article on the benefits and side effects of moringa)

What is moringa oleifera?

Moringa is one of the most important miraculous herbs, which, due to its treasures of elements, nutrients, important for the health of the body, and antioxidants, was able to place itself in the first ranks among these herbs since the ancient era in traditional medicine.

There are 14 types of Moringa, and Moringa oleifera is considered the finest of these types of Moringa trees. 

What are the names of moringa?

Moringa has many names and differs according to the languages ​​and subject to which Moringa is associated. The Japanese call it the arcade tree, and it has other names such as the drum tree, the miracle tree, the tree of the rural horse.

What is the original home of Moringa oleifera? 

Moringa oleifera belongs to the family Albany and its scientific name is Moringaceae.

The original home of Moringa is in northern India, Pakistan and Afghanistan, and in the tropics and subtropics, where the Moringa tree can grow and adapt in all climates and terrains, and it is a tree characterized by evergreen and rapid growth, as it grows in deserts and mountainous heights and valleys.

What is the content of Moringa of materials and nutrients? 

Moringa content of substances and nutrients for the body 

In our modern age, Moringa has been introduced into production as a nutritional supplement, to take advantage of its properties in solving many health problems, which we will address in paragraphs summarizing the benefits of Moringa oleifera.

Moringa contains many nutrients and elements for the body and in double quantities than what is found in vegetables and fruits. Moringa contains a lot of vitamins, mineral salts, minerals, amino acids, protein and antioxidants, as there is a double amount in Moringa equivalent to 7 times the vitamin C in oranges, double the 10 times the vitamin A in carrots, double the 25 times the iron in spinach, double 15 times the potassium in bananas, and 25 times the calcium in yogurt Double the amount equal to 9 times the protein available in whole milk.

Antioxidants

Moringa contains the most important plant compounds and organic plant pigments such as carotenoids (available in some vegetables and fruits, tomatoes, pineapple and apricots)

 And isothiocyanates, flavonoids, niazimycin, glucosinolates, sterols and minerals, all of which are responsible for the formation of powerful antioxidants in the human body.

What parts are used from Moringa?

The parts used from Moringa are the leaves, seeds, flowers, roots, and bark.

What are the uses of moringa?

Moringa uses 

• Moringa has been used since ancient times as a treatment for diseases, in folk or traditional medicine.

• The ancient Egyptians used Moringa in the mummification process, as they extracted the Moringa oil that they used in the mummification process.

• Moringa was used to preserve food.

Health and general benefits of Moringa 

 • Moringa helps rid the body of toxins, which cause an imbalance in the functions of the body's organs.

A preliminary study in 2014 at Rajshahi University, whose results were concluded after giving rats Moringa leaf extract, reduced the toxicity of arsenic, but these results are still in the process of studying and researching to find out whether they were effective in humans.

• The elements present in the balance of the acidity of the blood, which has a lot in the health and balance of the body.

• Moringa works to raise the efficiency of the immune system, and to regulate the performance of its affiliated bodies, thus the body becomes more able to fight viruses such as Corona Covid 19, and autoimmune diseases such as cancer and AIDS, and to prevent serious and chronic diseases.

• Moringa is useful in treating some types of cancer, and preventing the risk of developing cancerous tumors.

• For the health of the heart and arteries, consuming Moringa tea provides the body with magnesium, potassium and other substances it needs to maintain the health of the heart and arteries and prevent clots, heart attacks and strokes.

Consumption of Moringa extract also reduces dyslipidemia, a problem associated with high triglycerides and cholesterol, and is a cause of increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, as indicated by a study published in 2012 AD in Frontiers in Pharmacology. In another study, a laboratory study published in 2008 in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology stated:

   Moringa leaf extract has the ability to reduce cholesterol levels in the blood by 50%, and reduce the risk of platelet aggregation that is associated with atherosclerosis by 86%, and this effect was similar to the effect of the drug (Simvastatin), so Moringa leaf extract may reduce the rate of risk of cardiovascular disease.

• (Chlorogenic acid), which is contained in Moringa, helps to control blood sugar levels after meals, especially, as the initial study published in 2014 and conducted at Punjab Agricultural University, showed that consuming 7 grams, for 3 months, which Women supplemented with moringa powder on a daily basis reduced oxidative stress and lowered blood sugar levels.

