Moringa: What Happens if You Take it Consistently?
On metabolism, immunesystem, cholesterol, insulin resistance...
I have heard some fascinating stories about Moringa. Some say it is a miracle herb, with many health benefits. I've been more curious about its effects on metabolism, among other health benefits, so I now decided to lock it up in the science databases, just to get some clear answers. And as you know the science databases are the libraries for these kind of science investigations.
So, I dived in and found out fascinating scientific facts that might want you to include Moringa in your daily life.
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Now - let's first understand what Moringa is.
What is Moringa?
Moringa, also known as the drumstick tree, horseradish tree or ben oil tree, is a fast-growing and drought-resistant plant belonging to the Moringaceae family. It is native to India but can now be found in different parts of the world, such as Africa, Asia, and South America. It is known for its nutrient-rich leaves, seeds, flowers, bark and roots, which have been used in traditional medicine for centuries.
Does Moringa have any Health Benefits?
The best thing about Moringa is that it is packed with essential vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that benefit our health. It contains high amounts of Vitamin A, C and E, potassium, calcium and iron. Its leaves are also protein-rich and contain all nine essential amino acids.
Below are some health benefits of Moringa backed with science.
Boosts Immune System
Due to its high nutrient content, Moringa has been shown to boost our immune system and help fight off infections. It contains antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory compounds, making it an effective natural remedy for colds, flu, and other respiratory infections.
An exciting study by Ifra Tariq and colleagues aimed to examine the extraction technique and immune-boosting properties of Moringa oleifera Lam. According to their research, Moringa dry leaves contain polyphenol components, specifically phenolic acids and flavonoids.
Flavonoids are tiny molecules that plants produce in response to certain conditions, including microbial infections. These compounds have been found to have numerous health benefits.
This study showed that the flavonoids in Moringa leaves can help inhibit the production of harmful chemical messengers by specific cells, contributing to inflammatory processes. It also found that flavonoids can protect against oxidative damage and promote the differentiation and survival of neurons.
Some flavonoids have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties and may help treat allergies and diabetes. Therefore, Moringa leaves are rich in flavonoids, boost immunity, and promote overall health.
And what about metabolism? Can Moringa help you have a better metabolism? Here’s what you need to know.
Moringa Improves Metabolism
Did you know that having a faster metabolism can help you reach your weight loss goals faster? Moringa is known to have a positive effect on the metabolism of our bodies, leading to improved digestion and absorption of nutrients.
A detailed review by Barbagallo and colleagues looked at how Moringa can help improve lipid metabolism. They studied the effects of Moringa on human stem cells, specifically how it affects fat cell formation and metabolism.
The study showed that Moringa can reduce inflammation and fat accumulation while also increasing thermogenesis in the body. This is done by activating specific proteins and enzymes that help to break down fat and regulate its use in the body. Moringa also has antioxidant properties that can protect cells from damage.
The results suggest that Moringa may help to turn white fat cells into brown ones, which have a higher metabolic rate and may contribute to better overall health.
In simple terms, Moringa helps improve how our body breaks down and uses fats for energy. This is important for maintaining a healthy metabolism and preventing inflammation, cancer, and metabolic disorders.
Now let’s find out it’s effect on those with insulin resistance.
Moringa and Insulin Resistance
Insulin resistance is a condition where our cells become resistant to the effects of insulin, leading to high blood sugar levels. It can eventually result in type 2 diabetes and other health complications. Studies show that Moringa leaves may help improve insulin sensitivity and reduce insulin resistance.
Here's a fascinating study where Mona A. Mohamed and colleagues investigated how a plant extract from Moringa oleifera can help improve insulin resistance and reproductive function in male rats. They fed rats either a regular diet or a high fructose diet to induce insulin resistance and then treated some of the rats with the Moringa extract for four weeks.
Results showed that the extract improved insulin sensitivity in the liver, which was linked to increased expression of genes involved in glucose uptake and insulin receptors. It also helped regulate insulin levels in the blood and improve testosterone levels and testicular function.
This study suggests that Moringa may be a treatment for insulin resistance and male reproductive disorders.
Moringa also has antioxidant effects. Let’s find out more below.
Moringa leaves and their antioxidant effects
Have you ever wondered why antioxidants are essential for our health? Here's a quick explanation. Our bodies produce free radicals as byproducts of natural metabolic processes. However, an imbalance between the production of free radicals and our body's ability to neutralise them can lead to oxidative stress. This condition has been linked to chronic diseases like cancer, diabetes and heart disease.
Antioxidants are substances that can help neutralise free radicals and prevent oxidative stress. Some studies have shown that Moringa leaves have high antioxidant activity, making them beneficial for our health.
A study by Pilaipark Chumark and colleagues aimed to investigate the antioxidant, hypolipidaemic and antiatherosclerotic properties of Moringa oleifera leaf extract. The study examined the extract's ability to scavenge 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radicals (DPPH). It also tested its ability to inhibit Cu(2+)-induced low-density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation.
Also, the effects of the extract on cholesterol levels, conjugated diene (CD) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) were investigated. This included an in vitro experiment using test tubes and an ex vivo experiment using samples from rabbits fed a high-cholesterol diet.
The extract showed strong antioxidant properties by inhibiting DPPH radicals. It also significantly prolonged the lag time for CD formation and inhibited TBARS formation in both experiments. In rabbits, the extract was found to lower cholesterol levels and reduce plaque formation, similar to the effects of a commonly used medication called simvastatin.
