Complete Guide to Health Benefits of Moringa

Moringa leaf with powder

Moringa Oleifera is a nutritious and versatile plant that has been used by people in different parts of the world for thousands of years. It is a member of the Brassica family, which includes cabbage, broccoli, mustard and collard greens.

It contains a large number of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, making it a great addition to any diet. Considered to be a botanical superfood, Moringa is full of healthy antioxidants and beneficial plant compounds.

What is Moringa?

Moringa, also called the Drumstick tree, is a fast-growing tree that belongs to the Moringaceae family. It is native to the Indian subcontinent but is also grown in Africa, Southeast Asia, and Central and South America.

The leaves, pods, flowers, and seeds of the tree are all edible and have been used as a food source in many tropical regions for centuries. In modern times, it has been studied and used as a herbal food supplement.

The earliest known references to Moringa are found in Ayurvedic texts written in India. It was also used in ancient Egypt and is referenced there in the Ebers Papyrus, an ancient medical text that dates back to 1550 BCE.[1]

Moringa is widely used as a nutritional supplement, with research and studies showing that it has that are anti-oxidant, anti-hyperglycemic, anti-dyslipidemic, analgesic, and immunomodulatory properties.[2]

Characteristics of the Moringa Oleifera plant

Moringa is a deciduous tree that grows quickly and attains a height of up to 12 metres. The trunk of the plant is surrounded by a thick cork that is greyish-white in colour.

The leaves are green, with serrated edges and veins running up the middle. They are edible fresh or dried and have a pungent, earthy flavour similar to that of spinach.

Leaves of Moringa plant

Moringa Benefits

All parts of the plant - roots, stem, flowers, seeds, and leaves - have been used for general well-being as well as for treating ailments. The plant is loaded with nutrients, which can impart a number of benefits.

Adaptogenic Properties: Moringa is a rich source of amino acids, which are the building blocks of protein. Apart from helping build muscles, this can potentially help maintain high energy levels throughout the day, helping the body adapt to stress and discomfort.[3]
Rich Nutrient Profile: Its leaves are loaded with vital nutrients that can be beneficial for our bodies. Its leaves contain protein, vitamin A, Vitamin B6, Vitamin C, Riboflavin, Iron, and Magnesium.[4]
Reduces Oxidative Stress in the Body: A chronic build-up of free radicals in our body may cause serious ailments like diabetes and hypertension.[5] Leaves of the plant have a rich antioxidant profile, full of compounds that fight free radicals in the body.
Reduces Inflammation: Inflammation is a natural phenomenon that is our body’s response to an injury or anomaly and is good if it is not severe. However, chronic and severe inflammation can lead to health problems and heart issues.[6] Moringa contains isothiocyanates, which have excellent anti-inflammatory properties.[7]
Provides Relief in Arthritis: Arthritis leads to chronic inflammation of the joints in the body. Owing to its anti-inflammatory properties, Moringa benefits patients with Arthritis by providing relief from chronic pain.

Moringa for weight loss

Obesity can be the precursor to many life-threatening health conditions. Ayurveda recommends Moringa as an effective supplement for managing weight.

Scientific evidence shows that it contains many anti-obesity bioactive compounds. These compounds make it an effective dietary supplement for the prevention and treatment of obesity.[8]

It can be helpful not only in reducing weight gain but to lose existing fat in the body as well. Herbal concoctions containing Moringa can help with weight loss, while also decreasing the bad cholesterol (LDL) in the body.[9]

Benefits of Moringa for hair and skin

Moringa is full of rich antioxidants. This makes it a great supplement for the scalp and skin. Studies have shown that applying antioxidants to the scalp improves its condition. These antioxidants can enable a reduction in hair loss and improve the scalp-skin barrier. This makes it a viable option for preventing hair thinning or hair loss.[10]

The nutrient-rich profile also makes it excellent for the skin. Ageing can make the skin less elastic and drier, making it appear wrinkled. Skin supplements that contain Moringa can enhance skin revitalization, supporting anti-ageing effects with significant changes in skin texture.[11]

Using Moringa for Diabetes

High blood sugar and diabetes can be chronic and serious. Even if you do not have diabetes, high blood sugar levels can be the precursor for heart disease and other health problems.

It is useful for balancing the blood sugar level in our bodies. It can help people with diabetes reduce the rise in their blood sugar levels after meals.[12]

Another research found that it can be beneficial for balancing blood sugar in menopausal women. Women who take Moringa powder regularly experience a reduced fasting blood sugar level.[13]

Traditional Use of Moringa in Ayurveda

In Ayurveda, Moringa is considered to be “pitta-reducing” and is used to treat skin disorders and diseases caused by excess pitta in the body. Ayurveda provides the following specifications for it:

Rasa (taste): Pungent and Bitter
Vipaka (post-digestion taste): Pungent
Virya (action): Hot

Ayurvedic practitioners believe that turmeric has the ability to balance the Vata Dosha and Kapha Dosha. However, due to its bitter taste, it may increase Vata Dosha if taken in excess.

Moringa is referred to as Shigru in ancient Ayurvedic texts. The entire plant is used for its healing effects, including the bark and leaves. It is also thought to be aphrodisiac, cardiotonic, diuretic, expectorant, hypoglycemic, nervine, nutritive, and tonic.

Research on health benefits of Moringa powder

Modern Scientific Research on Moringa

Moringa has been used as a traditional remedy for millennia. Recently, scientific research has helped explore the benefits of this miraculous plant.

A number of studies document its effect in protection against hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and mental diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5745501/
Moringa Oleifera contains essential amino acids, carotenoids in leaves, and components with nutraceutical properties, which supports its use as a nutritional supplement. - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25374169/
The plant may prove useful for improving sexual function and libido under stressful conditions, acting as a potential aphrodisiac. - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4357367/
The seed extracts were found to be effective for treating stomach ulcers and inflammation. - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4103706/
Moringa seeds powder can help reduce blood glucose levels and restore normal function in the pancreas and kidney. - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25629046/

How to take Moringa as a supplement?

All parts of the plant have been used in Ayurveda for treating ailments and maintaining general health and well-being. A lot of options are available for availing of the benefits of this useful plant.

Moringa Powder

Moringa leaves are loaded with nutrients and bioactive compounds. The powder is prepared by grinding the leaves once they are dry.

You can use the powder with any other drink. Simply mix one teaspoon of the powder with water, milk or your favourite beverage. You can also sprinkle the powder over a bowl of cereal at breakfast. Hesh offers 100% natural and botanical Moringa Powder for you as a supplement.

You can also take Moringa with Turmeric powder. Since both of them have anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, they complement each other well.

Moringa Capsules

Moringa powder tends to have a pungent taste and may not taste good to everyone. Capsules are an excellent way of internally taking the supplement.
You can take one of our natural Moringa Powder Vegan Capsules twice a day before or after meals. You can swallow it with a glass of water or warm milk.

What are the Side Effects of Moringa?

The side effects of Moringa are typically mild and include nausea, mild gastrointestinal discomfort, headaches, or dizziness.

Those who are pregnant should avoid taking Moringa supplements. Those with allergies to peanuts, almonds, or legumes should also avoid it. People who have diabetes or kidney disease should consult with a doctor before using it.