About all

Is Moringa Safe? Comprehensive Guide to Uses, Benefits, and Precautions

What are the potential health benefits of moringa. How safe is moringa for consumption. What precautions should be taken when using moringa. What are the recommended dosages for moringa supplements.

What is Moringa and Its Nutritional Profile?

Moringa, scientifically known as Moringa oleifera, is a plant native to India and other tropical and subtropical regions. It has gained significant attention in recent years due to its impressive nutritional profile and potential health benefits. But what makes moringa so special?

Moringa is often referred to as the “miracle tree” or “drumstick tree” due to its numerous uses and nutritional value. The plant is rich in:

  • Proteins
  • Vitamins (especially A, C, and E)
  • Minerals (including iron, calcium, and potassium)
  • Antioxidants
  • Essential amino acids

This nutrient-dense composition makes moringa an excellent food source, particularly in regions facing malnutrition challenges. Its ability to grow quickly and easily, even in harsh conditions, coupled with its retention of nutritional value when dried, has made it a valuable resource in combating nutritional deficiencies worldwide.

Potential Health Benefits of Moringa: What Does the Research Say?

While moringa has been used in traditional medicine for centuries, modern scientific research is still exploring its potential health benefits. Here are some areas where moringa shows promise:

Antioxidant Properties

Moringa is rich in antioxidants, which help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. These antioxidants include quercetin, chlorogenic acid, and beta-carotene. How do these antioxidants benefit our health? They may help reduce inflammation, lower the risk of chronic diseases, and support overall cellular health.

Anti-inflammatory Effects

Chronic inflammation is linked to numerous health issues, including heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. Moringa’s anti-inflammatory properties, attributed to compounds like isothiocyanates, may help mitigate these risks. Can moringa be used as a natural anti-inflammatory agent? While more research is needed, early studies suggest it may have potential in managing inflammatory conditions.

Blood Sugar Regulation

Some studies indicate that moringa may help regulate blood sugar levels, which could be beneficial for people with diabetes. A study published in the Journal of Food Science and Technology found that moringa leaf powder reduced post-meal blood sugar levels in diabetic subjects. However, it’s important to note that more comprehensive research is needed to fully understand moringa’s effects on diabetes management.

Cardiovascular Health

Moringa’s potential to support heart health is another area of interest for researchers. Some studies suggest that moringa may help lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease. How does moringa contribute to cardiovascular health? Its high antioxidant content and anti-inflammatory properties may play a role in protecting the heart and blood vessels.

Moringa Uses: From Traditional Medicine to Modern Applications

Moringa has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems, particularly in India and Africa. In recent years, its popularity has spread globally, with various applications being explored:

Nutritional Supplementation

Given its rich nutrient profile, moringa is often used as a dietary supplement. It’s available in various forms, including powders, capsules, and teas. How can moringa be incorporated into daily nutrition? Many people add moringa powder to smoothies, soups, or sprinkle it over salads for an easy nutrient boost.

Skin and Hair Care

Moringa oil, extracted from the seeds, is gaining popularity in the cosmetic industry. Its high content of antioxidants and nutrients makes it potentially beneficial for skin and hair health. Can moringa oil improve skin and hair condition? While anecdotal evidence is positive, more scientific research is needed to confirm its efficacy in skincare and haircare applications.

Water Purification

In some parts of the world, moringa seeds are used as a natural water purifier. The seeds contain proteins that can help coagulate contaminants in water, making it easier to filter out impurities. This application showcases moringa’s potential beyond its nutritional uses, highlighting its versatility as a natural resource.

Safety Considerations: Is Moringa Safe for Everyone?

While moringa is generally considered safe when consumed as food, there are some important safety considerations to keep in mind:

General Safety

Moringa leaves, fruit, and seeds are likely safe when eaten as part of a balanced diet. Short-term use of moringa leaf and seed products as medicine is possibly safe, with studies reporting use for up to 6 months for leaf products and up to 3 weeks for seed products.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Moringa leaves may be safe to use during the second or third trimester of pregnancy. However, there isn’t enough reliable information about the safety of moringa during breastfeeding. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should consult with a healthcare provider before using moringa supplements.