Some research also indicated that consuming Moringa supplement tablets along with the drug (Sulfonylurea); Not only does it manage and regulate the level of sugar in the blood, but it may lower blood sugar levels after a meal, and fasting blood sugar better compared to using a sulfonylurea drug, and it was noted that adding Moringa leaves to meals may reduce blood sugar after a meal in patients Diabetics who are not taking diabetes medications.

• Moringa reduces blood pressure, because Moringa contains Quercetin, which is one of the most powerful antioxidants that reduce high blood pressure.

A study conducted by the University of Karachi showed the ability of the ethanol extract of Moringa leaves to reduce high blood pressure, and some of the compounds and elements provided by Moringa extract, such as: Isothiocyanate and Thiocarbamate; Which is believed to have an effect in lowering high blood pressure.

• Moringa oleifera benefits in reducing thyroid disorders. A preliminary study conducted by Agrain in 2000 AD, Devi Ahilya University, and it was noted that mice that consumed Moringa herbal extract in a low amount, may regulate hyperthyroidism, by converting (Thyroxine) which is Its name is shortened to T4, which is converted to (triiodothyronine) and whose name is shortened to T3, and T3 is important for the endocrine system.

Moringa contributes to maintaining the health of bones and teeth. Moringa is also useful in treating osteoporosis and dental erosion, because it contains double amounts of calcium, potassium, copper, phosphorous, and vitamins A, B.

• Moringa promotes joint health, maintains joint flexibility and knees softness.

A 2018 laboratory study published in the Journal of Integrative Medicine Research

 The ability of Moringa extract to reduce the risk of arthritis, and relieve pain, redness, and fluid retention in rheumatoid arthritis.

• Drinking Moringa tea helps to increase breast milk production, as a study published in 2000 AD in the Journal of Medicine revealed:

 Consuming Moringa leaf tea or juice for a period not exceeding a week, the nursing mother increases milk production after the third or fourth day of consumption of Moringa leaves, but this effect has not been proven when using Moringa for a long time, and as indicated by other research.

• Moringa may help to enhance the chances of pregnancy and quick pregnancy.

• Moringa, with its stock of elements and antioxidants, fights the appearance of early signs of aging, meaning that it prevents tissue and cell damage caused by free radicals, as it works to rejuvenate.

• Moringa is an important source of minerals and vitamins whose deficiency leads to malnutrition, as Moringa is useful in reducing malnutrition in children: a preliminary study published in 2014 AD in the International Journal of Scientific Study revealed:

  The study came out with the result that when adding Moringa leaf powder to children’s meals for two months, it improved their health, and raised the level of their nutrition, as Moringa has the ability to compensate the body for the elements it loses, as it contains double amounts of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids...etc. We mentioned it above.

• Moringa treats anemia: A large amount of iron is available in Moringa leaves, which is the mineral necessary for the formation of red blood cells. A preliminary study published in 2016 in the University of Pharmacognosy Journal indicated that the ethanol extract from Moringa leaves has the ability to reduce the risk of anemia. The blood, due to its availability of (Aniline), which increases the production of red blood cells, hemoglobin, (Hematocrit), and iron.

• Moringa is an important source of energy, especially for athletes, and may benefit in building and amplifying muscles if taken with protein-rich meals.

Other health benefits of moringa 

• Moringa leaf extract helps relieve peptic ulcers in the stomach and intestines: A study conducted on rats in 2008, published in the Journal of Pharmaceutical Biology, showed 

 Eating Moringa leaf extract relieves stomach ulcers that occur due to stress, as well as duodenal ulcers, which are clearly caused by the compound (Cysteamine).

• Moringa helps in treating and alleviating asthma attacks, a preliminary study published in 2008 in the Indian Journal of

 Pharmacology

  Consuming an average of 3 grams of Moringa leaf tea for 3 weeks twice a day may relieve symptoms of severe asthma attacks, and benefit in improving lung function in adults in general, and those with mild to moderate asthma in particular.

We add to that that moringa contains vitamin A and beta-carotene, which protects the mucous membrane of the respiratory system, which is its function to protect the body from viral infection. Moringa tea also contains powerful antioxidants. It also contains a double amount of potassium, which activates the lungs to perform their function properly. Good .