This study suggests that Moringa oleifera leaf extract has potential as a natural treatment for cardiovascular diseases due to its antioxidant, hypolipidaemic and antiatherosclerotic properties.
Next, let’s check out what this miracle herb can do to people with high cholesterol.
Moringa and its Effects on Cholesterol
Have you ever thought of an herb that you can use to lower your cholesterol levels and further protect yourself against cardiovascular diseases? It turns out that Moringa leaves may be able to do just that. Studies have shown that Moringa oleifera has hypocholesterolemic properties, meaning it can help lower cholesterol levels in the blood.
In a fascinating study, Komal Mehta and colleagues examined the effects of feeding Moringa oleifera on normal and hypercholesterolemic rabbits.
This study involved feeding rabbits either 200mg/kg/day of Moringa oleifera (in banana pulp) or 6mg/kg/day of lovastatin, along with regular or hypercholesterolemic diets for 120 days.
Moringa oleifera and lovastatin were found to lower cholesterol levels, phospholipids, triglycerides, VLDL, LDL, cholesterol to phospholipid ratio, and atherogenic index. On the other hand, they were also found to increase the HDL ratio (HDL/HDL-total cholesterol).
Lovastatin and Moringa oleifera reduced lipid levels in normal rabbits but had varying effects on HDL levels. Both treatments showed decreased lipid profile in the liver, heart, and aorta of hypercholesterolemic rabbits but only caused significant reductions in the heart of normal animals.
Furthermore, Moringa oleifera was found to increase the excretion of faecal cholesterol. This study demonstrates that M. oleifera has a significant hypolipidemic effect.
These findings suggest that M. oleifera has the potential as a natural and effective agent for managing cholesterol levels in the body.
Moringa's Effect on Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, which can lead to serious health complications. Studies have shown that Moringa leaves may lower blood pressure and improve heart health.
For example, a study by Marie Chan Sun and colleagues found that consuming cooked Moringa leaves can lower postprandial (after a meal) blood pressure in healthy individuals. This is contrary to the belief that Moringa may increase blood pressure.
The study involved 41 randomly assigned participants who were asked to consume 120 g of cooked moringa leaves. Blood pressure was measured before and after the meal for both groups. The results showed a significant decrease in diastolic blood pressure (DBP) after two hours of consuming Moringa for the case group, despite having a high salt intake prior to the study.
This suggests that Moringa may potentially lower systolic blood pressure (SBP) and DBP, even with a high salt consumption. This study provides evidence of Moringa's beneficial effects on blood pressure regulation. Incorporating Moringa leaves into the diet may positively affect blood pressure levels, especially after meals.
Let’s explore how you can consume Moringa.
What is the best way to consume Moringa?
If you've never tasted Moringa, it's essential to know that the smell of Moringa isn't that pleasant. But don't let that discourage you because once you get past the smell, there are several great ways to consume Moringa.
Use the Powder together with Ginger and Lemon
Mixing the powder with ginger and lemon is a great way to consume Moringa. This combination not only helps mask the smell of Moringa but also adds some powerful health benefits. Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties and can help with digestion, while lemon is an excellent source of vitamin C.
Add it to your Smoothies or Juices
Another popular way to consume Moringa is adding it to your smoothies or juices. This is an excellent option for those trying to increase their intake of fruits and vegetables but prefer to avoid the taste of Moringa on its own. You can get creative with different combinations and find what works best.
Mix it with Your Favorite Foods
You can mix Moringa powder with your favorite foods if you enjoy savoury flavours. It goes well with soups, stews, and even salad dressings. This is a great way to incorporate Moringa into your regular meals without adjusting your taste buds too much.
Brew it as Tea
Moringa tea is another popular way to consume this superfood. You can use either the powder or dried leaves to make tea. Simply steep it in hot water for a few minutes and enjoy! You can also add honey or other natural sweeteners with a sweeter taste.
Take it as a Capsule
If you're not a fan of the taste of Moringa, you can also take it in capsule form. This is a convenient option for those who are always on the go or don't have time to prepare Moringa-infused meals or drinks. Just make sure to follow the recommended dosage for maximum benefits.
Now that you know some of the best ways to consume Moringa, it's up to you to try different methods and find what works best for your taste preferences and lifestyle. Remember, Moringa is a nutrient-dense superfood with numerous health benefits, so don't be afraid to try it. Experiment with different recipes and see how this powerful plant can enhance well-being.
Final Word
Moringa is a true superfood used for centuries in traditional medicine. The numerous health benefits of Moringa, from its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties to its ability to regulate cholesterol levels and lower blood pressure, make it a valuable addition to any diet.
With its wide range of uses and easy incorporation into different recipes, there's no reason not to start incorporating Moringa into your daily routine. Whether you prefer it in powder form, capsules, or tea, there's a way for everyone to reap the benefits of this incredible plant.
Key Takeaways and Protocols
Moringa has been shown to have a hypolipidemic effect and may be beneficial for managing cholesterol levels in the body.
Consuming 120 g of cooked Moringa leaves lowers both systolic blood pressure (SBP) and DBP, even with a high salt consumption.
Taking either 200mg/kg/day of Moringa oleifera (in banana pulp) for 120 days reduces cholesterol in the body.
Moringa oleifera leaf extract has potential as a natural treatment for cardiovascular diseases due to its antioxidant, hypolipidaemic and antiatherosclerotic properties.
Taking Moringa extract for four weeks improves insulin sensitivity.
I hope you enjoyed the article today! I wish you all a great Week!
Susanna