Moringa leaves: History, benefits and considerations
Moringa oleifera (moringa) is a deciduous tree that grows across Asia, Africa, and South America, where it has a rich history of use in traditional herbal medicine. Its leaves are jam-packed with essential vitamins and minerals, and the tree is sometimes called the “miracle tree” because of its diverse health benefits. In this article, we’ll delve into the potential benefits and uses of moringa leaves and practical tips for adding this powerful natural supplement to your daily routine.
Traditional Use of Moringa
Moringa is highly valued in Ayurveda, a natural medicine system that originated in India thousands of years ago. Ayurvedic texts describe several medical uses of moringa, including treating infection, abscess, deafness, tinnitus, and insomnia. In the Middle East, moringa leaves are used in folk medicine to treat skin problems.
In addition to its medicinal use, moringa has been long-regarded as a staple dietary ingredient in several cultures across Asia and Africa. In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the plant leaves are used to flavor smoked meat, and in South India, the pods of the moringa tree are used in several traditional dishes. In Africa, moringa pods are traditionally used to prepare soups and salads.
Cellular Benefits of Moringa Leaves
Several studies have isolated the different chemical components in moringa leaves, revealing an abundance of essential nutrients, such as flavonoids, vitamins, and phytochemicals. This research has lent credence to moringa as a powerful dietary supplement.
Antioxidant
Moringa leaves contain antioxidant compounds such as β-carotene and vitamins C and E. These antioxidants neutralize free radicals, which are unstable atoms that damage cells and are implicated in several diseases. By reducing free radical damage, these antioxidants may play a role in disease prevention and overall health protection.
Antimicrobial
Moringa leaf extracts have been shown to fight several disease-causing bacteria, including E. coli, S. aureus, and S. enteritidis, as well as harmful fungi and viruses. A recent study found that moringa inhibited the infection of cells with both measles and coronavirus. Scientists have proposed that moringa prevents these harmful microorganisms from replicating by interfering with their DNA and energy production.
Regulates Inflammation
Moringa leaves can help prevent damage caused by chronic inflammation, which occurs when the body’s natural defense system goes into “overdrive” and damages healthy cells. Studies show that moringa can decrease the production of inflammatory molecules like IL-2 and TNF-α, preventing their harmful impact. It has also been shown to decrease symptoms of inflammatory diseases, such as ulcerative colitis and dermatitis, in animal models.
Increases Insulin Action
Moringa leaf extracts may improve blood sugar regulation by influencing genes linked to insulin, a hormone responsible for decreasing blood glucose. Studies also show leaf extract can improve insulin secretion. This benefit is especially valuable for managing diabetes, a condition caused by reduced insulin sensitivity and dangerously high blood sugar levels.
Uses of Moringa
Moringa leaves have a long history of uses in traditional medicine, but researchers are now investigating their role in disease prevention and treatment using carefully modern scientific methods.
Treating Malnutrition
Moringa is nutritionally dense, containing seven times more vitamin C than oranges, ten times more vitamin A than carrots, and fifteen times more potassium than bananas. It’s also high in protein and contains amino acid levels similar to meat products.
As such, health experts have proposed that moringa leaves, pods, and flowers could help address malnutrition in places with severe food poverty. A study in Indonesia showed that feeding children under five with moringa-fortified biscuits significantly increased their nutritional status.
Breast Milk Production
Studies showed that supplementing moringa leaf is associated with improved breast milk volume and quality. One study showed that mothers who supplemented with moringa produced breast milk with higher protein content than those who didn’t.
Improving Heart Health
Moringa may be able to decrease levels of cholesterol, a fatty substance that can clog up blood vessels and increase the risk of heart disease. A study in rabbits found moringa increased cholesterol excretion and decreased fat in their liver, heart, and aorta.
Another study showed that moringa leaf extract prevented damage to heart cells caused by an induced heart attack in rats. The study authors suggested this was because of its high concentration of antioxidants.
Preventing and Managing Diabetes
Supplementing with moringa leaf could decrease the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. A study on prediabetic subjects showed that those who took regular doses of powdered leaf had decreased markers of diabetes risk by the study end. In a rodent model, rats fed with moringa had a delayed onset of type 2 diabetes compared to those who weren’t.
Moringa has been studied in people with diabetes, and some research suggests that supplementation may help regulate blood sugar levels in these patients. However, the findings are mixed, as other studies have reported no significant effect on blood glucose.
Skin Ageing
The powerful combination of antioxidants and vitamins in moringa leaf could help reduce environmental damage to the skin and decrease the rate of skin aging. Research shows that moringa extracts can increase the secretion of collagen, a key component of skin that helps provide structure, moisture retention, and elasticity.
A study using high-resolution imaging showed that human subjects who applied a moringa-containing skin cream for three months had significantly changed skin volume and texture measures by the study end.