• Moringa extract helps reduce symptoms and health problems associated with menopause: Moringa leaf extract may help increase the levels of antioxidants in menopausal women, as the percentage of enzymes and antioxidants is affected at this stage, due to the low percentage of estrogen, And a preliminary study in 2014 conducted by Punjab Agricultural University, conducted on a number of women in the menopausal stage, indicated that consuming 7 grams of the extract for 3 months daily, increased the level of retinol by an average of 8.8%, and also raised the level of antioxidants in The blood of those women clearly, which showed a positive effect in reducing oxidative stress by an average of 16.3% and health in general.

• Moringa may help clear eyesight and improve eye health, as it contains high amounts of vitamin A.

• Consumption of Moringa leaf extract may help reduce epileptic seizures: A preliminary study conducted in 2013 by the University of Ibadan showed:

Ethanol, an extract of Moringa leaves, has depressant properties for the central nervous system, by inhibiting the release of the neurotransmitter known as (γ-amino butyric acid) or GABA for short.

• Moringa may help reduce infection: Moringa can reduce the symptoms of urinary tract infection (Urinary Tract Infection), a small study in 2014 AD from Banaras Indian University and it was done on 30 people, where people with urinary tract infection consumed Moringa bark The symptoms were significantly reduced in 66% of the participants.

• Moringa may help treat depression, a study was conducted on depressed mice, which was published in 2015 AD in the Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine, and it showed that consuming low doses of Moringa extract along with the antidepressant Fluoxetine, gave positive results in improving mood. I have mice, and it has not been proven in humans.

• Moringa may help improve and strengthen memory, a preliminary study was conducted in 2013 AD presented by Khon Kaen University, where mice were given cholinergic neurotoxin (AF64A); Which is related to dementia, which showed that Moringa leaf extract has the ability to improve memory, and maintain nerve health.

Moringa benefits for hair: 

√ Moringa supplies the hair with all the elements it needs to increase hair growth and density.

√ Moringa contains antioxidants that treat infections in the scalp, which weaken hair and cause hair loss and breakage.

√ Moringa may help rid the scalp of dandruff and fungi that damage hair.

• Benefits of Moringa for the skin:  

√ Moringa provides the body with minerals and vitamins that work on the freshness of the skin, and the smoothness of the skin.

√ Moringa helps to strengthen the skin's defenses to fight the germs that cause skin problems, and it also contains antioxidants that fight infections and the appearance of spots on the skin and acne on the face.

• Moringa benefits for slimming, weight loss and fat burning: 

√ Moringa is considered one of the effective herbs in losing weight and burning fat, as it helps to lose weight from all parts of the body in general and around the waist area.

√ Moringa increases urine output and removes excess fluid from the body.

√ Moringa increases the ability and tightening of the muscles of the body, thus increasing fat burning.

Moringa contains an excellent amount of fiber, which helps you stay satiated for a longer period, thus reducing the amount of meals.

• The sexual benefits of the Moringa plant  

√ Moringa increases the level of estrogen in women, thus stimulating sexual ability in women.

√ Moringa works to supply the body with important vitamins, rare minerals and important mineral salts that raise sexual ability in men and women, and treat problems of sexual weakness, erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation naturally at home in men.

√ Moringa increases the activity of blood circulation, thus the arrival of oxygen through the narrow capillaries of the genitals, thus enhancing sexual ability in males and females.

√ Moringa may help treat infections in the kidneys, urinary tract and reproductive organs that cause impotence.

 A 2015 laboratory study from Khon Kaen University in Thailand, conducted on rats, revealed that when stressed rats took Moringa leaf extract in low doses, it stimulated the sexual desire of those rats, as it raised the level of the hormone (Testosterone).

Side Effects, Complications and Risks of Moringa Consumption 

For pregnant women: The bark, roots and flowers of Moringa are not safe for pregnant women, as these parts contain chemical compounds, which may cause the walls of the uterus to contract, threatening miscarriage. Care must also be taken while using Moringa seeds and leaves for pregnant women, especially in the first months of pregnancy.

The rate of low blood pressure may increase while consuming Moringa with antihypertensives, so you should pay attention and monitor blood pressure, which may lead to the risk of fractures after exposure to a sudden and rapid drop in blood pressure. The same is true for diabetics.