Potential Side Effects

While side effects from moringa are generally rare when consumed in normal food amounts, some people may experience:

  • Stomach upset
  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea
  • Headache

These side effects are more likely to occur with high doses or when using moringa root or bark extracts.

Drug Interactions

Moringa may interact with certain medications, particularly those for diabetes and thyroid conditions. It’s important to consult with a healthcare provider before using moringa supplements, especially if you’re taking any medications.

Dosage and Administration: How Much Moringa Should You Take?

Determining the right dosage of moringa can be challenging due to the lack of standardized guidelines. The appropriate dose depends on several factors, including the user’s age, health status, and the specific form of moringa being used.

Common Dosage Forms

Moringa is available in various forms, each with different recommended dosages:

  • Powder: 1-2 teaspoons daily, mixed into food or beverages
  • Capsules: 400-500 mg, 1-3 times daily
  • Tea: 1-2 cups daily
  • Oil: A few drops applied topically or added to foods

It’s important to start with a lower dose and gradually increase it while monitoring for any adverse effects. Always follow the instructions on the product label or consult with a healthcare provider for personalized dosage recommendations.

Research and Clinical Studies: What Does the Evidence Say About Moringa?

While traditional use and anecdotal evidence suggest numerous benefits of moringa, scientific research is still catching up. Here’s an overview of some key areas where moringa has been studied:

Asthma Management

Early research shows promising results for moringa in asthma management. A study found that taking 3 grams of moringa twice daily for 3 weeks reduced the severity of asthma symptoms and improved lung function in adults with mild to moderate asthma. However, larger and longer-term studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Diabetes Control

The effect of moringa on diabetes control is still unclear. Some studies suggest that moringa may help reduce fasting and post-meal blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. However, its impact on long-term blood sugar control, as measured by hemoglobin A1C levels, is not yet established.

HIV/AIDS Support

Early research indicates that moringa leaf powder, when taken with meals for 6 months, might increase body mass index (BMI) in people with HIV/AIDS. However, it doesn’t appear to significantly improve immune function. More research is needed to fully understand moringa’s potential role in supporting individuals with HIV/AIDS.

Cholesterol Management

Studies on moringa’s effect on cholesterol levels have shown mixed results. While some research suggests it may help lower cholesterol, the quality of evidence is generally poor. Additional high-quality studies are needed to determine moringa’s true impact on lipid profiles.

Moringa in Global Health: Addressing Malnutrition and Food Security

Beyond its potential health benefits for individuals, moringa plays a significant role in addressing broader global health challenges, particularly in developing countries:

Combating Malnutrition

Moringa’s high nutrient density makes it an excellent tool in the fight against malnutrition. In areas where access to diverse food sources is limited, moringa can provide essential nutrients that may otherwise be lacking in local diets. How effective is moringa in addressing malnutrition? Early research shows that adding moringa powder to food for 2 months helps improve weight in malnourished children.

Sustainable Agriculture

Moringa trees are drought-resistant and can grow in various soil conditions, making them an ideal crop for sustainable agriculture in challenging environments. This resilience, combined with the tree’s rapid growth rate, makes moringa a valuable resource for improving food security in vulnerable regions.

Economic Opportunities

The growing global demand for moringa products presents economic opportunities for farmers in developing countries. By cultivating moringa, small-scale farmers can potentially improve their livelihoods while contributing to local food security.

While moringa shows great promise in addressing global health and nutrition challenges, it’s important to approach its use with a balanced perspective. More research is needed to fully understand its long-term impacts and to develop best practices for its cultivation and use on a larger scale.

Future Directions: What’s Next for Moringa Research?

As interest in moringa continues to grow, several areas of research are likely to receive increased attention in the coming years:

Standardization of Moringa Products

One of the challenges in moringa research and use is the lack of standardization across products. Future studies may focus on developing standardized extracts and formulations to ensure consistent quality and efficacy in clinical applications.

Long-term Safety Studies

While moringa is generally considered safe for short-term use, more research is needed to understand its long-term safety profile. Future studies may investigate the effects of prolonged moringa use and potential interactions with medications or health conditions.

