“Moringa seeds are obtained from the pods of the Moringa plant (Moringa Oleifera) or the drumstick tree, native to Northern India. Fresh and raw moringa seeds are quite tender, but as soon as they get dried, they become hard and start to resemble small beans. They are greyish-white in colour with unique wing-like structures. They can be steamed, boiled or roasted for various purposes, “Moringa is a nutrient-dense plant that is rich in vitamins, calcium, iron and essential amino acids. It can benefit the body in a number of ways.” Widely known as “drumstick tree” in India, moringa goes by different names in different countries and regions. It is known as ‘Sahijan’ in Hindi, “Munaga’ in Telugu, ‘Murungai’ in Tamil. The Tagalog name in the Philippines is ‘Mulunggay’, which sounds very similar to ‘Moringa’. There are many moringa seeds benefits that you should know.
What is Moringa?
Often referred to as the “miracle tree,” the fast-growing moringa tree is actually native to northern India.
The most well-known and widely used part of the tree are its seeds, which have been part of a traditional diet in Asia and Africa for centuries.
Today, moringa is readily available in various forms, including capsules, extracts, oils, powders and teas. The seeds can also be roasted and eaten like nuts, and the flowers can be used to make tea.
However, the easiest way to consume moringa is in powder form, made from dried leaves. The taste is much milder than the seeds, and dried leaves actually contains higher amounts of nutrients than the fresh versions.
Overall, moringa is highly valued for its nutritional benefits. It’s also been used for non-food purposes like biodiesel production and as an ingredient in beauty products .
Moringa is a plant that is native to areas of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan. It is also grown in the tropics. The leaves, bark, flowers, fruit, seeds, and root are used to make medicine.
Moringa is used for asthma, diabetes, obesity, symptoms of menopause, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Oil from moringa seeds is used in foods, perfume, and hair care products, and as a machine lubricant.
Moringa is an important food source in some parts of the world. Because it can be grown cheaply and easily, and the leaves retain lots of vitamins and minerals when dried, moringa is used in India and Africa in feeding programs to fight malnutrition. 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.
The seed cake remaining after oil extraction is used as a fertilizer and also to purify well water and to remove salt from seawater.
How does it work?
Moringa contains proteins, vitamins, and minerals. As an antioxidant, it seems to help protect cells from damage.
Moringa oleifera is a plant that is often called the drumstick tree, the miracle tree, the ben oil tree, or the horseradish tree.
Moringa has been used for centuries due to its medicinal properties and health benefits. It also has antifungal, antiviral, antidepressant, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Fast facts on moringa:
The tree is native to India but also grows in Asia, Africa, and South America.
Moringa contains a variety of proteins, vitamins, and minerals.
Moringa oleifera has few known side effects.
People taking medication should consult a doctor before taking moringa extract.
What is in moringa?
Moringa oleifera
Moringa has medicinal properties and contains many healthful compounds.
Moringa contains many healthful compounds such as:
vitamin A
vitamin B1 (thiamine)
B2 (riboflavin)
B3 (niacin), B-6
folate and ascorbic acid (vitamin C)
calcium
potassium
iron
magnesium
phosphorus
zinc
It is also extremely low in fats and contains no harmful cholesterol.
What are the benefits?
Moringa is believed to have many benefits and its uses range from health and beauty to helping prevent and cure diseases. The benefits of moringa include:
1. Protecting and nourishing skin and hair
Moringa seed oil is beneficial for protecting hair against free radicals and keeps it clean and healthy. Moringa also contains protein, which means it is helpful in protecting skin cells from damage. It also contains hydrating and detoxifying elements, which also boost the skin and hair.
It can be successful in curing skin infections and sores.
2. Treating edema
Edema is a painful condition where fluid builds up in specific tissues in the body. The anti-inflammatory properties of moringa may be effective in preventing edema from developing.
3. Protecting the liver
Moringa appears to protect the liver against damage caused by anti-tubercular drugs and can quicken its repair process.
4. Preventing and treating cancer
Moringa extracts contain properties that might help prevent cancer developing. It also contains niazimicin, which is a compound that suppresses the development of cancer cells.
5. Treating stomach complaints
Moringa extracts might help treat some stomach disorders, such as constipation, gastritis, and ulcerative colitis. The antibiotic and antibacterial properties of moringa may help inhibit the growth of various pathogens, and its high vitamin B content helps with digestion.
6. Fighting against bacterial diseases
Due to its antibacterial, antifungal, and antimicrobial properties, moringa extracts might combat infections caused by Salmonella, Rhizopus, and E. coli.
