15 Health Benefits Of Moringa

The popularity of this exotic plant has more people doing research and wondering, “should I add moringa to my daily routine?”

What Is Moringa? The “Miracle Tree”

Related: Benefits of the Moringa Tree (and How to Use It)

Moringa is a tree native to the foothills of the Himalayan Mountains in northern India. Known colloquially as the ben tree, horseradish tree, vegetable tree, drumstick tree, and even the “never die tree,” Moringa is a small Central Asian species long valued in Ayurvedic medicine for its medicinal properties.

Thirteen varieties of the moringa tree exist today, but one species (Moringa Oleifera) is by far the most common. Moringa can also grow in tropical and subtropical areas throughout the world and is beginning to be cultivated throughout Africa and South America.  

This fast-growing tree is also known as the “Miracle Tree” for all the health benefits and nutrition it offers as one of the most concentrated superfoods on the planet. The leaves, seedpods, oil, and flowers are all edible while the bark, root, and oil have medicinal uses as well. All around, this flowering tree is a powerhouse of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and protein.

Health Benefits Of Moringa

1. Rich in Nutrients
2. Higher Energy Levels
3. Mental Acuity
4. Reduces inflammation
5. Workout Recovery
6. Provides Antioxidants
7. Regulates Blood Sugar
8. Heart Health
9. Digestive Health
10. Antimicrobial
11. Cooking
12. Protects the liver
13. Promotes healthy skin
14. Supports brain health
15. Water Purification

Thanks to its fast-growing, low-maintenance tendencies, moringa is an optimal nutrition source for communities across the planet, and a frequent addition to programs designed to fight malnutrition in India, Africa, and Latin America. However, the plant’s impressive health benefits mean that almost everyone should consider adding it to their diet.

Related: 15 Nutrient Dense Foods to Eat More Often

1. Rich in Nutrients

The simple, little leaves of this tree have 7 times the vitamin C of oranges, 4 times the calcium of milk, 4 times the vitamin A of carrots, 2 times the protein of yogurt, and 3 times the potassium of bananas. They are also rich in iron, zinc, and B vitamins. Moringa contains 90 nutrients that benefit the body.

Related: 9 Surprising Differences Of Whole Food Vitamins Vs. Synthetic Vitamins

2. Higher Energy Levels

The rich amount of vitamins and minerals nourish cells and result in a boost to energy production. The B vitamins are especially good at aiding energy levels. B vitamins and essential amino acids like tryptophan help maintain emotional well-being, combat depression, and limit anxiety.

Related: Best Breakfast Foods for Energy

3. Mental Acuity

Moringa’s rich minerals, vitamins, antioxidants, and phytonutrients keep the brain active and well-nourished so it stays sharp.

Related: 8 Natural Treatments for Brain Fog

4. Reduces inflammation

Moringa eases inflammation and pain. The leaves are used topically to treat arthritis and injuries. Internally they help alleviate chronic inflammation that can harm organs and tissues.

The plant’s compounds can also suppress the inflammatory enzymes that are triggered by free radicals. This reduces your risk of developing chronic diseases like arthritis, obesity, certain cancers, and even heart disease.

Related: Foods To Ease Joint Pain, Inflammation, And Arthritis

5. Workout Recovery

Moringa is also a very good source of protein that helps the body repair and rebuild muscle tissue after exercise. The antioxidants also protect muscle tissue from damage, making it a decent pre-workout supplement too.

Related: Are You Getting Your Post Workout Essential Nutrition?

6. Provides Antioxidants

Moringa has 46 different types of antioxidants, each one helping take away oxidative stress and prevent free radicals from destroying and damaging cells.

Antioxidants are associated with a reduced risk for chronic diseases, such as stomach, lung or colon cancer; diabetes; hypertension; and age-related eye disorders.

7. May Stabilize Blood Sugar Levels

Moringa may help stabilize blood sugar and is being studied for its ability to help those with diabetes.