Specific Health Applications

As preliminary research has shown promising results in areas like diabetes management and cardiovascular health, future studies are likely to delve deeper into these specific health applications. Large-scale clinical trials may be conducted to provide more robust evidence for moringa’s efficacy in these areas.

Environmental Impact

With increasing interest in sustainable agriculture, future research may explore the environmental impact of large-scale moringa cultivation. This could include studies on soil health, water usage, and biodiversity in moringa farming regions.

As research continues to evolve, our understanding of moringa’s potential benefits and limitations will undoubtedly grow. While the current evidence is promising, it’s important to approach moringa use with a balanced perspective, recognizing both its potential and the need for further scientific investigation.

Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews

Overview

Moringa is a plant native to India and other countries. It contains proteins, vitamins, and minerals, making it useful to fight malnutrition.

Moringa is an important food source in some parts of the world. It can be grown cheaply and easily, and retains much of its nutritional value when dried. As an antioxidant, it seems to help protect cells from damage. Moringa might also help decrease inflammation and reduce pain.

Moringa is used for asthma, diabetes, breast-feeding, and many other purposes, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Uses & Effectiveness ?

Insufficient Evidence for

  • Asthma. Early research shows that taking 3 grams of moringa twice daily for 3 weeks reduces the severity of asthma symptoms and improves lung function in adults with mild to moderate asthma.
  • Diabetes. The effect of moringa on diabetes control is unclear. Some early research shows that taking moringa tablets along with a type medicine called sulfonylureas does not improve blood sugar control as measured by hemoglobin A1C levels. But it does seem to reduce fasting and post-meal blood sugar levels compared to taking sulfonylureas alone in people with diabetes. Other research also shows that ttaking moringa drumstick leaves with meals might also reduce post-meal blood sugar levels in people with diabetes not taking medications for diabetes.
  • HIV/AIDS. Early research shows that taking moringa leaf powder with each meal for 6 months might increase body mass index (BMI) but does not appear to improve immune function.
  • High levels of cholesterol or other fats (lipids) in the blood (hyperlipidemia). The effect of moringa on lowering cholesterol levels is not clear. Early research of poor quality shows mixed results. Additional research is needed.
  • Breast-feeding. Research regarding the effects of moringa for increasing breast milk production is mixed. Some early research shows that moringa increases milk production after one week of use, while other early research shows no benefit. It’s also not clear if moringa is beneficial when used for longer periods of time.
  • A condition caused by a poor diet or the body’s inability to absorb nutrients. Early research shows that adding moringa powder to food for 2 months helps improve weight in malnourished children.
  • Symptoms of menopause. Early research shows that adding fresh moringa leaves to food for 3 months improves menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and sleeping problems in healthy, postmenopausal women.
  • Vitamin A deficiency. Early research shows that adding moringa powder to infant cereal doesn’t improve vitamin A levels in infants with low levels of vitamin A.
  • A mild form of gum disease (gingivitis).
  • Athlete’s foot (Tinea pedis).
  • Birth control.
  • Cancer.
  • Certain infections (opportunistic infections) in people with HIV/AIDS.
  • Constipation.
  • Dandruff.
  • Diarrhea.
  • Headache.
  • Heart disease.
  • Heart failure and fluid build up in the body (congestive heart failure or CHF).
  • High blood pressure.
  • Increasing sexual desire in healthy people.
  • Infection of the intestines by parasites.
  • Kidney stones.
  • Low levels of red blood cells in people with a long-term illness.
  • Obesity.
  • Osteoarthritis.
  • Overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism).
  • Seizure disorder (epilepsy).
  • Skin infections.
  • Snakebites.
  • Stomach ulcers.
  • Swelling (inflammation) of the stomach (gastritis).
  • Warts.
  • Wound healing.
  • Other conditions.

More evidence is needed to rate moringa for these uses.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Moringa is likely safe when the leaves, fruit, and seeds are eaten as food. Moringa leaf and seeds are possibly safe when used as medicine, short term. Products containing moringa leaf have been used for up to 6 months. Products containing moringa seed have been used for up to 3 weeks. Moringa root and root bark are possibly unsafe. The roots and root bark contain toxic substances.