Improving Cognition in Dementia
Moringa extracts have been shown to inhibit acetylcholinesterase (AChE), an enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine (ACh). ACh is a key chemical messenger involved in learning, memory, and awareness, so moringa may support cognitive function by increasing its action. Additionally, moringa’s antioxidant and immune-regulating properties may help protect nerve cells and reduce brain damage linked to dementia.
One study showed moringa leaf extracts improved spatial memory in a rodent model of age-related cognitive decline. The extracts also reduced degeneration of nerve cells in the hippocampus, a brain area that plays a critical role in memory and learning.
Another animal study found moringa improved cognition and behavioral symptoms in a rodent model of Alzheimer’s disease. The study also found moringa increased synaptic plasticity, which is the mechanism behind learning and memory.
Anemia
Moringa supplementation has been found to increase levels of hemoglobin, a protein found in red blood cells that transports oxygen around the body. It also contains a high amount of iron, which allows oxygen to bind with hemoglobin in the blood.
Anemia is a medical condition caused by a lack of or dysfunctional red blood cells, and so moringa may be able to reduce anemia symptoms through these mechanisms. A clinical trial on pregnant mothers found moringa leaf capsules increased the concentration of hemoglobin in their blood. Another study found that giving young children moringa decreased the prevalence of anemia by 53%.
Safety of Moringa
Short-Term Side Effects
When taken in large quantities, moringa leaves can upset the stomach and cause nausea, bloating, and diarrhea. It also decreases heart rate and blood pressure, so it may be unsuitable for people whose cardiac output is already low. Though rare, it’s possible to be allergic to moringa, and anaphylactic shocks following ingestion have been reported.
Long-Term Risks
There is a lack of data on moringa's long-term safety. However, some studies on rodents and isolated cells suggest that moringa leaves could have anti-fertility properties and reduce the chances of pregnancy.
Drug Interactions
There are no well-characterized drug interactions for moringa leaves. However, one animal study showed moringa decreased the effectiveness of Sitagliptin (Januvia), an anti-diabetic medication. Moringa also interacts with enzymes belonging to the cytochrome P450 family and so may impact other drugs that are broken down by these enzymes.
If you’re currently taking any medication and are considering using moringa, be sure to check in with your doctor to understand any risks involved.
Pesticide contamination
Moringa leaves are particularly prone to contamination from pesticides, either introduced directly by growers or from neighboring crops. For this reason we only supply organic moringa as this greatly reduces the chance of tainted leaves being used in production.
How to Use Moringa?
Fresh moringa leaves can be enjoyed in teas, eaten raw, or used in cooking. However, since moringa thrives only in specific climates, it may not be easily accessible to everyone. As such, powdered moringa leaf supplements might be the best way to incorporate this superfood into your diet while allowing for precise dosing.
Our NutriCraft Organic Moringa Powder is made from high-quality, organically grown moringa leaves that are carefully dried and processed to preserve their nutrients. Unlike capsules or tablets, the powdered form is versatile and can be used in recipes. This means you can more creatively enjoy moringa’s health benefits.
Here are some ideas about how you can use our NutriCraft Moringa Powder
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Smoothies and Shakes: Add a teaspoon of NutriCraft Moringa Powder to your favorite smoothie or protein shake for a nutrient-packed start to your day. Its taste is similar to spinach, so it pairs well with fruits and other sweet ingredients.
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Salads and Dressings: Sprinkle a small amount of moringa powder onto salad or mix it into homemade dressings for a subtle earthy flavor and a nutrient boost.
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Soups and Stews: Stir moringa powder into soups, broths, or stews once cooked. Be sure not to add it early on, or the cooking process could ruin its nutritional value.
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Tea: Mix moringa powder into warm water for a soothing and nutritious drink. For added flavor, you can also combine it with honey and lemon.
You can also add moringa powder to empty capsules to make up your own high-quality supplements at a cheaper price than most standard retailers. Our NutriCraft cellulose capsules are fully vegan and are made to pharmaceutical standards. They’re easy to fill, close, and swallow.
Key Takeaways on Moringa Leaves:
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Nutrient-Dense Superfood: Moringa leaves are packed with essential nutrients, such as vitamins (C, A, E), minerals (potassium, iron), and protein, making it a powerful tool for addressing malnutrition and improving overall health.
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Health Benefits: Moringa leaves have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties and may help regulate blood sugar levels.
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Traditional and Modern Uses: Moringa is used to treat several diseases in traditional medicine and is recognized for its clinical potential in modern research.
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Safety and Precautions: Moringa leaves are generally safe, but excessive consumption may cause stomach upset or interact with medications. Consult a doctor if taking other treatments or planning long-term use.
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NutriCraft Moringa Powder: NutriCraft’s organic moringa powder is a versatile, high-quality option that retains nutrients through careful processing. It can be added to smoothies, teas, soups, or homemade supplements for convenient daily use.