Moringa oleifera is a plant that has been praised for its health benefits for thousands of years.It is very rich in healthy antioxidants and bioactive plant compounds.So far, scientists have only investigated a fraction of the many reputed health benefits.
Here are 6 health benefits of Moringa oleifera that are supported by scientific research.
Moringa oleifera is a fairly large tree that is native to North India.It goes by a variety of names, such as drumstick tree, horse radish tree, or ben oil tree.Almost all parts of the Moringa tree can be eaten or used as ingredients in traditional herbal medicines.The leaves and pods are commonly eaten in parts of India and Africa.
The leaves are an excellent source of many vitamins and minerals. One cup of fresh, chopped leaves (21 grams) contains the following (2):
- Protein: 2 grams
- Vitamin B6: 19% of the RDA
- Vitamin C: 12% of the RDA
- Iron: 11% of the RDA
- Riboflavin (B2): 11% of the RDA
- Vitamin A (from beta-carotene): 9% of the RDA
- Magnesium: 8% of the RDA
Antioxidants are compounds that act against free radicals in our bodies.High levels of free radicals cause oxidative stress, which may contribute to chronic diseases like heart disease and type 2 diabetes.Several antioxidant plant compounds have been found in the leaves of Moringa oleifera .
In addition to vitamin C and beta-carotene, these include :
- Quercetin: This powerful antioxidant may help lower blood pressure.
- Chlorogenic acid: Also found in high amounts in coffee, chlorogenic acid may help moderate blood sugar levels after meals.
High blood sugar can be a serious health problem. In fact, it is the main characteristic of diabetes.Over time, high blood sugar raises the risk of many serious health problems, including heart disease. For this reason, it is important to keep blood sugar within healthy limits.Interestingly, several studies have shown that Moringa oleifera may help lower blood sugar levels.
Inflammation is the body’s natural response to infection or injury.
It is essential as a protective mechanism, but may become a major health issue when it goes on for a long time.
Sustained inflammation is believed to be involved in many chronic diseases, including heart disease and cancer.
High amounts of cholesterol in the blood have been linked to an increased risk of heart disease.
Many plant foods can effectively reduce cholesterol. These include flaxseeds, oats and almonds.
Both animal and human studies have shown that Moringa oleifera may have similar cholesterol-lowering effects.
Arsenic contamination of food and water is a problem in many parts of the world.
Rice may contain particularly high levels (30).
Although arsenic in food or water does not cause symptoms of toxicity right away, long-term exposure may lead to health problems over time.
Observational studies indicate that long-term exposure to arsenic may increase the risk of cancer and heart disease.
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Disclaimer: The opinions expressed within this article are the personal opinions of the author. We are not responsible for the accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any information on this article.
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