If you have been looking for one food or medicine to do it all for you, taking care of everything from your brain to your toes, look no more MORINGA (sohanjna) is here to end your search. There is no exaggeration in saying that the health benefits of the moringa plant can do miracles for you.
The moringa plant has been named the world’s most useful tree by scientists. Not only it provides innumerable health benefits, but this generous plant also benefits everyone and everything, from the environment it grows in, the farmer that grows it, the consumer that consumes it, and even the ground and water in which its seeds get dispersed at the end. Counting all the benefits of moringa will take days so it’s better that we stick to the health benefits of moringa only.
Moringa plant scientifically known as Moringa Oleifera is grown abundantly in India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. Due to the amazing health benefits of moringa, it is exported throughout the world. So another benefit of this plant is a guaranteed successful business. The best thing about the health benefits of moringa is that every single part of this plant is beneficial.
Health Benefits of Moringa
Following are the scientifically proven and evidence-backed health benefits of moringa.
1. Provides Amazing Nutrition
This wonder plant provides such amazing nutrition that it can be used as a nutrition supplement for various nutrients.
It is particularly abundant in Vitamin B6, Vitamin C, and Iron. Each cup of fresh moringa leaves contains the following.
- Vitamin B6: 19% of the RDA
- Vitamin C: 12% of the RDA
- Iron: 11% of the RDA
- Riboflavin (B2): 11% of the RDA
- Magnesium: 8% of the RDA
Only if these leaves are dried, powdered, and used as supplements they will posses medicinal properties. Coming to the pods of moringa, 100 grams of fresh pods contain 157% of your daily requirements of Vitamin C. Many people often mix the leaves and pods to reap maximum benefits.
Moringa leaves and pods can be used as a proper meal. Living in Pakistan you must have had “sohanjna ka salan” or at least “sohanjna ka achar”, well that sohanjna is moringa. The fact that it can be used as a proper food particularly benefits the underdeveloped countries that lack the resources and technology to make moringa supplements.
The best way to reap all the benefits of moringa is to make it an essential part of your balanced diet. If you can’t do that, moringa supplements are to the rescue. Keep in mind that it is better to take spoons full of moringa powder, as one small capsule won’t do much, especially if it is not processed to add extra nutrients artificially.
2. Controls Blood Sugar
Keeping your blood sugar levels within a healthy range is necessary to attain optimum health. Several studies show that the moringa plant can drastically lower your blood sugar levels. This has been concluded after various animal studies, credible researches on humans are yet to be done.
One study carried out on women showed that taking 7 grams of moringa leaf powder every day for three months reduces the fasting blood sugar levels by 13.5%.
If you have diabetes or are resistant to insulin, make moringa powder or fresh moringa an essential part of your life. Doing this might not help you get rid of your medicine but can help in lowering the required dose and prevent blood sugar fluctuations.
3. Prevents Chronic Disease
Moringa is loaded with antioxidants. Antioxidants are responsible for lowering oxidative stress by fighting the free radicals in the body. Oxidative stress is associated with chronic diseases, hence lowering oxidative stress simply means the prevention of diseases like type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
The moringa plant contains high amounts of beta-carotene, vitamin C, quercetin, and chlorogenic acid. Quercetin is known for lowering blood pressure, which eventually prevents heart disease whereas Chlorogenic acid helps in controlling blood sugar levels. The antioxidants in moringa are responsible for preventing kidney disease, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, eye disorders, and sickle cell anemia.
This antioxidant property is not only included in the health benefits of moringa but has some industrial use too. Moringa extracts are used to preserve meat, as it reduces the oxidation and prevents damage.
4. Lowers Cholesterol
Besides preventing heart disease by lowering oxidative damage, moringa leaves also lower the risk of heart disease by lowering the body’s cholesterol levels.
Many animal and human-based studies have shown that moringa leaves have strong cholesterol-lowering effects. If your test reports indicate a high cholesterol level or you have a family history of heart disease, it’s high time you add moringa to your diet.
Read more about effective ways to lower cholesterol.
5. Aids Weight Loss
If all the benefits mentioned above did not convince you to take moringa, this one will do the trick. Anything can be sold to a large number of people in the name of weight loss. Well, unlike other weight loss products this one is not a fad and has evidence to back its claim.
Studies carried out on mice show that moringa extracts have been effective in reducing and controlling weight. The high amount of vitamin B in it aids digestion and converts the food into energy rather than storing it as fat. These two properties combined make moringa a good weight loss aid.
Keep in mind that moringa alone can not help you much. It is best to couple it with a proper diet to see maximum results.
Possible Side Effects
There are no side effects that could overcome the plenty of health benefits of moringa. In fact, moringa has no side effects at all. One concern regarding the use of moringa is, that it may pose anti-fertility qualities making it unsuitable for pregnant women. Also, if you are on any special medications, it is better to look out for any possible interactions.
The Bottom Line
Although moringa has no prominent side effects, it is better to consult a nutritionist especially if you plan to take it as a supplement daily. A professional will help you plan your diet around it, so you may get the best of everything you eat.
FAQ’s
1. Is it safe to take moringa powder with water?
Yes, it is completely safe to take moringa powder to water.
2. Can moringa leaves be added to detox shake?
Yes, it will be easier to consume them this way, and they also aid digestion making them a good ingredient for a detox drink.
3. How much moringa should be consumed?
Consuming moringa as food in any quantity is fine, but it’s better to consult a nutritionist before taking moringa supplements or extract.
Book an appointment now, to answer all your queries. You can book an appointment with top nutritionists in Pakistan through Marham by calling at Marham helpline: 0311-1222398 or by online appointment booking facility through the website or Marham mobile app.
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