By Aminat Umar
Moringa may have a range of health benefits, ranging from speeding up wound healing to managing blood glucose. However, further research into the benefits of moringa is necessary.
Moringa oleifera is a tree with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Also known as the drumstick tree, the miracle tree, the ben oil tree, or the horseradish tree, people have used moringa for centuries due to its health benefits.
In this article, find out what moringa is, which benefits it might offer, and possible side effects.
Nutrients in moringa
Nadine Greeff/Stocksy
Moringa contains many essential compounds, such as:
vitamin A
vitamin B1 (thiamine)
vitamin B2 (riboflavin)
vitamin B3 (niacin)
vitamin C (ascorbic acid)
calcium
potassium
iron
magnesium
phosphorus
It is also low in fat and contains no harmful cholesterol.
What are the benefits?
Around the world, many people traditionally use moringa as food and for medicinal purposes.
1. Protecting and nourishing skin and hair
Research involving animals has suggested moringa seed oil may help heal skin wounds more quickly. One way it might do this is by reducing oxidative stress.
Moringa seed oil may also have benefits for hair health, according to some expertsTrusted Source.
However, more studies are needed, especially those involving humans.
2. Treating edema
Edema is when fluid builds up in body tissues, for instance, because of inflammation. Ear edema can cause tissue swelling around the ear, usually because of an infection.
In one study, applying moringa seed oil reduced skin inflammation in mice with ear edema. This suggests the anti-inflammatory properties of moringa may help treat ear edema, although more research is needed.
What causes swelling in the earlobes?
3. Protecting the liver
Moringa might help protect the liver against nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.
In one study, researchersTrusted Source fed guinea pigs a diet containing moringa leaves. Those that consumed a higher concentration of moringa had lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels and less inflammation in their liver.
Which foods protect the liver?
4. Preventing and treating cancer
Moringa contains properties that might help prevent cancer. For example, it contains niazimicin, a compound that suppresses the development of cancer cells.
According to some scientistsTrusted Source, extracts of moringa leaf, bark, and other parts of the plant may have properties that can kill cancer cells. If further research confirms this, they could prove useful in treating breast, liver, colorectal, and other cancers.
5. Treating stomach upset
Moringa extracts might help treat some stomach disorders.
For instance:
The fibrous pods can benefit digestive health and may help prevent colon cancer.
Moringa leaves have shownTrusted Source a laxative effect, making moringa a possible option for constipation.
In one study, moringa reduced stomach acidity by around 85%, suggesting it could prevent peptic ulcers.
Moringa’s antibiotic and antibacterial properties may help prevent the growth of pathogens that can cause infections.
Moringa may help prevent ulcerative colitis as its anti-inflammatory effects may protect the digestive system from damage.
6. Fighting foodborne bacterial infections
Moringa contains substances that may act against some foodborne pathogens, such as Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Escherichia coli (E. coli), researchTrusted Source suggests.
S. aureus may be presentTrusted Source in sliced meats, sandwiches, and other foods not cooked between handling and eating, while E.coli can passTrusted Source through contaminated water or food. Both types of bacteria can cause diarrhea and other symptoms of food poisoning.
7. Preventing rheumatoid arthritis
Moringa extract has anti-inflammatory properties that might help prevent rheumatoid arthritis, according to the authors of a rodent study.
What is an anti-inflammatory diet?
8. Treating mood and nervous system disorders
The antioxidant activity of moringa may protect against disorders that affect the nervous system, such as multiple sclerosis (MS), Alzheimer’s disease, neuropathic pain, and depression.
Scientists believe it may have neuroprotective properties, but they have not yet identified how they work.
9. Protecting the cardiovascular system
Moringa containsTrusted Source a range of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents, such as quercetin, which may help protect cardiovascular health. Quercetin may help prevent lipid formation and inflammation, both of which can contribute to heart disease.
Moringa may also have cholesterol-lowering properties.
10. Treating diabetes
Extracts of moringa leaves may benefit people with diabetes, such as assisting with managing blood sugar and insulin levels and protecting against organ damage. Its properties could help prevent complications and slow disease progression.
More studies are needed to identify how moringa could help manage diabetes.
11. Treating asthma
Moringa contains molecules that may help manage or prevent asthma, bronchial constrictions, and airway inflammation. One study found that the lung function of guinea pigs improved after researchers gave them a moringa extract.
12. Preventing kidney stones
Some traditional remedies recommend taking moringa to prevent kidney stones.
Laboratory tests have found evidence that moringa extracts may stop minerals from building up and causing stones in the kidneys.
However, more research is needed to support this use.
Which foods are good for the kidneys?
13. Reducing high blood pressure
Moringa contains substances that may help manage blood pressure.
In one study, a group of healthy participants consumed 120 grams of cooked moringa leaves for a week, while another group did not.
Two hours after eating, those who consumed moringa had lower blood pressure than those who did not.
How can you lower blood pressure naturally?
14. Improving eye health
Moringa containsTrusted Source the antioxidant beta carotene, which is essentialTrusted Source for maintaining eye health and preventing eye diseases.
15. Treating anemia and sickle cell disease
People in some parts of the world have traditionally used moringa to treat and prevent anemia.
Results from laboratory tests have suggested that taking moringa as food or medication could also help manage sickle cell disease.
This is due to its antioxidant properties, its chelating activity — which means it can help remove excess iron — and other factors.
Source: MedicalNewsToday