7. Making bones healthier
Moringa also contains calcium and phosphorous, which help keep bones healthy and strong. Along with its anti-inflammatory properties moringa extract might help to treat conditions such as arthritis and may also heal damaged bones.
8. Treating mood disorders
Moringa is thought to be helpful in treating depression, anxiety, and fatigue.
9. Protecting the cardiovascular system
The powerful antioxidants found in Moringa extract might help prevent cardiac damage and has also been shown to maintain a healthy heart.
10. Helping wounds to heal
Extract of moringa has been shown to help wounds close as well as reduce the appearance of scars.
11. Treating diabetes
Moringa helps to reduce the amount of glucose in the blood, as well as sugar and protein in the urine. This improved the hemoglobin levels and overall protein content in those tested.
12. Treating asthma
Moringa may help reduce the severity of some asthma attacks and protect against bronchial constrictions. It has also been shown to assist with better lung function and breathing overall.
13. Protecting against kidney disorders
People may be less likely to develop stones in the kidneys, bladder or uterus if they ingest moringa extract. Moringa contains high levels of antioxidants that might aid toxicity levels in the kidneys.
14. Reducing high blood pressure
Moringa contains isothiocyanate and niaziminin, compounds that help to stop arteries from thickening, which can cause blood pressure to rise.
15. Improving eye health
Moringa contains eyesight-improving properties thanks to its high antioxidant levels. Moringa may stop the dilation of retinal vessels, prevent the thickening of capillary membranes, and inhibit retinal dysfunction.
16. Treating anemia and sickle cell disease
Moringa might help a person’s body absorb more iron, therefore increasing their red blood cell count. It is thought the plant extract is very helpful in treating and preventing anemia and sickle cell disease.
Side effects
Although Moringa may have very few reported side effects, a healthcare professional should be consulted before it is taken.
Anyone considering using moringa is advised to discuss it with a doctor first.
Moringa may possess anti-fertility qualities and is therefore not recommended for pregnant women.
There have been very few side effects reported.
People should always read the label on the extract and follow dosage instructions.
Risks
Some of the medications to be particularly aware of are:
Levothyroxine: Used to combat thyroid problems. Compounds in the moringa leaf may aid the thyroid function, but people should not take it in combination with other thyroid medication.
Any medications that might be broken down by the liver: Moringa extract may decrease how quickly this happens, which could lead to various side effects or complications.
Diabetes medications: Diabetes medications are used to lower blood sugar, which moringa also does effectively. It is vital to ensure blood sugar levels do not get too low.
High blood pressure medication: Moringa has shown to be effective at lowering blood pressure. Taking moringa alongside other drugs that lower blood pressure may result in it becoming too low.
Can it aid weight loss?
Evidence has shown that moringa extract can be effective in reducing and controlling weight gain in mice. Its high vitamin B content helps with smooth and efficient digestion and can assist the body when converting food into energy, as opposed to storing it as fat.
Moringa is thought to:
reduce weight gain
help to lower cholesterol and blood pressure
prevent inflammation
help the body convert fats into energy
reduce fatigue and improve energy levels
Research
Like all supplements, Nigerian Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) do not monitor moringa, so there might be concerns about purity or quality. It is essential to understand the validity of the claims made by the manufacturers, whether it is safe to use, and what potential side effects there may be.
There is plenty of recent research to back up the benefits as stated above, though many of the studies are still in the preliminary stages or the tests have only taken place on animals as opposed to humans, so there is plenty more to be done.
Nutrition / Diet
Complementary Medicine / Alternative Medicine
1. Moringa is Rich in Nutrients
Moringa is rich in vitamins, minerals and bioactive compounds.
One cup (140 g) of moringa seeds contains
Calories = 37
Carbohydrates = 8.5 g
Protein = 2 g
Fat = <1 g
Vitamin C = 235% daily value
Iron = 350% daily value
Potassium = 13% daily value
Magnesium = 28% daily value
Calcium = 3% Daily Value
Note the exceptional amounts of iron (350% of daily value) and Vitamin C (235%).
Moringa seeds also contain 19 of 22 amino acids, including all 9 essential amino acids, which your body can’t produce itself. This is similar to other well-known “superfoods” seeds like sunflower and chia seeds
Meanwhile, the pods are especially fibrous, which can help with digestive issues.
Even with this impressive amount of nutrients, moringa is very low in calories.
Summary: Moringa seeds are low in calories, but rich in essential vitamins, minerals and amino acids.
2. The Moringa Plant Combats Malnutrition
In developing nations, where malnutrition is more prevalent, moringa can be a lifesaver.