When applied to the skin: There isn’t enough reliable information to know if moringa is safe or what the side effects might be.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: Moringa is likely safe when the leaves, fruit, and seeds are eaten as food. Moringa leaf and seeds are possibly safe when used as medicine, short term. Products containing moringa leaf have been used for up to 6 months. Products containing moringa seed have been used for up to 3 weeks. Moringa root and root bark are possibly unsafe. The roots and root bark contain toxic substances.

When applied to the skin: There isn’t enough reliable information to know if moringa is safe or what the side effects might be. Pregnancy: It is possibly safe to use moringa leaves in pregnancy during the second or third trimester. But it’s possibly unsafe to use the root, bark, or flowers of moringa when pregnant. Chemicals in the root, bark, and flowers might make the uterus contract. In traditional medicine, the root and bark were used to cause miscarriages. There isn’t enough reliable information to know if other parts of moringa are safe to use when pregnant. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Breast-feeding: Moringa leaf is possibly safe to use while breastfeeding for up to 4 months. There isn’t enough reliable information to know if other parts of moringa are safe to use when breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Children: Moringa leaf is possibly safe when taken by mouth, short-term. Moringa leaf has been used with apparent safety in children for up to 2 months.

Hypothyroidism: Using moringa might make this condition worse.

Interactions ?

    Moderate Interaction

    Be cautious with this combination

  • Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Moringa might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.

  • Moringa might decrease how much levothyroxine the body absorbs. Taking moringa along with levothyroxine might decrease the effects of levothyroxine.

  • Some medications are moved in and out of cells by pumps. Moringa might change how these pumps work and change how much medication stays in the body. In some cases, this might change the effects and side effects of a medication.

    Minor Interaction

    Be watchful with this combination

  • Moringa might lower blood sugar levels. Taking moringa along with diabetes medications might cause blood sugar to drop too low. Monitor your blood sugar closely.

Dosing

Moringa is an important food source in some parts of the world. The immature green pods (drumsticks) are prepared similarly to green beans, while the seeds are removed from more mature pods and cooked like peas or roasted like nuts. The leaves are cooked and used like spinach, and they are also dried and powdered for use as a condiment.

Moringa is also available in supplements. Moringa leaves and seeds have most often been used by adults in powders or extracts, in doses of 6-10 grams by mouth daily. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what dose might be best for a specific condition.

View References

CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
© Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020.

Health Benefits, Safety Information, Dosage, and More

Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors

In this Article

  • Health Benefits
  • Health Risks
  • Amounts and Dosage

The moringa tree is native to the south of the Himalayan Mountains in northern India and grown around the world. It is widely used as food and medicine.

Nearly every part of the moringa tree is edible. It is rich in antioxidants and other nutrients which are commonly missing in the diets of people living in undeveloped countries.

When dried, its leaves can be ground into a fine powder that will keep many months without refrigeration.

For thousands of years the ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans grew moringa trees. In addition to calcium, iron and potassium, moringa leaves contain several important vitamins:

  • Vitamin A which helps maintain healthy vision, immunity, and fetal growth
  • Vitamin C which protects the body from pollutants and toxins
  • Vitamin E which acts as an antioxidant

Moringa powder can be used as an antiseptic to sterilize contaminated surfaces. It is effective against a wide range of bacteria and fungi, including those that cause gastric ulcers and gastric cancer.

Moringa powder is also used for treating various other diseases, from malaria and typhoid fever to hypertension and diabetes. Its broad variety of compounds are thought responsible for its beneficial effects.

Moringa powder is used as a medicine in multiple ways. It can help prevent and treat chronic diseases like inflammatory diseases, diabetes, and cancer. The benefits of moringa powder stem from its many plant-based compounds.

Hyperglycemia is an early warning sign of diabetes, while hyperglycemia is a risk factor for heart disease. Based on scientific data, moringa powder holds healing potential for both these ailments.

