The Super Food We Should All Be Eating – Moringa Oleifera

By Mayukh Saha,

Popular in the traditional medicine of many South East Asian countries, the Moringa Oleifera is now becoming famous in the rest of the world for the numerous health benefits it offers. Every single part of the plant from the roots to the fruits can be consumed and is absolutely packed with nutrients and anti oxidants. Keep reading to learn more about the advantages of eating the Moringa plant, all of which are now backed by science.

1. Stuffed With Nutrients

Just eating a few handfuls of the Moringa leaves can supply you with proteins, vitamins A, B and C, iron, riboflavin and magnesium.

2. Prevents Oxidative Stress

Oxidants in the body can cause a chemical reaction called oxidation which produces free radicals. This can cause a lot of damage to our cells. The leaf of the Moringa plant is full of antioxidants which can prevent this from happening. Consuming an extract from the leaf or even taking it in powder form can increase the levels of antioxidants in your blood.

3. Anti Inflammatory Benefits

While it is a defensive measure against infection, inflammation can cause a variety of issues like increase in blood sugar levels, cardiac problems and morbid weight gain. From research on animals, experts have discovered that the Moringa leaf can significantly decrease inflammation as it suppresses inflammation causing substances within the body.

4. Reduces Risk Of Diabetes And High Cholesterol

Various studies have shown that the isothiocyanates present in the Moringa leaf can reduce the level of blood sugar in the body thereby reducing the risk of getting diabetes and all its complications. Consuming Moringa can also reduce the level of cholesterol in the body and consequently bring down your chances of suffering from cardiac problems.

5. Keeps The Liver Healthy

The liver filters impurities from the blood, metabolizes drugs, synthesizes proteins and performs a host of other important functions. All of this is only possible when the liver enzymes are at stable levels. The polyphenols in the Moringa plant can prevent oxidative stress, reduce the risk of liver damage and even stabilize the enzyme levels.

6. Improves The Functioning Of The Brain

With all its nutritive benefits, the Moringa plant prevents oxidative stress from causing degenerative diseases in the nervous system, stabilizes the production of various important hormones like dopamine and noradrenaline, and has even proven useful for treating patients suffering from Alzheimer’s.

7. Reduces The Effects Of Exposure To Arsenic

Most of us are heavily exposed to arsenic as most of what we eat and drink is contaminated in one way or the other. In the long run this could lead to the growth of cancerous tumours and cause various cardiac issues. Researchers working with animals have seen that the leaf of the Moringa plant as well as the seeds are effective in reducing the risk of developing these problems but this has not been studied in humans.

Moringa Oleifera can be consumed in various ways. For example, you can blitz it into healthy shakes in powder form or use it like tea. However, like everything else this should be eaten in moderation or it can cause indigestion.

 

 

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