If you are one of the people who is trying to take care of yourself a little more and looking for help to take care of your body in the most natural way possible, it is very likely that you have heard about moringa.
If you’re not fully familiar yet, Moringa oleifera, from the Moringaceae family, is a tropical plant native to eastern Africa and northern India. It is such a noble plant that it grows very fast and in almost any soil, and its many health benefits, according to traditional Indian medicine, are capable of treating more than 300 different diseases.
Moringa has been used as a medicinal alternative since its incredible nutritional properties are known, among which the following stand out:
• Flavonoids
• Vitamins A, E and B
• Polyphenols, which act as powerful antioxidants helping to delay aging
• Mineral salts such as potassium
• Iron, carotenoids, chlorogenic acid, calcium and zinc
• Amino acids, specifically 18 of the 20 that are usually essential to take care of our health.
All these nutrients can be extracted from its seeds, its flowers and the bark, but the most used part is its leaves, since it contains the highest concentration of antioxidants, being commercially available in capsules, tea or powder. This is why many know this wonderful plant as ‘the tree of life’.
What are the properties of moringa?
There are many properties of moringa that benefit health (Pixabay)
Moringa is considered to be one of the best nutritional supplements that nature offers as it contains:
• 17 times more calcium than milk, one of the most important minerals for the body, since its main objective is to strengthen bones.
• 15 times more potassium than bananas, extremely important for the body, since it helps to build and move muscles, as well as to manage the good activity of the heart.
• 25 times more iron than spinach, this mineral enables the body to form hemoglobin, prevents fatigue and is good for keeping hair, skin and nails healthy.
• 10 times more vitamin A than carrots, this vitamin is essential to maintain normal vision, it helps the proper functioning of the heart and kidneys
• 9 times more protein than yogurt, helping to transport the necessary substances throughout the body and thus favor the proper functioning of the organs
• More vitamin C than oranges, a vitamin that improves the absorption of the nutrients we eat, fights diseases such as the flu, and prevents and improves the symptoms of sunburn.
• The powerful antioxidants that are part of its composition stop the action of free radicals, responsible for premature cell aging. In addition, they also prevent infections.
Against what diseases does it help?
Moringa is said to help with more than 300 diseases (Pixabay)
The benefits of this plant for health are very numerous, and it is said that it helps to heal more than 300. A study carried out by researchers from the National Autonomous University of Mexico highlights that moringa has many benefits and its nutritional value is proven. Even so, its properties in the fight against diseases such as cancer, diabetes or hypertension in humans are still being studied. Some of the diseases for which this plant is used regularly are:
• Anemia: Moringa leaf powder contains 28mg of iron per 100g, this is much more than any animal source of iron.
• Improve stomach ailments, thanks to its antibiotic and antibacterial properties that prevent the growth of pathogens in the body. Its consumption can help prevent gastritis, constipation and some related conditions.
• Respiratory diseases and allergic processes
• Decrease anxiety
• Control weight
• It favors the functions of the heart, thanks to its antidislipidemic action, benefiting people with high cholesterol.
• Rejuvenation: thanks to its large amount of natural antioxidants, it eliminates toxins that deteriorate the body and keep the skin healthy.
• Lose weight: Moringa contains vitamins B1, B2 and B3, which help fight fats and saturated calories, reducing them in order to lose extra pounds.
• Moringa has a repairing effect on liver cells. This, in the long term, guarantees the health of the liver and digestive system.
Moringa contraindications
Everything sounds very good, and at first glance and according to many studies carried out in both humans and animals, moringa is an excellent plant with numerous health benefits thanks to its enormous contribution of nutrients. But it is also true that everything in excess is harmful and is exactly what happens when moringa is ingested in an excessive way, because it brings with it side effects.
For example, as it is a hypoglycemic plant, that is, it reduces blood sugar levels, people who suffer from hypoglycemia should be careful in their intake. Likewise, there have been cases in which the risk of insomnia increases and produces diarrhea due to its stimulating and laxative properties. Finally, when eaten on an empty stomach and too often, it helps to develop heartburn.
It is for this reason that, despite all its properties, it is important to consult a doctor who approves its use, especially if other drugs are being consumed.
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