Many health benefits of moringa powder are due to its rich proteins, minerals, amino acids, antioxidants, and flavonoids. Moringa powder can be used to protect tissue (liver, kidneys, heart, and lungs), and to reduce pain.

Other health benefits of moringa include:

Antioxidant Properties

Antioxidants help protect cells against free radicals, which are produced by digesting food, smoking, and exposure to radiation. Antioxidants from plant-based sources such as moringa powder are considered best.

Anti-Inflammatory Effects

Approximately 1 million women each year are diagnosed with benign breast disease, putting them at a higher risk of developing breast cancer. Research shows these women may benefit from anti-inflammatory treatment. Taking an anti-inflammatory such as moringa powder on a regular basis has shown to offer women greater protection from breast cancer.

Lower Blood Glucose Levels

Diabetes is a growing health concern in the United States. In human studies, moringa powder reduced blood glucose levels in diabetic patients by a significant amount.

High Levels of Bioactive Compounds

Bioactive compounds, including vitamins, flavonoids, alkaloids, and other vital dietary components, can be found in significant amounts in moringa powder.

These compounds are beneficial in treating chronic conditions like high blood pressure (which can lead to a number of heart and other conditions), diabetes, insulin resistance, non-alcoholic liver disease, cancer, and overall inflammation.

Treatment of Tumors

Other tumors may be treated with moringa powder. A recent study found it to be effective in treating skin cancer.

No bad side effects have been linked to high doses of flavonoids from plant-based food. This may be explained by the relatively low portion that goes into the blood circulation and fast rate at which it is absorbed by the body, as well as flavonoids being purged.

Moringa leaves, seeds, bark, roots, sap, and flowers are commonly used in traditional medicine. The leaves and seed pods are used as food. Safety studies involving leaf extracts indicate moringa is very safe. No harmful effects were reported in association with human studies.

Consuming moringa powder is proven to be safe, even at higher levels. Daily dosage should be limited to the equivalent of 70 grams of moringa leaves per day or 11 teaspoons of moringa powder.

Top Picks

Fashion product.

What is moringa and how it became the main superfood

Newly supermodel
Naomi Campbell
called moringa a powerful tool for giving energy to the body and strengthening
immunity.
Spletnik beauty editor Elizaveta Konstantinova found out that
is this popular superfood useful and what you need to pay attention to when using it
use.

American supermarket chain specializing in the sale of organic
food, Whole Foods has published its annual
report
with forecasts of food trends for 2022, and moringa (miracle plant, “tree
life” and “mother’s helper” – as they call moringa oilseed in Asian countries)
recognized as one of the most fashionable products. global research
Technavio company
reports that moringa market size will grow by $2.85 billion from 2022 to 2025
year.

Moringa is a deciduous tree with thin branches and small white flowers.
which then turns into long elastic pods, similar to peeled
celery stalks or long bean pods. Moringa became popular
superfood along with matcha and goji berries. The tree is native to India, but
grown in Africa and Asia. The plant can withstand both drought and
moderate frosts. The dried leaves of this tree have been used for centuries in
traditional medicine, and today they are sold in the form of capsules, and seeds are made
oil. Moringa is also used in perfumes, creams, skin care products.
hair and cooking.

In the US and Europe, moringa is often found in powder form, as it has more
long shelf life. The powder is ideal for adding nutrients
substances in tea, smoothie or latte. Moringa does not have the caffeine found in matcha, but it does
gives a charge of vivacity no less. True, moringa tastes bitter.

Benefits

Here’s what’s in two teaspoons of moringa powder (aka ground
leaves):

– calories: 15;
– protein: 1 g;
– fat: 1 g;
– carbohydrates: 2 g;
– fiber: 1 g;
– sodium: 7 mg

Moringa leaves, which can be eaten fresh or dried, contain
minerals like calcium, zinc, potassium, magnesium, iron and copper. The plant is rich
vitamins A, B, D and E, as well as flavonoids and saponins. Some
claim that moringa can help with diabetes and heart disease, but
V
article
2012 Frontiers in Pharmacology indicated that there are not yet enough scientific
studies and data to show exactly how much moringa
is it safe to take and what are the side effects.