A study of 30 women showed that taking 1.5 teaspoons (7 grams) of moringa leaf powder every day for three months reduced, on average, fasting blood sugar levels by 13.5%,.

Another study of people with diabetes found that adding 50 grams (roughly 3 ½ tablespoons) of moringa leaves to a meal reduced the rise in blood sugar by 21%.

Related: How to Regulate Your Blood Sugar Through Proper Nutrition

8. Heart Health

Phytonutrients in moringa aid in the removal of toxins and excess water, protect the kidneys, and help naturally lower blood pressure.

Fiber, antioxidants, and phytonutrients in moringa help lower cholesterol levels and protect the heart.

Related: 7 Benefits Of A High Fiber Diet

9. Digestive Health

Moringa has been used for thousands of years to treat digestive disorders. It can be made into a juice to help with diarrhea, the fiber helps clean out the intestines, and tea helps soothe upset stomachs. Combine it with ginger for even more digestive soothing effect.

Related: 15 Foods To Improve Your Gut Health

10. Antimicrobial

Moringa has antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties that protect the body from invaders and gives a boost to the immune system.

11. Cooking

Moringa makes an amazing and healthy cooking oil that rivals extra virgin olive oil. When cold-pressed, moringa seeds produce a versatile cooking oil filled with impressive levels of healthy monounsaturated and saturated fats. Delicious when used raw as a salad dressing, moringa oil also has a high smoke point that makes it exceptional for frying and sautéing. And don’t be afraid to buy the big bottle- this oil never goes rancid.

Moringa leaves and seed pods are also great additions to many meals.

12. Protects the liver

High concentrations of polyphenols in moringa leaves and flowers have a big benefit for your body- they protect the liver against toxicity and damage. As the liver is responsible for blood detoxification and fat metabolism, keeping it functioning properly is paramount for good health. By reversing oxidation, moringa can reduce your risk of fibrosis and restore your liver enzymes to normal levels while also increasing the liver’s protein content to normal levels.

Related: Eat These 15 Clean Foods For A Good Liver Detox

13. Promotes healthy skin

A diet rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids can work miracles on your skin, and moringa has ample amounts of both. These compounds promote healthy cell production and regeneration while reducing inflammation, retaining suppleness, and preventing wrinkle formation. Your hair, scalp, and nails will also benefit, thanks to moringa’s amino acid content and its ability to promote blood circulation through your scalp, which improves the number of nutrients it can take in.

Related: Get Youthful Skin, a Glowing Face, Thick Hair, and Strong Nails

14. Supports brain health

Thanks to high levels of antioxidants and vitamins E and C, moringa is a natural neuro-enhancer that has even shown potential as a treatment for Alzheimer’s disease. This is because its natural compounds can fight off neural degeneration and improve brain functioning while improving the functioning of neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin.

The result? You get a healthier brain that can better manage your mood, stress responses, and physical processes like circulation and digestion.

Feeling like your brain could use a boost? Maybe you’re tired, in a fog, sluggish, forgetful, or just overworked, there are ways you can perk up your gray matter. Watch this video from Jason Wrobel, as he shares his top five natural brain boosters.

15. Water Purification

The seeds of moringa can actually be used to purify and clarify water in emergency situations or in countries where water purification is less common.

If you’re ever in a bind without potable water, moringa seeds can bring you closer to achieving a clean water supply. When crushed, these seeds act as a natural binding agent that clumps together salts, sand, 90 to 99 percent of present bacteria, and other impurities in unfiltered water. This makes them sink to the bottom so that they are simple to strain out, bringing your water one step closer to being safe to drink.

How well will it work? Research shows that the effectiveness of this low-tech purification method is comparable to using expensive chemicals like aluminum sulfate, which can be toxic to people and the planet. The amount of moringa seed powder necessary depends on the beginning water quality, but a single ground seed can treat up to four liters.

What’s not to like? Try incorporating dried moringa leaf powder into your health plan, and it might soon become a standard part of your routine.