Unknown Health Benefits of Moringa Leaves

Moringa oleifera is a tropical plant which has been highly praised for its amazing health benefits from a very ancient time.

The plant is mostly grown and consumed in different parts of Asia, Africa and especially India. According to Ayurveda, the moringa leaves are highly rich in antioxidants and bioactive plant compounds. To clear the confusion, let me tell you Moringa plant’s fruits are non-other than drumsticks and also called as horseradish. Moringa is considered as a superfood that has been popular all over the globe over last decades. Moringa plant’s fruits are commonly known as drumsticks that used popularly in sambars and other popular South and West Indian dishes.

Nutritional Value of Moringa Leaves: 90 grams of moringa leaves contain:

• Carbohydrates- 9.1 gm
• Fat- 1.7 gm
• Dietary Fiber- 2.1 gm
• Protein- 8.1 gm
• Vitamin C- 8.6 mg
• Calcium- 99.1 mg
• Iron- 1.3 mg
• Magnesium- 35.1 mg
• Phosphorus- 70.8 mg
• Potassium- 471 mg
• Sodium-70 mg
• Vitamin A
• Vitamin B6
• Folic acid
• Niacin
• Riboflavin
• Thiamine

According to health nutritionists and experts, leaves of moringa plant have high medicinal values. Moringa leaves are rich source of protein containing all essential amino acids. The leaves are especially rich in potassium, calcium, phosphorous, iron and vitamins A, D and C. Many studies have claimed the therapeutic nature and effect of moringa leaves. It also includes a special compound called quercetin that may help in regulating blood pressure and chlorogenic acid which is considered beneficial for blood sugars levels.

Here are some of the unknown health benefits of moringa leaves:

1. Rich in antioxidants

Moringa leaves are loaded in huge number of antioxidants that significantly fights against free radicals in your body. Free radicals cause oxidative stress that cause cell damage and other chronic diseases. Vitamin C, chlorogenic acids, quercetin, thiamine, riboflavin and many more antioxidants are present in moringa leaves that not only fight chronic diseases but also increase your life longevity.

2. Improves immunity

Moringa leaves are rich in beneficial immune boosting phytonutrients known for strengthening body’s natural the immune system and fight infections easily. It includes vitamin A, C & iron that gives a strong support to healthy and active immune system. Moringa leaves have 7 time more vitamin C nutrients than oranges, which means these leaves have higher potential to boost your immunity.

3. Help building in muscles

Moringa leaves have 15 time more potassium and calcium than bananas, which can remarkably help in building muscle strength and muscle mass. Moringa leaves also improves bone mineral density in older men and post-menopausal women.

4. Lowers blood sugar levels

Increased blood sugar levels lead to acute diabetes in pre-diabetic patients which can lead to other serious health conditions as well which is one of the interesting and unknown health benefits of moringa leaves. Several studies have shown clear evidences of lowered blood sugar levels after adding moringa powder or leaves in daily diet. In a study over 30 women who incorporated 7 gm of moringa powder in their daily diet for 3 months reduced blood sugar levels up to 15%.

5. Has anti-inflammatory properties

Inflammation is caused due to any injury or infection in body and untreated inflammation over a time period can lead to serious health issues. Moringa leaves is reach in anti-inflammatory compounds called isothiocyanates which is specifically present in seeds, leaves and pods. 

6. Lowers cholesterol

Moringa leaves is known for reducing increased LDL which is bad cholesterol by significantly lowering the risk of heart diseases. Phytochemicals present in moringa leaves remarkably reduce blood sugar levels, cholesterol levels and lipids by keeping heart healthy and pro-active.

7. Protects against arsenic toxicity

Arsenic contamination is a common problem all over the world which gets into our system through many food items especially rice. Prolonged exposure to arsenic can lead to the increased risk of cancer and heart diseases. According to several researches, moringa leaves fights and reduces arsenic toxicity in the body significantly.

8. Boosts brain health

Moringa leaves are rich in antioxidants that remarkably improves brain health and cognitive functions. These leaves are known for increasing the smooth functioning of neuro-transmitters. People who suffer from Alzheimer’s disease, dementia and other neurodegenerative diseases are given moringa leaves to lower severity and damage. Vitamin C and E present in moringa leaves fight against neural degeneration by working as neuro enhancers.

9. Fights infections

This superfood has antibacterial and antimicrobial compounds that help fighting chronic infections in the body both internally and externally. It shows improved results in reducing skin infections, UTI and digestive tract infections. Moringa leaves have also blood clotting properties that significantly help in stop bleeding to prevent infection in wounds which is one of the surprising and unknown health benefits of moringa leaves.

10. Improves liver health

Higher concentration of polyphenols in moringa leaves help protecting liver against any kind of damage. These leaves are known for reversing oxidative damage in the liver by increasing protein levels in it. Moringa leaves also help in reducing liver fibrosis and surge in the enzyme levels in the liver for smooth functioning.

11. Improves vision

Vitamin A present in moringa leaves help keeping eyes healthy and improving vision. May be that’s the reason why in most rural parts of India, natives prefer cooking moringa leaves for healthy eyes with improved vision.

12. Helps in healing

Moringa leaves have antiseptic properties that help keeping bacterial infections at bay. This property helps in faster healing of wounds, cuts, bruises and even stops bleeding by promoting blood clotting.

13. Great for lactating mothers

According to Ayurveda and the experts, moringa leaves were used traditionally milk production in lactating mothers. Since these leaves are rich in protein and essential nutrients, consuming moringa leaves is considered healthy for lactating mothers and their babies. 

14. Great for skin and hair

About 30 antioxidants are present in moringa leaves that are known for improving health and appearance of skin and hair. Another unknown health benefit of moringa leaves is the paste of moringa leaves when applied on hair and scalp as a mask it reduces dandruff and adds shine to lifeless hair by making them bouncy. The moringa leaves paste is also beneficial for acne prone skin and also significantly depletes the ageing signs such as fine lines, wrinkles and dull skin.