Tea made from moringa flowers is considered a true anti-aging
agent that reduces the effects of oxidative stress (for this
say thanks to vitamin C, polyphenols, beta-carotene, quercetin and
chlorogenic acid). Moringa helps reduce tiredness, fatigue and
strengthens the immune system. This plant is an excellent source of calcium, which
contributes to the normal functioning of the digestive system.

Leaves have seven times more vitamin C than oranges and 15 times more
potassium than in bananas. The plant is also rich in calcium, protein, iron,
amino acids and antioxidants. It has seven times more vitamin C than
oranges, 10 times more vitamin A than carrots, 17 times more
calcium than milk, nine times more protein than yogurt, 15 times
more potassium than bananas and 25 times more iron than spinach.

Moringa also contains anti-cancer compounds known as glucosinolates.
(they are found in cruciferous vegetables such as cauliflower and broccoli).

Moringa is considered an ecological product. The seeds of the plant are even used for
water purification. They are dried and ground into powder. The surface of the seeds is charged
positive, and clay (giving turbidity) and many bacteria – negative. So
Thus, the seeds play the role of a kind of biological magnet. The resulting
as a result of cleaning, flakes with contaminants are removed using a simple
filtration. The efficiency of water purification from bacterial contamination is
around 90-99%.

Experts believe that in the face of a serious climate crisis, the future
food security will be associated with crops such as moringa,
as they are drought tolerant and nutritious.

What moringa is used for

Moringa has been used for medicinal purposes for a long time. In oriental folk medicine
the seeds were used (whether raw or crushed) to treat pain in the
stomach, ulcers, blurred vision, joint pain and to improve digestion.
The herb (leaves and stems) has been used to treat anemia, anxiety,
asthma, bronchitis, cholera and more.

The seeds of moringa produce an oil with a high content of oleic acid and
tocopherols, which can be used as an excellent replacement for olive
oil. Oleic acid is a monounsaturated fatty acid that
known to help lower cholesterol levels.

The whole plant is edible, from roots to leaves, but it tastes bitter. That’s why
some drink it in the form of powder and capsules, while others mix it with sauces or
salad dressings, soups, added to pastries.

Chef José Andres, one of the 100 most influential people according to the magazine
Time and non-profit organization World Central Kitchen launched
nationwide moringa recipe contest on instagram*. They offer
users to use the #MoringaInspired hashtag to boost
raise awareness and support moringa farmers in Haiti.

Is moringa safe?

The recommended daily allowance for moringa is 50 grams. However, phytate
(insoluble compounds with minerals that are not absorbed in
body) contained in this product may cause adverse reactions when
use in large quantities. For those who need to avoid excessive
amounts of iron in diet and supplementation may need to be cautious.
Too much iron can cause gastrointestinal disturbances (nausea,
vomiting and constipation).

Moringa should not be taken during pregnancy or breastfeeding as
it may have an antifertility effect. Still moringa should not be
use with liver repair medications as it slows down
regeneration process. This can lead to unpleasant side effects and
complications. Other possible contraindications should be clarified with a doctor.

Just adding moringa powder to a smoothie won’t make you instantly healthier.
but will give you an extra serving of vitamins, minerals and fiber. Important
remember that no dietary supplement can replace a varied diet with
adequate nutrient intake.

*Instagram is owned by Meta, recognized as extremist in the Russian Federation
organization

Sources: Pexels/Alisha Mishra, Pexels: William Greaves Brown, Instagram
(owned by Meta, recognized as an extremist organization in the Russian Federation)

Moringa – natural multivitamin and multimineral

Moringa – natural multivitamin and multimineral for your health >> https://www.herbals.lv/ru/search?find=moringa

The little-known moringa tree (moringa oleifera) grows in dry areas on sandy soils. The country of origin is India, the place of growth is at the foot of the Himalayas, but it is also found in Thailand, Africa, Taiwan and the Philippines.
The moringa tree is famous for its beneficial properties and is used in more than one industry. Almost every part of this tree has a use. So, for example, young green pods are eaten as a side dish, salads are seasoned with moringa seed oil. The seeds of the plant are even used to purify water. Due to its antiseptic properties, moringa infused water is absolutely safe to use. Both tree bark and roots are used, but Moringa LEAVES are considered to be the champion in useful properties.

