The powdered leaves of the Moringa tree are fast becoming the latest superfood trend, with many health experts now proclaiming it as the ‘must have’ addition to your morning smoothie.
Found in the foothills of the Himalayas and coastal regions of Tamil Nadu, the Moringa tree – known as the ‘Miracle Tree’ or the ‘Tree of life’ – has been used for hundreds of years in Ayurvedic medicine to treat and prevent diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, anemia, arthritis, liver disease, and respiratory, skin, and digestive disorders.
But it’s not until relatively recent times that we in the West have caught on, with over 250 clinical trials being carried out exploring the incredible skin, energy and health giving properties of Moringa.
Here are 10 scientifically proven health benefits of adding moringa to your diet:
1. It’s packed with goodness
Moringa contains a whopping 92 nutrients, including 46 antioxidants, 36 anti-inflammatories and all essential amino acids. It is particularly rich in calcium, potassium, protein and vitamins A, C, and E, with additional macro minerals, trace minerals and phytonutrients. Cosmopolitan magazine wrote: “Moringa’s nutritional profile reads like a health nuts wish-list.”
2. It fights off those nasty free radicals
Free radicals are molecules that cause oxidative stress, cell damage and inflammation which can lead to chronic diseases. Moringa contains antioxidants such as flavonoids, polyphenols and ascorbic acid which combat free radicals keeping the body’s cells healthy and functioning at their best.
3. It boosts immune health
With 3 times the amount of iron than spinach, vitamin A, zinc, thiamine (B1), niacin (B3) and vitamin B6, Moringa helps the formation of normal red blood cells and contributes to the normal functioning of the metabolism and immune system, enriching the blood and carrying oxygen into our muscles, organs and tissues. 4.
4. It combats inflammation
According to a report published in the Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention, Moringa contains an unheard of mix of 36 anti-inflammatories such as kaempferal, leucine and quercetin that work in the same way as many anti-inflammatory drugs. A trial conducted by The Laboratoire de Pharmacologie et de Physiologie in Senegal discovered that an aqueous root extract of Moringa had a similar effect as the potent anti-inflammatory drug indomethacin.
5. It will give you clearer, more youthful skin
Due to its Omega 3 fatty acids, trace mineral content and full range of amino acids, Moringa is fantastic for nourishing the skin, reducing inflammation and contributing to healthy cell regeneration. This helps to prevent lines and wrinkles whilst retaining suppleness. Leading UK facial expert Abigail James states: “I have added Moringa powder as a super food to my diet for years and know it’s amazing for the skin.”
6. It’s proven to be anti-aging
There are many touted superfoods such as goji berries, blueberries, acai and pomegranates that are great for their anti aging properties, but the Moringa plant tops them due to its abundance of a plant hormone called zeatin. In an experiment by The University of Aarhus in Denmark, a “youth-preserving effect” on human connective tissue cells was confirmed using zeatin. Skin cells showed an improved ability to respond to oxidative stress. Hala El-Shafie – Founder of Nutrition Rocks – also thinks it’s a great addition to your skin regime: “Moringa is an excellent natural source of vitamin A and iron…whilst also providing a rich source of antioxidants for healthy skin.”
7. It strengthens bones and teeth
Moringa contains healthy doses of calcium and magnesium. These two trace minerals work together in synergy so you get even more out of them; whilst calcium is needed to build strong bones and teeth, we also need magnesium to help us absorb it.
8. It can reduce diabetes symptoms
Several studies have shown that Moringa may considerably help lower blood sugar levels. When Sri Aurobindo Medical College in Indore, India conducted a clinical trial amongst diabetic patients, it concluded that Moringa had a significant effect on the blood sugar levels just 2 hours after intake among hyperglycemic individuals.
9. It’s packed with protein
Because Moringa contains all the essential amino acids, it is classed as a full protein. This makes it vitally important in helping to build and maintain healthy muscle, cartilage, bones and skin. Moringa’s protein content rivals that of meat, making it an excellent source of protein for vegetarians and vegans. Dr. Monica G. Marcu, in her book “Miracle Tree” writes: “Compared to soybeans, one of the best known and most valuable plant sources of protein, Moringa’s leaves fare great. The two plants have similar protein quality and quantity.”
10. It improves training and recovery time
We already know that Moringa is a great source of protein but it also contains high amounts of blood-pumping iron and potassium. Its iron content – 3 times the amount found in Kale – helps the blood deliver more oxygen to your muscles, aiding in faster recovery. And its potassium content – 3 times the amount found in bananas, is important for increasing muscular energy and assisting in protein synthesis.
How To Use Moringa
Moringa is available in many different forms. You can try it in a dried powder form, supplement pill, as a tea, or as an oil. Perhaps the most popular and simple way to add Moringa to your diet is to blend the powder into your daily smoothie or sprinkle into your soup or sauce for a supercharged injection of goodness.
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