Lately we hear a lot about moringa, a plant species whose high concentration of nutrients, vitamins, minerals and antioxidant substances have placed it in the top ten of superfoods and natural substances that promote health and fight degenerative diseases.
What is moringa?
Moringa, whose scientific name is Moringa oleifera, is a tropical tree native to India of which all its parts (from the leaves to the roots, through the flowers, the pods, the seeds and even the bark) have been used for ages centuries in ayurveda and unani medicine to cure or prevent various diseases.
Moringa: properties and benefits
According to the latest research, moringa contains more than 90 different nutrients. Its 46 antioxidants protect the heart and immune system. And it also strengthens the bones, the nervous and muscular systems due to its richness in calcium and magnesium. But there is still more.
- Rich in vitamins and minerals. It is estimated that 10 grams of fresh leaves provide you with 10% of the daily needs of vitamin B6, 6% of iron and vitamins C and B2, and 4% of magnesium. And the pods give you almost three times as much vitamin C as the leaves.
- Antioxidant power. A teaspoon of leaf powder is enough to raise the levels of antioxidants in the blood, thanks to the content of quercetin and chlorogenic acid. Antioxidants help fight cell oxidation, a process associated with aging.
- Regulating sugar. According to some research, moringa reduces the speed with which sugar reaches the blood. Taking a teaspoon and a half of moringa leaves a day for a few months was found to lower blood glucose levels in one study. And in another study it was found that taking 50 grams of fresh leaves with food reduced the high.
- Anti-inflammatory effect. Its isothiocyanates have anti-inflammatory properties. And from animal research it has been concluded that they could help prevent cardiovascular disease and cancer.
- Ability to lower cholesterol. Several scientific studies affirm that moringa helps control cholesterol levels.
- Protection against toxins. Moringa extract is also believed to prevent the effects of chronic poisoning from low doses of arsenic, a substance associated with an increased risk of cancer or cardiovascular disease.
And traditionally it has been used to:
- Detoxify the body.
- Increase energy levels.
- Regulate weight and digestion.
- Keep the skin healthy.
- Relieve headaches.
- Prevents hair loss.
How can you take moringa?
Rich in vitamin C and other antioxidants, fresh moringa leaves have a pleasant spicy flavor and can be used in both stews and salads. But the most common is to find them dried or crushed, either in capsule or powder, to take as a supplement or as an infusion, smoothies and other green smoothies, sauces or as a spice.