In fact, many communities and villages are cultivating the moringa plant in order to make it a staple part of their diet.
Along with its impressive amount of vitamins and minerals, moringa is a good source of protein and essential fats.
The leaves have even been used as a multivitamin supplement because of their high amounts of minerals like iron, calcium, and zinc, all essential for growth and development.
The tree is also resistant to drought and can withstand dry and hot climates, making it an excellent, nutrient-dense food source for impoverished communities.
Summary: Moringa is a good source of protein, fats, vitamins and minerals necessary for proper growth and development. The plant is easy to grow and resistant to drought, making it an important food source for malnourished communities.
3. Can Be Used for Water Purification
Boasting antimicrobial properties, moringa seeds also play a powerful role in water purification in developing nations.
When the oil is extracted from the moringa seeds, a protein-rich “cake” is left behind. This can inhibit bacterial growth and be used to purify water for humans and animals.Because moringa can be grown in abundance, this is an easy, cost-effective way to prevent waterborne diseases.
4. Acts as an Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant
Research shows that moringa seeds contain a powerful mix of health-promoting antioxidants.
In mouse studies, moringa seed extract functioned as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, improving symptoms of ulcerative colitis (UC). This data suggests a similar effect could be seen in humans.
Another study found that boiling the seeds increased the availability of both antioxidants and iron .
Summary: Moringa seeds offer anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, which may help symptoms of ulcerative colitis.
5. Boosts Heart Health
Various studies have found that moringa seeds may be beneficial to heart health.They contain high levels of monounsaturated fats, which can help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol and may decrease your risk of heart disease and stroke if replacing saturated fat.In one lab study done on rats, the consumption of moringa seeds decreased oxidative stress and protected heart cells while reducing inflammation.Another study on rats found that moringa seed powder reduced cardiac fibrosis, triglycerides and heart rate, and improved overall cardiac function.
Summary: Studies have found that moringa seeds may improve heart health by reducing triglycerides, oxidative stress and inflammation.
6. Moringa Supports Digestion
Due to its high fiber content, moringa pods may be beneficial for your digestion.Each pod contains around 47% fiber and can help you digest regularly and easily.In saying that, whether you’ll benefit from an increase or decrease in fiber depends on your situation.It’s also unclear if this would be considered low FODMAP and suitable for IBS as it has not been tested.
Summary: Moringa pods are high in fiber, which can aid digestion in many instances.
7. May Help Fight Cancer
Moringa seeds are known for their potential cancer-fighting abilities.
A protein extracted from moringa seeds has been shown to slow the growth of liver cancer in both human and animal cells by up to 71% .
In another lab study, moringa seed extract kept breast cancer cells from significantly growing and spreading.
Liver and colon cancer cells have also been shown to decrease significantly when treated with moringa seeds.
Although this research only reflects lab studies and cannot be applied to humans, the results are promising.
Summary: Moringa seeds have been shown to slow the growth of cancer cells in various lab studies.
Why You Should Try Moringa Leaves and Seeds
The seeds, pods and leaves of the moringa tree are rich in nutrients and contain very few calories.
Studies have also shown that moringa has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, and may even help improve digestion and heart health too.
In fact, it’s so nutritious that the moringa tree is cultivated in developing countries as it helps combat malnutrition and can even purify water. It’s literally a lifesaver.
Moringa can now be found all over the world in various forms, including capsules, extracts, oils, powders and teas. This is one of the most popular moringa supplements available on Amazon, the reviews are surprising.
Having healthy eyes and normal vision is something that can often be taken for granted but requires the right nutrition on order to maintain normal function. Moringa is a source of vitamin A (18.9% NRV per serving) which contributes to normal vision.
Moringa Plant
8 . ANTI-DIABETIC
Typically used in traditional medicines, recent scientific studies have confirmed that moringa is in fact a successful way to treat diabetes, and is proven to decrease blood glucose level.
Additionally, further research has shown that those eating a diet rich in plant proteins can reduce their risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D). A 19 year study by the University of Eastern Finland has found that replacing just 5 grams of meat-based protein consumption a day with a plant-based source, could reduce risk of T2D onset by as much as 18% – moringa contains 25% plant protein.
9 . BONES
Maintaining strong and healthy bones is an important component of overall health. Moringa oleifera leaves are a rich source of vitamin K (158.7% NRV), protein (25%) and calcium (24.7% NRV) all of which support normal bones.
WHAT DOES IT TASTE LIKE?
Moringa has a green, earthy taste – similar to spinach or matcha green tea. It is delicious mixed into food or drinks for a nutrient boost.