It is thanks to its leaves that moringa has come into the category of “superfoods”, because its leaves are rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, betacarotene, chlorogenic acid, which slows down the absorption of sugar at the cellular level.
Dried moringa leaves are estimated to contain:
17 times more calcium than milk
7 times more vitamin C than oranges
4-10 times more vitamin A than carrots
15 times more potassium than bananas
25 times more iron than spinach
36 times more magnesium than eggs

Vitamins in moringa leaves and their effect on the body
1) Moringa leaves control blood sugar levels
Eating a tablespoon of lightly toasted leaves early in the morning is a traditional herbal remedy for hyperglycemia.
Significant improvement in symptoms has been observed in diabetic patients with consumption of just 7 grams of moringa leaf powder for 3 months. 50g of fresh leaves as part of a regular diet has been found to significantly lower blood sugar levels immediately after a meal.

2) Improve immune function
Moringa leaves and fruits help to increase immunity, provide protection against seasonal diseases. In India, during the cold and flu season, the leaves are typically added to soups to increase disease resistance.
This practice is common in poor communities where people live in overcrowded, unsanitary conditions with little or no access to health facilities.
3) Benefits for the gastrointestinal tract
Moringa has a mild laxative effect. The high fiber content facilitates the movement of stomach contents through the digestive tract and relieves constipation. Root extract is a herbal remedy for helminths.

4) Insomnia remedy
Moringa leaves improve sleep. The factor contributing to this is the amino acid tryptophan. It is important in the production of the neurotransmitter serotonin and the hormone melatonin, which regulates the sleep cycle. The leaves also contain vitamin B6, another essential player in the production of serotonin.

5) Method for increasing lactation in nursing mothers
Moringa oleifera is most valued in Indian communities, especially in economically weaker strata, because breast milk is the basis of feeding children in the first year of life. As part of traditional postpartum care, the leaves of this tree, toasted in a spoonful of oil, are consumed by nursing mothers every day.
In the following months, in case of any illness or general fatigue, which leads to a decrease in breast milk production, the leaves are again added to the diet.
They increase lactation and increase the weight of the baby. Another obvious reason for increased breast milk production is the high calcium content in the leaves.
6) Promote weight loss
Leaf extract and powder are often taken for weight control. This positive effect is due to many factors. Anti-inflammatory and diuretic action helps reduce water retention. Fiber reduces the absorption of fat in the intestines, and reducing insulin resistance prevents the accumulation of excess fat. Amino acids in moringa leaves

7) Regulate thyroid function
Moringa regulates the functioning of the thyroid gland. For example, in people with Graves’ disease or an overactive thyroid, symptoms improve significantly with regular use of moringa supplements.
8) Rheumatoid arthritis
The immune-modulating properties of the tree are especially useful in autoimmune diseases (rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma and psoriasis). Many herbal remedies for arthritis contain moringa leaves. Their anti-inflammatory effect reduces pain and swelling of the joints.
9) Slows down the aging process
Under ideal conditions, a tree can grow up to several meters in a short period of time (up to 3 m in 10 months). This ability to grow rapidly is associated with zeatin (a phytohormone that causes cell division, growth and slows cell aging).
Zeatin also slows down the aging process in the human body, regenerates new skin cells, increases the activity of antioxidants, and protects healthy cells from stress.
In addition to an essential role in the growth and development of plants, cytokinins (zeatin) have different effects on humans and animals, both at the cellular level and at the level of the whole organism.

Application:
To obtain 1 kg of dry powder, about 14 kg of leaves are required.
The main rule is to take the powder with food, but not on an empty stomach.
It is believed that the optimal dose for humans is 29 mg per kg of body weight.
It is recommended to start taking half a teaspoon of dry powder orally per day for 3 to 5 days, gradually increasing the dose for two weeks as effects appear.

Moringa https://www.