Moringa oleifera is a plant native to northern India. The leaves, flowers, seeds and roots of this plant have been used for centuries. Other than that, this plant can be recognized by the shape of its small leaves. Moringa trees are also easy to grow and can live in less fertile soil.
Powerhouse of nutrients
The benefits of Moringa leaves for health are well documented. This plant has long been known as a good herbal plant to maintain blood pressure to prevent cancer. Not only that, Moringa leaves have various other benefits. The reason is because moringa leaves have 7 times more vitamin C than oranges and 15 times more potassium than bananas. Moringa is also rich in protein calcium and iron. It is the storehouse of antioxidants too.
How to use moringa?
You can use moringa leaves as raw leaves, powder or juice form. If you don’t have access to fresh leaves, you can buy Moringa powder and juice.
Health benefits of moringa leaves
- Lowering blood sugar levels
A study found that Moringa leaves seem to be able to lower blood sugar levels and increase the effectiveness of the hormone insulin. These benefits are good for preventing diabetes and the occurrence of insulin resistance.
However, the benefits of Moringa leaves as a treatment for diabetes in humans still need to be studied further.
- Overcoming inflammation
Inflammation is the body’s natural response to infection or injury. However, you can consume Moringa leaves to relieve the inflammation experienced. Moringa leaf extract is believed to contain substances that can reduce inflammation.
- Control blood pressure
Moringa leaves contain lots of potassium and antioxidants. Thanks to these ingredients, this plant is known to be useful for lowering blood pressure and keeping it stable so that it can prevent hypertension.
- Maintain brain health and function
The antioxidant content in Moringa leaves is also beneficial for maintaining brain health and function. Some research shows that adequate intake of antioxidants can reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease.
Moringa leaves are also believed to be good for supporting brain performance and improving memory.
- Inhibit the growth of cancer cells
Moringa leaf and bark extracts have been shown to be effective in inhibiting the growth of cancer cells, such as breast, pancreatic, and colon cancer. The benefits of Moringa leaves are thought to be due to their antioxidant content that can prevent cell damage due to free radicals.
- Increase immune system
Based on research in the laboratory, Moringa leaf extract is known to protect the body from various types of germs, such as Salmonella typhi which causes typhus, Escherichia coli which causes diarrhea, and Staphylococcus aureus which causes skin infections. Moringa leaves are also known to fight viruses, especially the herpes simplex virus (HSV).
In addition to the various benefits above, Moringa leaves are also believed to be good for reducing cholesterol, overcoming erectile dysfunction, and preventing the recurrence of asthma symptoms.
Special precautions
If you are a child, pregnant breastfeeding or have some metabolic disorder, it is advised to consult your treating physician before starting to consume moringa.
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